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Printed on 11/24/2024

Forensic Science

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10-504-4 Associate Degree (AAS) Part Time, Full Time 60 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Locations*: Appleton, Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Forensic science is a fascinating field where law enforcement meets scientific investigation. Your training will introduce you to crime scene management, criminal law and constitutional law. You will learn how to identify, document, collect, preserve and analyze physical evidence. Gain experience with biological evidence such as DNA, as well as fingerprints and footwear impressions, trace evidence, tool marks and more. You’ll also develop skills for crash scene investigation, and property and evidence management. Then you can enhance your credentials with a concentration in either physical evidence or digital evidence.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (40 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Cultural Diversity In Criminal Justice
    10-504-103
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explore the impact of varied cultures on American policing, courts, and corrections.

  • Basic Medicolegal Death Investigation
    10-504-105
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504105
    • Credits: 3.00

    Based on the standards set by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) students will learn to investigate a death scene. Topics will include investigations from homicide to accidents to natural causes.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504131 - Basic Crime Scene Photography
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
    10-504-110
    3Credit
    72
    90

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504110
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores the applications of science in the field of crime scene management from the crime scene to the courtroom and beyond. Students will focus on the examination and reconstruction of various crime scenes with the emphasis on the identification, collection, documentation and preservation of physical evidence.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Reading 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Reading 18+ OR Reading Level 3 Coursework

    • Accuplacer Sentence 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT English 18+ OR English Level 2 Coursework

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Criminal Justice Studies (10-504-5)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 94900315 - A.C.E

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Biological & Trace Evidence
    10-504-122
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504122
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides the student with the knowledge of protecting, recognizing, documenting, collecting, preserving and analysis of biological and trace evidence. Students will learn about the different types of biological evidence and trace evidence that can be used to assist in criminal investigations. This course deals with the real science and myths of DNA along with the identifying suitable types of evidence for DNA analysis. This course is offered on-campus in fall term and online in spring term.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • CRIME 10504131 - Basic Crime Scene Photography

    • Student is in progress in Evidence Technician (20-504-24) Program of Study
  • Basic Crime Scene Photography
    10-504-131
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Designed to develop basic skills in preparing effective crime scene photographs and to instruct the student in the type of photographs necessary, as well as the lighting needed for good crime scene photography. This course will educate the crime scene investigator, homicide detective, sworn law enforcement officer, rape detective, arson investigator, domestic violence investigator, and other law enforcement personnel in the aspects of photography and provide the skills needed to apply this technology in the crime scene investigation field and/or related areas.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504110 - Intro to Forensic Science
  • Impression Evidence
    10-504-146
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504146
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the many different types of two/three dimensional impression evidence (footwear, fingerprints, tool marks, tire tread, etc.) found at crime scenes, detection/recovery techniques in the field and examinations in the lab and beyond to include the courtroom. Students will have practical hands-on applications (casting, lifts, etc.) with the collection techniques used in the field and lab environment. This will aid the student in developing tools and technologies to enhance their abilities to identify, document, collect and preserve impression evidence. This course is offered online in fall term and on-campus in spring term.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504110 - Intro to Forensic Science
  • Crash Scene Investigation
    10-504-159
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504159
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the importance of crash scene management as a crime scene management application. Students are exposed to response, recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of evidence techniques. Topics include reports, legal aspects, manual and laser measuring techniques, plotting methods, manual and computer-aided diagramming, evidence collection, approach speed, approach angle, crush evaluation, departure angle, drag factor, percent braking, post-collision speed, scrape, skid, test skids, etc.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504131 - Basic Crime Scene Photography
  • Property/Evidence Management
    10-504-168
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504168
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on the applications of all forms of property and evidence management systems that include a number of key stages from the piece of property/evidence's acquisition to its eventual disposal. Students will learn versatile time saving tools for managing property, evidence, and equipment through warehousing and inventory control. Develop formal standards for the management, administration, handling of property/evidence and benchmark references specific to the initial property/evidence handling procedures and life time standards for an organization.

  • CCI: Investigating Internet Crime
    10-504-178
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504178
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with an understanding of the nature of crimes being committed on the Internet and the skills necessary to successfully investigate Internet-related crime. Students will learn various investigative techniques, protocols and technical tools necessary to identify offenders and acquire evidence to build a prosecutable case.

  • Forensic Science Capstone
    10-504-180
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504180
    • Credits: 3.00

    Integrates all the individual skills students learned in previous classes to allow them to process a crime scene. Students will be expected to achieve a basic knowledge of how to record and document, collect, protect and defend the credibility of evidence.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504122 - Biological & Trace Evidence

    • CRIME 10504146 - Impression Evidence
  • Writing Reports
    10-504-205
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504205
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explain the context of report writing, take effective field notes, organize information in reports, write narratives, describe what information should be included in certain types of reports, prepare for court, describe how to be an effective witness, and testify as a witness in court.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504207 - Communicating Professionally

    OR ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504112 - Public Safety Communication AND CRIME 10504201 - Intro to Corrections

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Private Investigation Specialist (20-504-2)
  • Criminal Procedures
    10-504-208
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504208
    • Credits: 3.00

    Identify basic concepts of criminal law; analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes against persons have been committed; analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes against property have been committed; and analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes involving drugs, alcohol or other criminal activity have been committed.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • CRIME 10504201 - Intro to Corrections

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Private Investigation Specialist (20-504-2)
  • Juvenile Procedures
    10-504-209
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504209
    • Credits: 3.00

    Describe the juvenile justice system; describe how juveniles in need of protection or services or delinquent are handled; identify constitutional law issues relevant to juveniles; analyze the role of law enforcement and other agencies in responding to and investigating child maltreatment; and recognize the unique investigative issues for missing children.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • CRIME 10504208 - Criminal Procedures

    • Student is in progress in Child Protection Investigator (20-504-12) Program of Study
  • Constitutional Principles
    10-504-211
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504211
    • Credits: 3.00

    Diagram the structure of the criminal justice system; identify when constitutional rules apply; identify the elements of a lawful arrest; identify the requirements for search warrants, and when warrantless searches are permitted; identify the requirements governing confessions and statements; and analyze the requirements for evidence to be admissible in court.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • CRIME 10504208 - Criminal Procedures

    • Student is in progress in Fundamentals of Financial Fraud Detection (20-101-4) Program of Study

    General Studies (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Quantitative Reasoning
    10-804-135
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804135
    • Credits: 3.00

    This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction & interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry & spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • Accuplacer Arithmetic 263+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Arithmetic Level 2 Coursework

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Basic Anatomy
    10-806-189
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10806189
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology. Learners explore the structure and function of all body systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Think Critically & Creatively
    10-809-103
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides instruction about critical and creative thinking that is in high demand in all occupations. Models, theories, and processes provide the foundation for learning logical thinking strategies. Students will apply a systematic approach to problem solving by analyzing the problem, assessing possible solutions, and making effective decisions. In addition, students will generate ideas and analyze complex issues. This course assists students with developing a critical thinking mindset which is essential at every level of personal and professional life.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    This science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.