DESCRIPTIONS OF COURSES
FORS 103-4 Introduction to Forensic Science (3-3)
Topics in the application of science to the criminal justice system,
including personal identification, analysis of drugs, forms of trace
evidence, identification of biological fluids, forensic pathology, and
forensic toxicology.
Prerequisite: two semesters of a laboratory science other than astronomy and permission of the instructor.
FORS 115 Introduction to Criminal Investigations (3)
Introduces
the security student to the legal aspects of search and seizure, crime
scene investigation and documentation techniques, fingerprint
processing methods, collecting evidence and writing investigative
reports. Students with an undergraduate or graduate course in Criminal
Investigations or the equivalent may waive this course.
FORS 116 Introduction to Criminal Law (3)
Introduces
the security student to principles of criminal law and procedures,
preparation and presentation of evidence, examination of witnesses, and
methods of legal research. Students with an undergraduate or graduate
course in Criminal Law or the equivalent may waive this course.
FORS 117 Introduction to Organizational Systems for Security Professionals (3)
Introduces
the security professional to the fundamentals of business and
management processes and procedures in organizations. Special emphasis
is placed on the accounting cycle and accounting practices that lay the
foundation for the investigation of white collar crime. Other topics
include: organizational structure, strategic planning, marketing,
information systems and human resource functions. Students who have
taken an undergraduate of graduate course(s) in business and government
systems, and accounting principles may waive this course.
FORS 118 Introduction to Computer Systems for Security Professionals (3)
Introduces
the non-technical student to the basic aspects of computer hardware and
software needed to function as an effective high technology crime
investigator. Emphasis is placed on clearly understanding the aspects
of computer systems and software that directly relate to media
analysis, i.e. storage, memory, file system structures, as well as the
structure of system peripherals, which may contain evidence. Common
software operating systems discussed include: Windows, DOS, and Linux.
Students with a graduate or undergraduate course in computer hardware
and software systems of A+ certification or the equivalent at the time
of admission may waive this course. Laboratory fee required, $50.
FORS 119 Introduction to Network Systems for Security Professionals (3)
Introduces
the non-technical security student to the basics of network tools,
administrative tools, network protocols and fundamentals of TCP/IP,
which may be used to carry out a network attack. Using standard
operating systems such as Windows and Unix, students develop a working
knowledge of how information is processed and can be intercepted on the
Internet/Intranet. Students with an undergraduate or graduate
course in computer network systems and TCP/IP, CompTia Network+
Certification or the equivalent at the time of admission may waive this
course. Laboratory fee required, $50.
FORS 190 Topics in Forensic Sciences (3) Staff
Prerequisite: Any combination of two courses from BiSc 3-4 or Chem 3-4 or equivalent and junior standing.
FORS 201 Forensic
Biology (3) Rowe
Principles of the forensic analysis of blood and other biological
materials. Specific procedures and techniques used in forensic biology.
Laboratory fee, $50.
FORS 202
Instrumental Analysis (3) Rowe
Principles and application of various instrumental methods to the
examination of criminal evidence, including chromatographic and
spectrophotometric techniques and mass spectrometry. Laboratory fee, $50.
FORS 203
Examination of Questioned Documents (3) Richards
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.
FORS 204
Firearms and Toolmark Identification (3) Rowe, Robinson
Methods
for identifying firearms, bullet cartridge casings, toolmarks, gunshot
residue, obliterated serial numbers, tire marks, and footprints.
Laboratory fee, $50.
FORS 206
Trace Evidence Analysis (3) Deadman
This
course is designed to study trace evidence and how it is analyzed,
compared, interpreted and used in criminal investigations by forensic
scientists. Specific examples of approaches, procedures and principles
will be provided in the areas of forensic textile fiber analysis and
forensic human hair comparisons. The course introduces the student to
the principles that govern the transference, recovery, analysis,
comparison, interpretation, assessment and support of evidentiary value,
reporting and court testimony with respect to trace evidence. Other
types of trace evidence such as glass, paint and soil will also be
discussed. Laboratory fee, $50.
