Spring 2019 - CRIM 358 D100

Forensic Entomology (3)

Class Number: 7139

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 23, 2019
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101. Recommended: CRIM 320 or equivalent.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Forensic entomology is the study of the insects associated with a dead body. This course will introduce students to entomology and its applications to law. Instruction will include lectures, tutorials and also laboratories where students will handle, dissect and identify a variety of insects. Students with credit for CRIM 318 (Introduction to Forensic Entomology or Forensic Entomology) prior to Fall 2017 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Forensic entomology is the study of the insects associated with a dead body in order to estimate the minimum elapsed time since death as well as other factors such as whether the body has been moved, disturbed, wounded or poisoned. It can also be used in SPCA and wildlife cases and in cases of human neglect or abuse. This course will introduce students to entomology and its applications to law.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students will: 1.      Develop a general understanding and appreciation for insects and their role in the world. 2.      Gain hands on, practical experience in insect handling, dissection and identification 3.      Understand the value of entomology in a death investigation and know how to collect insects at a crime scene 4.      Comprehend the basic scientific and entomological principles behind the use of insects in death investigations 5.      Comprehend the analytical methods used in forensic entomology to age insects and hence estimate elapsed time since death 6.      Recognize the factors that impact estimating time since death 7.      Appreciate when and where forensic entomology is important as well as recognize its limitations

Grading

  • Tutorial/Laboratory Participation and Attendance (will include several assessed exercises) 25%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final Exam 45%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The Science of Forensic Entomology. 2014. Rivers, D.B. and Dahlem, G.A. Wiley Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1-119-94037-1

Department Undergraduate Notes:


ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.  

  • N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
  • ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (ASSC 10125), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop-off box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only and the contents are date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will apply (e.g. Library/Campus Security) and the School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted any other way (e.g. slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax. 
  • A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise he/she will receive a grade of N. 
  • E-mail policy for on campus courses only: The School of Criminology STRONGLY DISCOURAGES the use of e-mail in lieu of office hour visits. Criminology advises its instructional staff that they are NOT required to respond to student e-mails and that students wishing to confer with them should do so in person during scheduled meeting times.
  • The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
  • Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution.  Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS