Forensic Science Courses at SLU
The Saint Louis University Forensic Science program offers courses with hands-on learning opportunities.
FRSC 2600 - Survey of Forensic Science
3 credits
Students learn scientific methodology, its rules and norms, as applied
in the biological and chemical analysis of crime and how these
methodologies are used to evaluate legal arguments and solve legal
issues. They also learn how the technical/scientific analysis articulates
with the different components of the legal system.
Attributes: Anthropology Elective, Natural Science Req (A&S), Social
Science Req (A&S), UUC:Natural & Applied Science
FRSC 2800 - Professional Issues in Forensic Science
3 credits
This lecture course will explore the intersection of forensic science
with topics such as ethics, courtroom/expert witness testimony, quality
assurance, law, professional practice, and social justice. This class
will allow students to bridge the gap between an introductory survey
of forensics class and advanced classes by discussing topics that will
affect their ability to succeed in the field of forensic science. The class
will discuss current topics in the media and the role of the forensic
scientist in these topics. (Offered in fall and spring)
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a program in forensic science.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC: Social & Behavioral Science
FRSC 2930 - Special Topics
3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
FRSC 2980 - Independent Study
1 or 3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
FRSC 3150X - True Crime: Forensic and Literary Perspectives
3 credits
This course examines the intersection of forensic science and literary/
media history in several major true crime case studies. How does
true crime portray or misconceive forensic science? How does true
crime distinguish itself from other kinds of crime-related genres? Why
do certain cases garner attention, and what cultural crises do they
address? Students will learn techniques utilized in crime laboratories
and sometimes apply those techniques to older case studies. They will
also become adept close readers of a variety of texts, such as podcasts,
documentaries, non-fiction novels, and newspaper articles.
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a
minimum score of S); CORE 1500; Minimum Earned Credits of 60;
CORE 1900
Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Literature Requirement (A&S), FRSC - Crime Scene Inv Conc El,
English Form & Genre, Forensic Science Elective, Forensic Science - Minor
Elect, Literature BA Requirement(CAS), Literature BS Requirement(CAS),
UUC: Collaborative Inquiry, UUC: Writing Intensive
FRSC 3400 - Digital Forensic Investigation
3 credits
Digital forensic investigation is the application of science and reasoning
to investigate digital devices for the presence of evidence. This course
will introduce various methodologies and applications of digital forensic
investigations including computer and cell phone analysis.
Attributes: FRSC - Criminalistics Conc Ele, Forensic Science Elective,
Forensic Science - Minor Elect, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3500 - Forensics and Law
3 credits
Forensics and Law will build on the survey of forensic science class
and introduce a more in-depth analysis of criminal law and our criminal
justice system, strengthen the students understanding of the law and
enhance the students’ ability to think critically and analytically. Moreover,
the course will provide a platform to demonstrate practical applications
of criminal law and procedure to forensics. This course will prepare the
student to achieve higher levels of learning in their degree curriculum
and serve as a solid foundation of knowledge for future work in forensic
science.
Attributes: Forensic Science - Minor Elect, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3620 - Forensic Chemistry
2 credits
Forensic chemistry is the application of chemical methods to the
analysis of evidence from a crime scene. This course will introduce types
of forensic evidence processed by a forensic chemist and methods of
analysis, with a focus on instrumentation.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1115; CHEM 1120
and CHEM 1125; CHEM 2410 and CHEM 2415
Corequisite(s): FRSC 3621
Attributes: Natural Science Req (A&S), Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3621 - Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
1 credit
Forensic Chemistry Lab will include hands-on learning of techniques
utilized in crime laboratories. This practical component will supplement
the corresponding lecture taught in Forensic Chemistry and requires
advanced laboratory skills.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600; CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1115; CHEM 1120
and CHEM 1125; CHEM 2410 and CHEM 2415
Corequisite(s): FRSC 3620
Attributes: Natural Science Req (A&S), Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3625 - Forensic Chemistry for the Investigator
2 credits
Forensic chemistry is the application of chemical methods to the
analysis of evidence from a crime scene. This course will introduce
such types of forensic evidence and focus on chemical screening and
processing techniques utilized by the crime scene investigator. An
overview of laboratory methods will also be provided.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Attributes: Natural Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3630 - Forensic Biology
2 credits
This course is the application of biological science to both the collection
and analysis of evidence. This course will provide in-depth study of
various methodologies and applications of biological principles and their
applications to forensic science. Topics include serology (biological
screening), DNA analysis, DNA interpretation, and bloodstain pattern
analysis.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Corequisite(s): FRSC 3631
Attributes: Natural Science Req (A&S), Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3631 - Forensic Biology Laboratory
1 credit
Forensic Biology Lab will include hands-on learning of techniques utilized
in crime laboratories. This practical component will supplement the
corresponding lecture taught in Forensic Biology and requires advanced
laboratory skills.