FORS 207 Photography in the Forensic Sciences (3) Robinson
Basic use of forensic photography, including selection and use of
equipment, photographs as evidence, close-up work, and common
misconceptions. Laboratory fee, $50.
FORS 208
Terrorism: Theory and Practice (3) Pluchinsky
This
course is designed to provide the student with an analytical framework
by which they can better understand the problems, concepts, goals,
strategies, tactics, targeting, and ideologies of contemporary
international terrorist groups. A brief history of the United States’
confrontation with the international terrorist threat and the evolution
of U.S. counter-terrorism strategy and policies will also be examined.
FORS 211 Physical Aspects of Forensic Science (3) Robinson
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. This
course cannot be taken for credit toward the crime scene investigation
concentration.
FORS 212 Biological Aspects of Forensic Science (3) Bernard
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; individualization of biological materials.
This course cannot be
taken for credit toward the forensic molecular biology concentration.
FORS 221
Criminal Law I (3) Clancy,
Melson, O'Grady, Mount,
Trump, Rosenberg
Principles of criminal law and procedure, preparation and presentation
of evidence, examination of witnesses, and methods of legal research.
FORS 222
Criminal Law II: Evidence (3) Martin,
Chestnut, Cribari, Salem,
Trump, Rosenberg , White
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.
FORS 223 Criminal Law III: Moot Court (3) Lorigo
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.
FORS 228 Population Genetics (3)
Origin,
maintenance, and possible significance of genetic variation in
populations. Selection, genetic drift, microevolution of species, and
speciation are emphasized. Both theoretical and applied aspects of
population genetics are discussed. See BISC 228 in the Biological Sciences Graduate Department.
Prerequisite: BISC 107 (Genetics) or equivalent.
FORS 231 Principles of Toxicology (3) Lappas
Concepts of toxicology, including its historical development and modern
applications, drug disposition, mechanisms of toxicity; factors that
influence toxicity and toxicity evaluation.
Prerequisite:
Phar 203 or
permission of instructor.
FORS 232 Analytical Toxicology (3) Lappas
A study of qualitative and quantitative principles and procedures used
in the detection, identification, isolation, purification, and potency
determination of drugs.
FORS 234 Medicinal Chemistry I (3) Lappas
Chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and pathological
characteristics of commonly abused drugs, including ethanol,
barbiturates, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Primarily for
M.A. degree candidates; open to others with permission of instructor.
FORS 235 Medicinal Chemistry II (3) Lappas
Chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and pathological
characteristics of commonly abused drugs, including ethanol,
barbiturates, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Primarily for
M.A. degree candidates; open to others with permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: FORS 234 or permission of instructor.
FORS 236 Forensic Toxicology I (3) Lappas
Biological, chemical, and pharmacological
principles of forensic toxicology. Prerequisite:
FORS 235 or permission of instructor.
FORS 237 Forensic Toxicology II (3) Lappas
Lectures, student seminars, laboratory exercises, and projects dealing
with topics of current interest in forensic toxicology. Laboratory fee,
$50.
Prerequisite: ForS 236 or permission of instructor.
FORS 238 Forensic Chemistry I (3) Rowe
Examination of glass, soils, hairs, and fibers. 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.
Laboratory fee, $50.
Prerequisite:
FORS 202
or permission of instructor.
FORS 239 Forensic Chemistry II (3) Rowe
Examination
of arson accelerants, textile fibers, plastics, and paints.
Laboratory exercises include infrared spectrophotometry and pyrolysis -
gas-liquid chromatography of polymeric materials, as well as
classical chemical and physical methods of analysis. Laboratory fee, $50.
Prerequisite: FORS 238 or permission of instructor.
FORS 241
Forensic DNA Profiling (3) Anderson
The
course introduces the student to the procedures involved in DNA
profiling of evidence. This will include DNA extraction, quantitation,
amplification and detection of mitochondrial DNA and short tandem
repeat polymorphisms. This course is required for all forensic
molecular biology students.
FORS 242 Forensic Molecular Biology (3) Dawson
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.
Independent laboratory projects. Laboratory fee, $50.
Prerequisite: FORS 241 and permission of instructor.
FORS 250
CSI for Lab Personnel (3) Robinson
For
those who cannot take both FORS 251 and FORS 252, CSI I & II, but
are still interested in these topics, FORS 250 provides a condensed
offering of the subject matter of both those courses. Laboratory fee, $50.
This course is not approved for those in the Crime Scene Investigation concentration.
FORS 251 Crime Scene Investigation I (3) Staff
Crime
Scene Investigation I (CSI I) begins to examine the theories and
concepts necessary to effectively examine, analyze and reconstruct a
major crime scene. Specifically, CSI I covers: the legal issues related
to the search & seizure of physical evidence; crime scene
documentation techniques, including (a) information gathering to enable
report writing, (b) photographic composition concepts, and (c) crime
scene measurements and diagramming; latent fingerprint processing &
enhancements; and basic crime scene reconstruction methods. Laboratory
fee, $50.
FORS 252 Crime Scene Investigation II (3) Staff
Crime
Scene Investigation II (CSI II) continues to examine the theories and
concepts necessary to effectively examine, analyze and reconstruct a
major crime scene. Specifically, CSI II covers: 2-D and 3-D
impression evidence; blood & body Fluid enhancement techniques;
blood spatter pattern analysis; trace evidence collection; evidence
packaging issues; how to approach and process the homicide victim. Laboratory
fee, $50.
Prerequisite: FORS 251.
FORS 253 Homicide Investigation (3) Miller
This course studies criminal behavior, specifically homicide, and how
an examination of the suspect-victim exchange can lead to an
understanding of the offender’s motivations. The class will study the
factors that made the victim a target. The class will look at the crime
scene and how an examination of the forensic evidence can lead not only
to the suspect’s motives but also to the suspect himself.
Finally, the investigative process will be discussed to better
understand how these offenders are identified and prosecuted.
FORS 254 Forensic Psychiatry (3) Christian, Jackson
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.
FORS 255 Investigation of Child Abuse (3) Staff
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. NOTE:
Some of the information presented in this course involves graphic
photographs of children who have been seriously injured. In addition,
frank discussion will take place about how adults sexually exploit and
entice children into unlawful acts. This course is not recommended for
those students who might find this type of information offensive or
disturbing. This is not a therapeutic course nor is this course
recommended for those trying to resolve a personal history of abuse.
FORS 256 Principles of Forensic Pathology (3) Staff
Terminology and scientific techniques used in medico-legal
investigations, sudden or unexpected deaths, homicides, suicides,
accidental deaths, and trauma.
FORS 257 Medicolegal Death Investigation
(3) Whildin
This
is a seminar style course utilizing the forensic literature and text
resources to provide a foundation for the understanding of death scene
analysis by a Medical Examiner. This course integrates medical,
scientific, sociological, and legal methodology as applied to
Medicolegal Death Investigations. This capstone course will encompass
the various techniques used in the study of Forensic Science and
Medicine and apply them to the interpretation of facts to help
determine and reconstruct the sequence of events at a variety of
classic deaths scenes.
FORS 259 Computer Related Law (3)
A
problem-oriented course that focuses on applying the holdings of cases
and analysis of statutes to different criminal fact patterns, This
course is designed to examine criminal law, criminal procedures, and
evidence as it relates to computer crime and the collection and
analysis of digital evidence. Open only to students enrolled in
off-campus forensic science programs.
FORS 260 Security Case Law (3)
Examines negligence and liability, international torts, compensatory and
punitive damages, and contract law. Focus is placed on the exercise of
security functions by private individuals and organizations.
FORS 261 Security Management (3)
Students will learn current security management principles and how to
apply them as part of a business or government function. Topics
examined will include personnel, facility and information security,
viewed through studies of public and private sector organizations.
Students will learn the value of partnering and strategic alliances in
the security industry.
