FORS 1006 E   Canadian Constitutional Doctrine for Forensic Science

This course introduces modern Canadian constitutional doctrine and connects it to the Canadian common law heritage.  The main objective is to delineate the impact of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on the criminal justice system from a forensic science perspective.   An ancillary objective is to establish the philosophical rationale for modern Canadian constitutional democracy.   PREREQ: Acceptance into the Honours Program in Forensic Science. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 1006 and PHIL 2575. (lec 3) cr 3

FORS 2006 E   Essential Elements of Canadian Criminal Law

This course introduces the basic concepts of criminal law and provides an introduction to common law criminal procedure as practiced in Canada.  Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of a Canadian criminal trial from the laying of charges to the actual trial.  The key concepts that determine criminal responsibility will also be examined.  Mens rea, actus reus and some of the defenses that can be raised to exonerate the defendant will also be covered.  PREREQ: FORS 1006 (lec 3) cr 3

 FORS 2106 E  Introduction to Forensic Biology

This course introduces students to the analysis and interpretation of biological evidence in forensic contexts. Topics include entomology, botany, fingerprints, toxicology, DNA, pathology, anthropology, and odontology. PREREQ: 1st year program requirements and permission of instructor. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 2106 and BIOL 2205 Forensic Biology. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3

 FORS 2107 E  Introduction to Forensic Science

This course introduces students to the principles and practices found in forensic science laboratories.  Topics covered in this course include crime scene procedures and practices, the collection of evidence, and the basis of analysis of that evidence.  An emphasis will be placed on the proper procedures involved in maintaining the chain of custody of evidence in a variety of contexts.  PREREQ: FORS 2106. Students may not retain credit for both FORS 2107 and BIOL 2205 Forensic Biology. (lec 3) cr 3

 FORS 3006 E   Concepts of Evidence and The Expert Witness

The course introduces basic doctrine of Canadian evidentiary law in the criminal justice system. This includes the rules that affect how evidence is presented, what evidence can be received, and what use can be made of the evidence. The presentation of the legal doctrine will be structured around the status of expert evidence. PREREQ: FORS 2006 (lec 3) cr 3

 FORS 3016 E  Seminars in Forensic Biology


Selected topics in the area of forensic biology will be discussed.  The topics of discussion will centre on current issues surrounding the analytical procedures and interpretation of biological evidence. PREREQ: FORS 2106 (sem/cst 3) cr 3

 FORS 3017 E  Seminars in Forensic Science

Selected topics in the area of forensic science will be discussed.  The topics of discussion will centre on current issues surrounding the analytical procedures and interpretation of non-biological evidence. PREREQ: FORS 2107 (sem/cst 3) cr 3

 FORS 3036 E  Forensic Anatomy of the Human Skeleton

The anatomy of the human skeleton, including the normal range of metrical and morphological variation, is presented in the context of forensic medicine. PREREQ: BIOL 2105.  Students may not retain credit for both ANTR 3036 and FORS 3036. (lec 3 lab 3) cr 3

FORS 3106 E Chemical Principles in Forensic Science


This course describes the analysis of various forms of forensic evidence in terms of chemical principles. Fundamental operational principles and characteristics of instrumental and classical chemical analysis of evidentiary items including fire debris, explosives, paint analysis, glass, fibres, and suspected drugs will be presented. An emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of the implications and limitations of analytical results, and the design of analytical methods in a forensic context. PREREQ: CHMI 2426, CHMI 2427 and CHMI 3116 (lec 3) cr 3

 FORS 4016 E    Contemporary Ethical Issues in Forensic Science

The themes explored in this course will include the role of a code of ethics, professional accountability and dilemmas in intellectual property, privacy and conflict of interest. In any given year, other topics of current relevance will also be explored.  The study of these issues will be structured around the systematic examination of the nature and function of a profession.  PREREQ: FORS 3006 (lec 3) cr 3

 FORS 4017 E  Investigative Techniques for Forensic Scientists

This course is an in-depth study of practical aspects of criminal investigation relevant to the forensic scientist. The application of knowledge gained in previous courses pertaining to crime scene procedures such as recognition, protection, documentation, and collection of evidence will be emphasized.  Study of major case management, use of witnesses, interview/interrogation, modus operandi, etc., will be enhanced through case studies, mock crime scenes, and mock trial scenarios.  PREREQ: Completion of third year program requirements or permission of instructor. (lec 3, cst/lab 3) cr 3

 FORS 4095 E  Thesis

This course is recommended for students who plan on pursuing graduate studies.  Students will conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member in order to produce an undergraduate thesis.  Students in this course must also present the results of their research to their peers at the end of the academic year in the form of a conference.  This course is only open to students in the fourth year of the Forensic Science Program. PREREQ: Completion of third year requirements and permission of Department and potential supervisor. (tut 3) cr 6

 FORS 4106 E  Forensic Analysis of the Human Skeleton

This advanced course covers the analysis of the human skeleton in forensic contexts. Topics include estimating age at death, sex determination, analysis for genetic and geographic ancestry, stature estimation, method for establishing a positive identification, taphonomic considerations, pathology and estimation of the postmortem interval. PREREQ: FORS 3036. Students may not retain credit for both ANTR 4106 and FORS 4106. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3

FORS 4107 E Principles of Forensic Toxicology


This course covers the areas of instrumental analysis as they pertain to drug analysis in biological samples as well as basic pharmacological principles in a forensic context. Information pertaining specifically to alcohol and drugs of abuse are examined for their role in post-mortem toxicology and impairment as it applies to driving, sexual assault and homicide. The experimental confounds that affect toxicological interpretation will be discussed. PREREQ: CHMI 2426, CHMI 2427, FORS 3016, FORS 3017 or permission of instructor. (lec 3) cr 3

FORS 4136 E Forensic Botany

This course builds upon the basic botanical training covered in previous courses. Students will receive instruction in the application of plant anatomy, morphology, family characteristics, soils, and environment in the context of forensic analysis. Students will develop skills in the recognition of plant material, its documentation, collection, and preservation at crime scenes. Additionally, this course covers in detail the analytical techniques utilized to forensically compare scene samples with known reference specimens. The preparation of a forensic botany report by each student will act to coalesce the material covered in this capstone course. PREREQ: BIOL 1507, BIOL 2356, FORS 2106, FORS 2107. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3

 FORS 4205 E  Internship and Report

The student will undertake an approved placement with a suitable agency during the final year prior to graduation.  Students must be available to commit one working day equivalent per week to the placement. An internship report in the form of a research paper is required.  The grade will be based on the student’s report and the agency’s evaluation.  This course is restricted to students in the Forensic Science Program.  Students must pre-apply for available positions to allow for appropriate agency matching.  PREREQ: Enrolment in the fourth year of the Forensic Science Program and permission of the Chair of Forensic Science. (exp. 200 hours) cr 6

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Department of Anthropology
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