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Pathway Overview

The Forensic Pathway is designed to give students an introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques currently used in the field of forensics. Students will continue to develop their critical thinking, laboratory, and communication skills necessary to be successful in the field. Students will be presented with scenarios that include some of the latest developments and intriguing news that helps shape popular forensic science during our current times. Many of the scenarios and stories students will engage with are taken directly from authentic past and present well-known cases such as Jon Benet Ramsey, O.J. Simpson, Cory Monteith, the Washington, D.C. sniper killings, and many more.
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Pathway Courses

03051(H)

1 Credit

This course uses inquiry-based investigations to explore the relationships within cellular energy systems, cellular structure and function, DNA and genetic influence, evolutionary theory and ecological connections. Students will get experience gathering information to communicate reasoning through formal lab reports and writing to explain systems and models investigated.

0305312 (H)

1 Credit

This course is designed for those interested in the medical field. The course first introduces anatomy and physiology as well as basic terminology and tissues. An overview of chemistry and biology as it relates to the levels of organization is also covered. Next, the course covers the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems; both their structure and function as well as contribution to homeostasis are part of this course. Throughout the course, the students will analyze and collaborate to design a course of action for various case studies. Dissection is required.

*Prerequisite: Biology I

03214

1 Credit

Forensic Science is designed to incorporate the scientific concepts and techniques utilized in the field of forensics. Course units include observational skills, crime scene analysis, evidence gathering and processing, hair, fiber and textile analysis, DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, blood spatter and forensic anthropology. The course concludes with a death scene investigation that allows students to embody the role of a forensic investigator and ultimately put the skills learned throughout the course into cumulative practice. Evidence-based reasoning is a cornerstone of the course and will be employed using an activity-based approach to frame each curricular unit.

*Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, Geometry Prerequisite OR concurrent course: Anatomy and Physiology I

03215

1 Credit

Forensic Science II is designed to incorporate the scientific concepts and techniques utilized in the field of forensics. Course units include crime scene analysis, physical/biological evidence gathering and processing, firearms/explosives, toxicology, and communication analysis. The course concludes with a death scene investigation that allows students to embody the role of a forensic investigator and ultimately put the skills learned throughout the course into cumulative practice. Evidence-based reasoning is a cornerstone of the course and will be employed using an activity-based approach to frame each curricular unit. Capturing evidence via photographic or video-graphic means is an essential component of crime scene investigation. As such, students will be required to photo and/or videotape themselves and each other for various assignments and assessments in this course.

*Prerequisite: Forensic Science I