FORS 262 Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention (3) Staff
Course provides the security student with an overview of the risk
analysis process: how security treats and vulnerabilities are
identified, quantified, how controls and countermeasures are evaluated
and prioritized and how organizations can benefit from development of a
risk management program. Principles of loss prevention and the
protection of assets are also examined.
FORS 263 Issues In Disaster Management (3)
Examines the theoretical and practical considerations that surround a
specific crisis or disaster situation. Course content rotates
between four topics: 1) Biological, chemical, nuclear and environmental
disasters; 2) threats to airport security, 3) threats to cargo
security, 4) Terrorist operations and attacks. Practical approaches
toward securing assets vulnerable to these threats are discussed in
detail. Students may participate in situational exercises in which they
will be expected to assess, respond, manage and recover from a specific
crisis incident. Open to degree and certificate students in the program
or by approval of the Program Director.
FORS 264 Protection of Information Systems (3)
Offers insights into the types of information assets that need to be
protected from loss resulting from crime, accident and nature.
Considers the global threat to information systems security. Identifies
emerging, managerial, technical, administrative and physical safeguard
issues relative to information system security and privacy.
Familiarizes students with statutes, executive orders, policy, and
regulations governing information security. Examines methods for
preventing common threats to information systems.
FORS 265 Ethics, Morality and Leadership (3)
This
course covers the ethical dimensions of business issues faced by
leaders, such as employer/employee loyalty, privacy, piracy, the
professional use of technology, and ethics in a global environment.
FORS 266 Emergency Planning and Business Continuity (3)
A variety of approaches used to develop effective plans for managing
emergency situations and ensuring business continuity when disasters
occur are presented and analyzed.
FORS 267 Organizational Behavior in a Security Profession (3)
This course examines the basic concepts of individual, group, and
organizational behavior. Specific management and leadership models and
approaches to workplace crime problems are discussed and analyzed. Case
studies are presented from a variety of organizational settings.
FORS 268 Industrial Espionage and Corporate Privacy Issues (3)
This
course examinies the increased business and trade competition among
domestic and international markets and the need for business leaders to
develop countermeasures to protect intellectual capital, trade secrets
and physical assets from competitors. Will consider and critically
analyze methods used for collection of information on businesses as
well as neutralizing threats to both corporations and government.
Emphasis will be placed on the role of security professionals in
protecting individual privacy and sensitive and/or proprietary
information. Open to degree and certificate candidates only.
Pre-requisite: completion of core courses
FORS 269 Conspiracy (3)
This
course builds upon investigative techniques learned in FORS 281 -
Forensic Accounting through the examination of specific types of
commercial fraud and abuse, including falsified financial statements,
misappropriations, corruption, conspiracy and conflict of interest.
Pre-requisite: FORS 281.
FORS 270 Security Contracting with Federal and State Entities (3)
This course covers Federal and State procurement practices from the viewpoint of a prospective security service provider.
FORS 271 Forensic Psychology (3)
Forensic Psychology involves the application of psychological
knowledge, theory and skills to the understanding and functioning of
the legal and criminal justice system. Topics presented in the course
will include: an introduction to forensic psychology, the use of
psychology in civil and criminal proceedings, criminal profiling,
competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, testamentary
capacity, jury selection, decision-making and dynamics. Special
emphasis is placed on assessing individuals most likely to be
encountered by security professionals: i.e. child pornographers,
hackers, crackers, and other individuals most likely to be involved in
white collar crime cases. Open to off-campus students only.
FORS 273 Research Methods for Security Professionals (3)
Students are introduced to graduate level research methodologies and
professional presentation skills in a workshop format. Emphasis is
placed on understanding how the tenants of the scientific method can be
applied to professional business research and writing. Topics include:
evaluating the literature, identifying research resources, critical
analysis vs. descriptive reports, applying appropriate measurement
instruments, quantitative and qualitative research methods and written
and oral presentation skills. Students develop and present either a
professional research report or a response to an unsolicited request
for proposal.
FORS 274 Video Forensic Analysis (3)
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.
