Principles of Crime Scene Investigation

GMS6362

Core Course
Credits: 3


This course has been designed to give students an overall understanding of the basic concepts of crime scene investigation and related examination of evidentiary items. Students will become familiar with the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science and several of the specializations within them.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand crime scene security, approaching a scene, searches and documentation of evidence
  • Understand latent print recovery and documentation
  • Understand tasks related to trace evidence identification and recovery
  • Understand biological examinations, including blood pattern analysis, alternative light source applications and chemical enhancement procedures
  • Understand the basic concepts of forensic anthropology and archeological recovery
  • Understand basic concepts of DNA recovery, examination, and preservation
  • Understand concepts related to firearm examination including GSR testing, muzzle-to-target distance determinations, and other analyses
  • Understand the culmination of all evidentiary findings in the courtroom setting and the general procedures of a criminal trial

Topics:

  • Module 1: Introduction, Crime Scene Searches, Safety, and Evidence Collection
  • Module 2: Sketching and Diagramming
  • Module 3: Fingerprint Development and Recovery
  • Module 4: Trace Evidence and Tool Marks
  • Module 5: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Module 6: Forensic Anthropology
  • Module 7: DNA Recognition, Recovery, and Packaging
  • Module 8: Shooting Incident Analysis
  • Module 9: Death Investigations
  • Module 10: Courtroom Testimony and the Criminal Trial

You may also be interested in: Principles of Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory in-person, interactive elective course at The University of Florida’s TREEO Center in Gainesville, Florida.