FORENSIC SCIENCES
Professors J.E. Starrs, W.F. Rowe, M.S. Schanfield (Chair), E.A. Vincze
Associate Professor N.T. Lappas
Assistant Professors E.M. Robinson, D. Podini
Professorial Lecturers M.M. Christian, J.G. Jackson, H. Deadman, M. Heaney
Assistant Professorial Lecturers W.E. Clancy, D.C. Mount, D.I. Salem, M.J. Bonanno, G.D. Hackney, J.E. Miller, B. Pearson, J. Trump
Master of Forensic SciencesRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 211, 212, 221, 222 or 223; 9 credits selected from ForS 201, 202, 203, 204, 206, 207, 208; 9 credits selected from ForS 234, 236, 254, and 256; 6 elective credits chosen in consultation with the departmental advisor; and successful completion of a Master's Comprehensive Examination.
Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in crime scene investigationRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 207, 212, 221, 223, 251, 252, 253, 256, 257; 9 elective credits chosen in consultation with the departmental advisor; and successful completion of a Master's Comprehensive Examination.
Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in forensic chemistryRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 206, 211, 221, 223, 234, 235, 238, 239; 12 elective credits chosen in consultation with the departmental advisor; and successful completion of a Master's Comprehensive Examination.
Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in forensic toxicologyRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 211, 212, 221, 223, 231, 232, 234, 235, 236, 237; 6 elective credits chosen in consultation with the departmental advisor; and successful completion of a Master's Comprehensive Examination.
Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in forensic molecular biologyRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Prerequisite: a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences. The program consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 201, 211, 221, 223, 228, 241, and 242; 15 elective credits chosen in consultation with the departmental advisor; and successful completion of a Master's Comprehensive Examination.
Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in high-technology crime investigationRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Prerequisite: ForS 115, 116, 117, 118, and 119, or equivalents. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 259, 261, 262, 264, 265, 273, 277, 279, and 285, plus 9 credits of electives chosen from ForS 268, 269, 271, 274, 278, 280, 281, 282, 283, 290, 295, 298.
Master of Forensic Sciences with a concentration in security managementRequired: the general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Prerequisite: ForS 115, 116, 117, 118, and 119, or equivalents. The program of study consists of 36 credit hours, including ForS 260, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 273, and 284, plus 9 credits of electives chosen from ForS 263, 268, 269, 270, 271, 286, 290, 295, and 298.
In addition to the degree programs listed here, a graduate certificate in forensic investigation is available.
Note: ForS 115 119 are available only to students conditionally admitted to programs offered by the Department of Forensic Sciences; credit does not apply to any degree programs at GW. ForS 115 119 and 259 286 are offered off campus only.
| 115 |
Introduction to Criminal Investigations (3) |
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Legal aspects of search and seizure; crime scene documentation techniques; fingerprint processing methods; collecting impression evidence; locating and enhancing blood and body fluids; blood spatter pattern analysis. |
| 116 |
Introduction to Criminal Law (3) |
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Principles of criminal law and procedure, preparation and presentation of evidence, examination of witnesses, and methods of legal research. |
| 117 |
Introduction to Organizational Systems for Security Professionals (3) |
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Fundamentals of management processes in organizations, with emphasis on accounting practice. Organizational structures, strategic planning, information systems, and human resource functions. |
| 118 |
Introduction to Computer Systems for Security Professionals (3) |
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Aspects of computer systems and software that directly relate to media analysis, i.e., storage, memory, the structure of file systems, and system peripherals that may contain evidence. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 119 |
Introduction to Network Systems for Security Professionals (3) |
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Aspects of network tools, administrative tools, network protocols, and fundamentals of TCP/IP that can be used to carry out a network-based attack. Development of a working knowledge of how information is processed and can be intercepted on the Internet/Intranet. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 201 |
Forensic Biology (3) |
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Principles of the forensic analysis of blood and other biological materials. Specific procedures and techniques used in forensic biology and serology. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 202 |
Instrumental Analysis (3) |
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Principles and application of various instrumental methods to the examination of physical evidence, including chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 203 |
Examination of Questioned Documents (3) |
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Theory and principles of handwriting and handprinting, duplicating processes, paper manufacture and fiber analysis; studies of paper and methods of examining questioned documents. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 204 |
Firearms and Toolmark Identification (3) |