Corequisite(s): FRSC 3630
Attributes: Natural Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3635 - Forensic Biology for Investigators
2 credits
This course will be an overview of the biological evidence and techniques
used in forensic science, specifically focused on the types of biological
evidence that may be encountered at the crime scene. Topics will include
presumptive testing, alternate light sources, bloodstain pattern analysis,
forensic DNA analysis, hair analysis, pathology, ethics, and reporting.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
FRSC 3640 - Fingerprints
3 credits
This lecture/laboratory course is meant to serve as an introduction to the
chemical and physical techniques used in the collection, preservation,
documentation, analysis, and interpretation of pattern evidence,
specifically fingerprint evidence. Topics include fingerprint enhancement,
comparisons, and evaluations. During the laboratory component of the
class students will apply the theory learned to the processing of mock
evidence for fingerprints in a variety of ways.
Attributes: FRSC - Criminalistics Conc Ele, Forensic Science Elective,
Forensic Science - Minor Elect, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 3650 - Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator
1 credit
Forensic Laboratory Techniques for the Investigator is the application
of lecture material from courses such as Forensic Biology and Forensic
Chemistry to a laboratory setting. This course will introduce various
laboratory techniques in a practical ways for students who will be
working in fields such as law enforcement, law, crime scene investigation,
and fingerprints. The course will focus on how evidence collected at the
crime scene can be analyzed by the crime lab in various disciplines such
as biology and chemistry.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Attributes: Forensic Science - Minor Elect
FRSC 3660 - Forensic Microscopy
3 credits
Students analyze forensic evidence through the practical application
of microscopy methodologies. This course examines the theoretical
foundations of microscopy, focusing on the techniques of
stereomicroscopy and polarized light microscopy. Through a
comprehensive exploration of these techniques, and others, students
gain an understanding of their applications in forensic science. Students
will develop the skills required for the identification, examination, and
documentation of trace materials encountered in criminal investigations.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a program in Forensic Science
FRSC 3910 - Internship
1-6 credits (Repeatable for credit)
Prerequisite(s): (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver with a
minimum score of S); CORE 1500
Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UUC: Reflection-in-Action
FRSC 3930 - Special Topics
1-3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
FRSC 3980 - Independent Study
1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)
FRSC 4020 - Forensic Science Practicum I
1-3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
Fieldwork in forensic science at forensic labs, county morgue, and other
governmental agencies, as well as business and private social service
organizations. Approval of the instructor required. Every semester.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4030 - Forensic Practicum II
1-3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
Continuation of fieldwork in forensic science at forensic labs, county
morgues, and other governmental agencies, as well as business and
private social service organizations. Approval of the instructor required.
Every semester.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4550 - Crime Scene Investigation
2 credits
This course is the application of science to both the collection and
analysis of evidence at a crime scene. This course will provide in-depth study of
various methodologies and applications of crime scene
processing. Topics include shooting reconstruction and fingerprint
analysis as well as searching, documentation, collection, and analysis of
evidence at crime scenes.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Corequisite(s): FRSC 4551
Attributes: FRSC - Criminalistics Conc Ele, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4551 - Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory
1 credit
Crime Scene Investigation Lab will utilize the techniques learned during
the corresponding lecture to effectively process a crime scene start to
finish. This is a hands-on laboratory class that requires advanced skills
in crime scene processing and forensic science techniques.
Corequisite(s): FRSC 4550
Attributes: FRSC - Criminalistics Conc Ele
FRSC 4610 - Death Investigation
2 credits
This course exposes the various forensic disciplines involved in a
medicolegal death investigation and teaches the tools and techniques
necessary to perform such an investigation. Disseminating this
information is also covered. The course teaches the 29 national
guidelines in "Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator."
FRSC 2600 Introduction to Forensic Science is a prerequisite.
