Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PSYC 476 D100

Advanced Topics in Law and Forensic Psychology (4)

Forensic Science

Class Number: 3884

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Adele Quigley-McBride
    aquigley@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-6727
    Office: RCB 6317
    Office Hours: TBC

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 268, 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this seminar, students will explore how principles from cognitive psychology can shed light on the reliability of forensic science and the collection, interpretation, and communication of forensic evidence in criminal cases. Students will review peer-reviewed journal articles, policy documents, case studies, court transcripts, and participate in discussion to learn how to critically evaluate the reliability of forensic science techniques.

Grading

  • Short Reflections: 15%
  • In-class Presentation: 25%
  • Written Assignment #1: 20%
  • Written Assignment #2: 20%
  • Infographic: 20%

Materials

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.