Forensic Science course offered at USF
Interested in crime science, investigative science, deductive reasoning and problem/puzzle solving? The University of St. Francis will offer a Forensic Science course.
"The field of forensics has always been fascinating to students, especially, with the popularity of the television series CSI, Forensic Files, and others during the last few years," said Salim Diab, USF professor of chemistry. "With the recent breakthroughs in DNA technology and scientific instrumentations, interest in forensic science has risen even further."
Forensic science is the study and application of science to the processes of law. It involves the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence.
The course is designed to familiarize students with the basic principles and uses of forensic science in the American system of justice. This field encompasses many scientific areas, which, if used properly, can make invaluable contributions to the resolution of social and legal disputes. It covers basic applications of the biological, physical, chemical, medical and behavioral sciences to questions of evidence and law. In doing so, students will gain a basic understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the forensic sciences as they are presently practiced.
In order to merge theory with practice, a number of actual forensic case histories will be evaluated. Multiple sources of instructional methods will be used, including formal lectures using power point presentation, Internet sources, video case studies and hands-on practical applications of forensic techniques.
"I love teaching this course because the field allows students to apply the scientific methods/evidence to law (criminal and civil cases)," said Diab, "and at the same time, students have the chance to use sophisticated instruments in the lab to solve complex problems that are relevant to everyday life, including the mystery and drama of each case."
The class runs May 16 through June 28 on Mondays and Wednesdays from
6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. There is no prerequisite and students earn three credit hours. For more information, call Diab at (815) 740-3855.
The University of St. Francis is at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet. USF serves more than 4,300 students nationwide with more than 60 areas of undergraduate study in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. Eleven graduate programs in health care, business and education are offered.
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