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Methods for identifying firearms, bullet cartridge casings, toolmarks, gunshot residue, obliterated serial numbers, tire marks, and footprints. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 206 |
Trace Evidence Analysis (3) |
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Principles that govern the analysis of trace evidence, including recovery, transference, interpretation, and comparison. Assessment of evidentiary value, reporting, and court testimony. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 207 |
Photography in the Forensic Sciences (3) |
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Basic use of forensic photography, including selection and use of equipment, photographs as evidence, close-up work, and common misconceptions. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 208 |
Terrorism (3) |
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An analytic framework for the interpretation of concepts, goals, strategies, and targeting of international terrorist groups. The evolution of international and U.S. counterterrorism strategies. |
| 211 |
Physical Aspects of Forensic Sciences (3) |
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Survey of forensic physical sciences; fingerprints, firearm and toolmark examinations, document examinations, and examinations of trace evidence, such as glass, soil, paint, hairs, and fibers; crime scene investigations; qualifications and preparation of expert witnesses; operation and functioning of the forensic science laboratory. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 212 |
Biological Aspects of Forensic Sciences (3) |
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Principles of forensic serology, molecular biology, population biology, wildlife biology, entomology, anthropologic pathology, and toxicology. The role of the forensic laboratory in the identification of human remains; determination of the time, cause, and manner of death. This course cannot be taken for credit toward the forensic molecular biology concentration. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 221 |
Criminal Law I (3) |
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Principles of criminal law and procedure, preparation and presentation of evidence, examination of witnesses, and methods of legal research. |
| 222 |
Criminal Law II: Evidence (3) |
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Procedural rules affecting the collection and use of physical evidence. Emphasis on court opinions defining the rules of search and seizure and admissibility of evidence. Prerequisite: ForS 221. |
| 223 |
Criminal Law III: Moot Court (3) |
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Students prepare and present direct testimony and are cross-examined by an experienced trial attorney in simulated courtroom setting. Class discussions of problems, techniques. Lectures on discovery, admissibility of scientific evidence, chain of custody, use of notes, etc. Prerequisite: ForS 221. |
| 228 |
Population Genetics (3) |
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Same as BiSc 228. |
| 231 |
Principles of Toxicology (3) |
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Concepts of toxicology, including its historical development and modern applications, drug disposition, mechanisms of toxicity; factors that influence toxicity and toxicity evaluation. |
| 232 |
Analytical Toxicology (3) |
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Qualitative and quantitative principles and procedures used in the detection, identification, isolation, purification, and potency determination of drugs. |
| 234 |
Medicinal Chemistry I (3) |
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Chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and pathological characteristics of commonly abused drugs, including ethanol, barbiturates, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. |
| 235 |
Medicinal Chemistry II (3) |
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Theory and principles of classification, synthesis, and structure activity relationships of drugs. Discussion of the complex chemical events that take place between administration of a drug and its action on the user, with emphasis on drugs of abuse. |
| 236 |
Forensic Toxicology I (3) |
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Biological, chemical, and pharmacological principles that underlie forensic toxicology. Prerequisite: ForS 235 or permission of instructor. |
| 237 |
Forensic Toxicology II (3) |
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Lectures, student seminars, and projects dealing with topics of current interest in forensic toxicology. Prerequisite: ForS 236 or permission of instructor. |
| 238 |
Forensic Chemistry I (3) |
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Examination of glass and soils. Laboratory exercises include refractive index measurements using immersion methods; polarized light observations of minerals; x-ray diffraction analysis of minerals; and classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Prerequisite: ForS 202 or permission of instructor. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 239 |
Forensic Chemistry II (3) |
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Examination of arson accelerants, textile fibers, plastics, and paints. Laboratory exercises include infrared spectrometry and pyrolysisgasliquid chromatography of polymeric materials, as well as classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Prerequisite: ForS 238 or permission of instructor. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 241 |
Forensic DNA Profiling (3) |
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Techniques of molecular biology applied to the collection, examination, analysis, and interpretation of biological evidence. |
| 242 |
Forensic Molecular Biology (3) |
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Advanced methods of forensic molecular biology. Laboratory examinations and classifications of dried blood and other biological materials through a variety of nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Laboratory fee, $50. Prerequisite: ForS 241 and permission of instructor. |
| 250 |
Crime Scene Investigation for Lab Personnel (3) |
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A condensed offering of the subject matter of ForS 25152. ForS 250 cannot be taken for credit toward the crime scene investigation concentration. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 25152 |
Crime Scene Investigation III (33) |
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Examination, analysis, and reconstruction of crime scenes. Principles from biology, chemistry, and physics applied to identification, documentation, preservation, and collection of physical evidence. Laboratory fee, $50 per semester. ForS 251 is prerequisite to ForS 252. |
| 253 |
Homicide Investigation (3) |
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How an examination of the suspectvictim exchange can lead to an understanding of the offender's motivations. How examination of the forensic evidence can lead not only to the suspect's motives but also to the suspect. |
| 254 |
Forensic Psychiatry (3) |
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Introduction to the constructs of dynamic psychiatry, psychiatric treatment, and the nomenclature of mental disorders. Consideration of expert testimony, direct examination, and cross-examination in hospitalization and criminal cases. |
| 255 |
Investigation of Child Abuse (3) |
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This course integrates medical, scientific, psychological, sociological and legal information for investigators and professionals involved in the field of child abuse. Special emphasis will be placed on the application of research-supported data to situations involving the murder, abuse and exploitation of children. |
| 256 |
Forensic Pathology (3) |
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Terminology and scientific techniques used in medico-legal investigations, sudden or unexpected deaths, homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, and trauma. |
| 257 |
Medicolegal Death Investigation (3) |
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Medical, scientific, sociological, and legal methodologies applied to forensic investigations. Aspects of death scene analysis by a medical examiner, including autopsy procedures, unidentified remains, child death investigations, and mass disaster investigations. Prerequisite: ForS 256 and permission of instructor. |
| 259 |
Computer-Related Law (3) |
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A problem-oriented course that focuses on applying the holdings of cases and analysis of statutes to different criminal fact patterns. The course is designed to examine criminal law, criminal procedures, and evidence as it relates to computer crime and the collection/analysis of digital evidence. Open only to students enrolled in off-campus forensic sciences programs. |
| 260 |
Security Case Law (3) |
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Negligence and liability, international torts, compensatory and punitive damages, and contract law. The exercise of security functions by private individuals and organizations. |
| 261 |
Security Management (3) |
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An overview of the factors that shape modern security management: technology, law, ethics and societal changes. The course focuses on risk assessment and the necessity to identify, analyze, and counter threat. |
| 262 |
Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention (3) |
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An overview of the risk analysis process: how security threats and vulnerabilities are identified and quantified; how controls and countermeasures are evaluated and prioritized. Principles of loss prevention and the protection of assets. |
| 263 |
Issues in Crisis and Disaster Management for Security Professionals (3) |
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Theoretical and practical considerations that surround a specific crisis or disaster situation. Practical approaches for securing assets vulnerable to these threats. Situational exercises. Open only to students enrolled in off-campus forensic sciences programs or by approval of the program director. |
| 264 |
Protection of Information Systems (3) |
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An overview of the types of information assets that need protection from loss. Basic techniques covered include: effective protection of automated information, including backup, disaster management, and intrusion detection. |
| 265 |
Ethics and Leadership (3) |
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The ethical dimensions of business issues faced by security professionals employer/employee relations, loyalty, privacy, the professional use of technology, and ethics in a global environment. |
| 266 |
Emergency Planning and Business Continuity (3) |
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Approaches used to develop effective plans for managing emergency situations and ensuring business continuity when disasters occur. |
| 267 |
Organizational Behavior for Security Professionals (3) |
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Basic concepts of individual, group, and organizational behavior. Specific management and leadership models and approaches to workplace crime problems. Case studies in a variety of organizational settings. |
| 268 |
Industrial Espionage and Corporate Privacy Issues (3) |
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Countermeasures to protect intellectual capital and physical asset from competitors. Methods used to collect information on businesses and to neutralize threats to corporations and government. The role of the security professional in protecting individual privacy and sensitive and/or proprietary information within organizations. Open to departmental degree candidates only. |
| 269 |
Corporate Fraud (3) |
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Common types of corporate fraud and internal controls to prevent and/or detect fraud. Elements of corporate conspiracy. |
| 270 |
Security Contracting with Federal and State Entities (3) |
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Federal and state procurement practices from the viewpoint of a prospective security service provider. |
| 271 |
Forensic Psychology (3) |
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Application of principles of psychology in civil and criminal proceedings: determining criminal responsibility, competence to stand trial, and testamentary capacity; jury selection. |
| 273 |
Research Methods for Security Professionals (3) |
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Identifying research resources; critical analysis vs. descriptive reports; applying appropriate measurement instruments, quantitative and qualitative research methods; written and oral presentation skills. Students develop and present a professional research report or a response to a request for research proposal. |
| 274 |
Video Forensic Analysis (3) |
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Examines the principles of digital forensic analysis applied to Forensic Investigation and how to use these technologies to identify fraudulent and criminal activities. Open to departmental degree candidates only. |
| 277 |
Computer Forensics I: Investigation and Data Gathering (3) |
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Techniques used to detect computer crime and gather probative evidence to secure conviction under federal law. Open only to students enrolled in the department or by approval of the program director. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 278 |
Computer Forensics II: Evidence and Analysis (3) |
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Threats to, and vulnerabilities of, computer systems and how to minimize them. Open only to students enrolled in the department or by approval of the program director. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 279 |
Intrusion I: Understanding and Identifying Network-Based Attacks (3) |
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Computer network operations and network-based computer crime. Fraud schemes related to electronic commerce, theft of sensitive computer information, compromise of computer networks, and identity theft. Elements of proof of network-based crime are discussed. Prerequisite: ForS 264 or equivalent. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 280 |
Intrusion II: Investigating Network-Based Attacks (3) |
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Detecting and responding to network- and host-based intruders, integrating intrusion detection systems into network topologies, identifying methods hackers use to break into network systems, analyzing network traffic and detecting attacks, and creating an effective response strategy. Prerequisite: ForS 279. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 281 |
Forensic Accounting (3) |
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Principles of accounting: abuse and misuse of accounting procedures; use of accounting in the investigation of commercial crime. |
| 282 |
Telecommunication Systems for Security Professionals (3) |
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Telecommunication systems infrastructure and operation. How telecommunication and computer systems are used in tandem to commit computer crime. Assessing and managing threats and vulnerabilities. Open only to students enrolled in the department or by approval of the program director. |
| 283 |
Steganography and Electronic Watermarking (3) |
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Digital data hiding techniques. Investigation of data hiding and labeling techniques, attacks against steganography and watermarked information; countermeasures to such attacks. Open only to students enrolled in the department or by approval of the program director. Laboratory fee, $50. Prerequisite: ForS 277, 278. |
| 284 |
Security Management Capstone Course (3) |
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Case study review of best practices in security management and development of measurable performance criteria for evaluating cost/benefit of a security program. Evaluations drawn from public and private sectors and proprietary and contract security services. Students design, develop, and evaluate a complete security system. |
| 285 |
High Technology Crime Investigation Capstone Course (3) |
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For students in the final semester of the high-technology crime investigation program only. Simulation of a computer forensic investigation: developing an investigation plan, securing the crime scene, analyzing evidence, preparing the case for court, and testifying in a moot court situation. Laboratory fee, $50. |
| 286 |
Personnel Security (3) |
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Principles of personnel security: personnel security investigations and pre-employment screening. Assertive behaviors to keep the workplace safe and avoid liability exposure to negligent hiring. |
| 290 |
Selected Topics (3) |
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Current issues in research, investigation, and law. |
| 295 |
Research (arr.) |
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Research on problems approved by the department, under the supervision of an appropriate member of the program faculty. Admission by permission only. |
| 298 |
Forensic Sciences Practicum (arr.) |
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Internship experience in a forensic science laboratory or criminal justice agency, under the supervision of an appropriate member of the program faculty. Students must preregister for this course. Admission by permission only. |
| 299300 |
Thesis Research (33) |
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