FORS 277 Computer Forensics I: Investigation and Data Gathering (3)
Techniques used to detect computer crime and gather probative evidence
to secure a conviction under federal law are examined. Open to degree
and certificate candidates only or by permission from the Program
Director. Laboratory fee, $50.
FORS 278 Computer Forensics II: Evidence Analysis (3)
The
threats to and vulnerabilities of computer systems and how to minimize
them are examined. Open to degree and certificate candidates only or
with permission from the Program Director. Laboratory fee, $50.
Pre-requisite: FORS 277.
FORS 279 Computer Intrusion I: Understanding and Identifying Network-Based Attacks (3)
Explores
the essentials of 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. Laboratory fee, $50.
Prerequisite: FORS 264 or equivalent.
FORS 280 Computer Intrusion I: Deployment of Computer-Based Attacks (3)
This is an advanced technical course for High Technology Crime
Investigation students who wish to broaden their understanding of
"live" computer intrusions. Topics include: Detecting and responding to
network- and host-based intruders, integrating intrusion detection
system (IDS) into network topologies, identifying methods hackers use
to break into network systems, analyzing network traffic and detecting
attacks using tools and techniques such as SNORT, deploying and
managing an IDS and creating an effective response strategy to prevent
network-based attacks. Laboratory fee, $50.
Pre-requisite: FORS 279.
FORS 281 Forensic Accounting (3)
Principles of accounting; abuse and misuse of accounting procedures;
use of accounting in the investigation of commercial crime are covered
in this course.
FORS 282 Introduction to Telecommunication Systems for Security Professionals (3)
This course provides HTCI students with a practical foundation in the
field of telecommunications systems infrastructure and its operation.
Students examine how the telecommunications and computer systems are
used in tandem by individuals to commit computer crime. Focus is placed
on assessing and managing threats and vulnerabilities within
organizations. Open to degree and certificate students only or by
approval from the Program Director.
FORS 283 Steganography and Electronic Watermarking (3)
Digital data hiding techniques for images are explored, analyzed,
attacked and countered. Research in three fundamental areas are
covered: Investigation of data hiding and labeling techniques, attacks
against steganography and watermarking information, and counter
measures to such attacks. Open to HTCI degree candidates only or by
approval from the Program Director. Laboratory fee, $50.
Prerequisite: FORS 277 and FORS 278.
FORS 284 Capstone Course: Issues in Security Management (3)
This course focuses on research into current issues in security
management, case study review of best practices and development of
measurable performance criteria for evaluating cost/benefits of the
value-added services of a security program. Students will be expected
to design, develop and evaluate a complete security system in one of
several organizational environments. Open to degree and certificate
students only.
Pre-requisite: Approval by Program Director.
FORS 285 Capstone Course: High Technology Crime Investigation (3)
Focuses on current issues in High Technology Crime Investigation,
review of best practices in the computer crime detection, digital
investigation, trial preparation and testimony. Practical exercises,
moot trial. For students in the final semester of the high-technology crime investigation program only. Laboratory fee, $50.
Pre-requisites: FORS 277 and FORS 279.
FORS 286 Personnel Security (3)
Principles of personnel security; personnel security investigations and
pre-employment screening are discussed. Focus is placed on assertive
behaviors to keep the workplace safe and avoid liability exposure to
negligent hiring.
FORS 290 Selected Topics (3) Staff
An examination of the role and process of research as it serves the
criminal justice system. Presentations and discussions of the
literature with emphasis on the use of research and analysis in
formulating and evaluating criminal justice policy.
FORS 295
Research (arr.) Staff
Research on problems approved by the department chairman or academic
advisor, under the supervision of an appropriate staff member. Open to
qualified master’s degree students.
FORS 298
Forensic Practicum (1-3) Staff
Open to qualified master's degree students. Internship experience in a
forensic science laboratory or criminal justice agency, under the
supervision of an appropriate staff member. Students must preregister
for this course. Admission by permission only.
FORS 299-300 Thesis
Research (3-3) Staff
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