Registration in this course requires concurrent registration in the
Medicolegal Death Investigator Course sponsored by the pathology
department in the School of Medicine.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600
Attributes: FRSC - Crime Scene Inv Conc El, Forensic Science Elective,
Forensic Science - Minor Elect, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4615 - Advanced Death Investigation
2 credits
This workshop is designed for the instruction of experienced medicolegal
death investigators, forensic pathologists, law enforcement officers,
forensic scientists, physicians, attorneys, and investigative personnel
who have previous been trained in a basic death investigation program.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 4610
Attributes: FRSC - Crime Scene Inv Conc El, Forensic Science Elective,
Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4650 - Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction
2 credits
Crime Scene Reconstruction is the application of science and reasoning
to try and piece together what happened at a crime scene and in
what order those events happened. This course will introduce various
methodologies and applications of crime scene reconstruction including
bloodstain pattern analysis and shooting reconstruction.
Prerequisite(s): 1 course from FRSC 2600, FRSC 4550, and FRSC 4551
Corequisite(s): FRSC 4651
Attributes: FRSC - Criminalistics Conc Ele, Forensic Science Elective,
Forensic Science - Minor Elect, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4651 - Advanced Crime Scene Reconstruction Laboratory
1 credit
Crime scene reconstruction is the application of science and reasoning
to try and piece together what happened at a crime scene and in what
order those events happened. This laboratory course will introduce
various methodologies and applications of crime scene reconstruction
through hands-on processing and techniques.
Prerequisite(s): 1 course from FRSC 2600, FRSC 4550, and FRSC 4551
Corequisite(s): FRSC 4650
Attributes: FRSC - Criminalistics Conc Ele, Forensic Science Elective,
Forensic Science - Minor Elect, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4710 - Forensic Science Laboratory Assistant
1-3 credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
Provides the opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills
they have gained from previous courses by helping to set up, design and
research new laboratory topics for forensic biology, forensic chemistry,
and/or crime scene investigation. The student will assist other students
throughout the laboratory classes and provide feedback as necessary.
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a program in forensic science.
Attributes: Special Approval Required, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4750 - Forensic Science Senior Seminar
1 credit
A seminar course required as a culminating experience for all seniors
majoring in forensic science. This capstone course integrates prior
learning while exploring current research, contemporary issues and
professional standards in forensic science.
Prerequisite(s): CORE 1900; CORE 1500; CORE 1200; CORE 2500;
CORE 1000
Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: Social Science Req (A&S), UUC: Self in the World
FRSC 4760 - Independent Research in Forensic Science
3 credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
FRSC 4910 - Internship
1-6 credits (Repeatable for credit)
Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500; (CORE 1000 or UUC Ignite Seminar Waiver
with a minimum score of S)
Concurrent enrollment allowed.
Attributes: UUC: Reflection-in-Action
FRSC 4930 - Special Topics
1-3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
FRSC 4960 - Capstone in Forensic Science
3 credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
This course provides the opportunity for students to synthesize the
knowledge and skills they have gained from previous courses. In the
process of examining conventional common sense assumptions,
students are encouraged to think critically and deeply about themselves
and the world in which they live and how forensic science contributes
to the world. Students will be working on real life problems related to
forensic science and may include cold case reviews and/or legal reviews
of cases.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600; FRSC 3630; FRSC 3620
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in forensic science
Attributes: Special Approval Required, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4970 - Advanced Independent Research in Forensic Science
3 credits (Repeatable up to 6 credits)
This course provides students with research experience under the
general guidance of a faculty member. Student involvement in various
components of the faculty member's research project(s) is the typical
form. The course provides competitive advantages for students
interested in applying to graduate schools.
Prerequisite(s): FRSC 2600; FRSC 3630; FRSC 3620
Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in forensic science.
Attributes: Special Approval Required, Social Science Req (A&S)
FRSC 4980 - Advanced Independent Study in Forensic Science
1-3 credits (Repeatable for credit)
FRSC 5610 - Death Investigation
2 credits (Repeatable for credit)
This course exposes the various forensic disciplines involved in a
medicolegal death investigation and teaches the tools and techniques
necessary to perform such an investigation. Disseminating this
information is also covered. The course teaches the 29 national
guidelines in "Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator."
Registration in this course requires concurrent registration in the
Medicolegal Death Investigator Course sponsored by the pathology
department in the School of Medicine. (Offered annually)
FRSC 5615 - Advanced Death Investigation
2 credits (Repeatable for credit)
This workshop is designed for the instruction of experienced medicolegal
death investigators, forensic pathologists, law enforcement officers,
forensic scientists, physicians, attorneys, and investigative personnel
who have previously been trained in a basic death investigation program.
(Offered occasionally)