Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CRIM 451 D100

Advanced Techniques in Forensic Science (3)

Class Number: 2518

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CRIM 101. Recommended: CRIM 355.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Looks at the advanced and sometimes more controversial areas of forensic science used in the criminal justice system today. Most areas are those outside the crime lab and require extensive and in-depth training in a very focused field. Seminars may cover areas such as the use of polygraph, blood spatter pattern analysis, entomology, pathology, odontology, anthropology, genocide investigation, facial approximation, crime scene analysis on land, underwater and mass homicide scenarios. Students with credit for CRIM 420 in 01-3, 00-3, 99-3, 98-3 or 97-3 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course will combine instruction in a range of specialized forensic sciences, illustrated with analysis of actual criminal cases, and, in most cases, hands-on experience with the techniques, when possible. Instruction will include exposure to a wide range of experts in the field. Students will be expected to be prepared to discuss and critique the techniques presented with the instructors. This course is not intended to train students as forensic scientists, but rather to expose them to a variety of subjects so that they will be equipped to understand and use them, if necessary, in their future careers. Students should be aware that some of the material studied will be extremely disturbing.

Any student who feels that the nature of the topics may be too upsetting is discouraged from taking this course.

This course can be counted towards the Certificate in Forensic Studies OR the Certificate in Police Studies. It can also count towards your Major or Minor or Extended Minor. BUT you cannot count it towards more than one certificate. You must declare a certificate as soon as possible, so please see an advisor.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Comprehend the rules of evidence that govern the admission of forensic evidence in court in both Canada and the United States.
• Understand the basic sciences on which a range of advanced and often controversial sciences in the forensic arena are based.
• Comprehend the difference between basic laboratory forensic sciences and more advanced and specialized forensic sciences, and be able to critique various techniques used in criminal cases.
• Evaluate and discuss a range of advanced forensic sciences (e.g., forensic entomology, bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic odontology and bite mark analysis, wildlife forensic science, polygraph, psychological profiling, forensic botany, mass disaster and mass homicide, fire investigation, forensic pathology and forensic art).
• Evaluate, analyze and critique legal issues and precedents, legal and scientific challenges, the role of the expert witness, and the future of a number of advanced forensic sciences.

Grading

  • Research Papers (2 @ 40% each) 80%
  • Class Participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be from a compendium of appropriate readings from recent texts and journal articles compiled for this course.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.

Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed. 

Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course. 


ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Center for Accessible Learning, (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 (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security).  For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5.  The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly.  The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors).  The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
  • 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 they will receive a grade of N. 
  • 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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