Evidence Analysis: Beyond the Crime Scene

Overview

Evidence Analysis: Beyond the Crime Scene discusses basic principles and procedures used in the forensic laboratory. It is designed to help the investigator or laboratory examiner understand instrumentation, standards and methods currently used, and the fundamental concepts of the laboratory environment, including the examination of evidence. The content not only addresses practices and methods, it also identifies the proper handling of evidence and precautions that should be utilized in the laboratory environment. After this introductory level course the student should understand the fundamentals of a forensic laboratory.

Cost: $0-225. This course takes 15 hours to complete, on average.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe the role of the examiner in the forensic laboratory.
• Discuss methods and procedures used in analyzing evidence, among various forensic disciplines
• Recognize the instrumentation and processing techniques used in the examination of evidence
• Define the importance of safety in the laboratory.
• Identify resources that help the examiner better understand forensic principles.

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 4.06 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 15 hours.The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, public attorneys, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.

Table of Contents

Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Laboratory Considerations
Unit 3: Fingerprint Processing and Evaluation
Unit 4: Trace Evidence
Unit 5: Firearms and Ammunition
Unit 6: Impression Evidence
Unit 7: Arson and Explosives
Unit 8: Biological Material
Unit 9: Drugs and Toxicology
Unit 10: Computer Forensics
Unit 11: Questioned Documents Examination

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.  A printable version of the course content is available in PDF format in the course library for future reference. Course readings are also available in PDF format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was a correct answer on a quiz, marked incorrect?

Answer: Quizzes are graded automatically by the computer.  However each quiz will be reviewed by the instructor in order to double check the system.  The instructor is able to update your grade if necessary.

Do I have to respond to the discussion questions?

Answer: Yes, all discussion questions for this course are required and are graded.

Who do I contact if I’m having problems with the course?

• Answer: If you are having trouble with registration or accessing the online course, please call OIT at 304-293-4444.  Make sure you state that you are a non-credit eCampus student.
• If the problem is related to the course material, please email the instructor who will respond to your email as soon as possible.

Can I look at the material while taking the quiz?

Answer: Yes, the quiz open in a new window so you can review the course information.

Computer Requirements

• Mozilla Firefox
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Quicktime
• Adobe Flash Player
• Java

There are free software plug-ins available in the Getting Started area of the course.

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.). The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Instructor Information

Anthony Iten is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelors of Arts degree and Forensic Science Certificate. Anthony has spent time working in the Drug Chemistry and Latent Print sections in the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab in St. Paul, Minnesota. His responsibilities include online course development and assistance in training professionals in the forensic field. He is currently developing a Latent Print online course. Contact: anthony.iten@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5186

Robin Bowen is the Assistant Director for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops scientific resources, outreach opportunities, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities include coordination of continuing education programs, management of grant funded projects, and correspondence of progress to the National Institute of Justice. Bowen is the author of Ethics and the Practice of Forensic Science. She is a former advisory member of the Outreach and Communication Interagency Working Group (IWG) under the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee (NSTC) on Forensic Science. She is also on the Editorial Advisory Board for the revised edition of Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Bowen is the primary developer of the Forensic Educational Alliance, an initiative to offer a variety of forensic science continuing education courses online. She has an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and a graduate degree in Secondary Science Education. Robin is the online course instructor for Ethics in Forensic Science, Fibers and Textiles for Forensic Science, and Transition to Leadership. Contact: Robin.Bowen@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-6214

• Forensic Science Initiative: http://fsi.research.wvu.edu/, Contact: fsi@mail.wvu.edu
• Technical Assistance: 304-293-4444 (non-credit eCampus student)
• Extended Learning: http://continuinged.wvu.edu, Contact: WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Registration Information 

Please read below to determine your eligibility. If you have any eligibility questions please contact Forensic Science Initiative at FSI@mail.wvu.edu BEFORE you register. Registration is accepted year-round for this course.