Program Structure & Curriculum

Core Courses

FOS 706 Physical and Biological Evidence (Lecture, 3 credits)

FOS 707 Principles of Forensic Toxicology (Lecture, 3 credits)

FOS 708 Human Genetics and Forensic DNA Technology (Lecture, 3 credits)

FOS 709 Applied Statistics and Data Analytics for Forensic Scientists (Lecture and lab, 4 credits)

FOS 710 Advanced Criminalistics I (Lecture and lab, 5 credits) [Prereqs: 706 and 722]

FOS 721 Advanced Instrumental Analysis I (Lecture and lab, 5 credits)

FOS 722 Advanced Instrumental Analysis II (Lecture and lab, 5 credits) [Prereq: 721]

FOS 795 Thesis Prospectus I (Lecture, 1 credit)

FOS 796 Thesis Prospectus II (Lecture, 1 credit)

FOS 797 Thesis Prospectus III (Independent study, 1 credit)

Specialization Courses

Criminalistics

FOS 711 Advanced Criminalistics II (Lecture and lab, 5 credits)

One of these three courses:

• FOS 735 Advanced Topics in Physical Science (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 711]
• FOS 736 Firearms and Toolmarks Examination (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 706]
• FOS 738 Crime Scene Investigation for Forensic Scientists (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 706]

Molecular Biology

FOS 732 Advanced Topics in Genetics and Molecular Biology for Forensic Scientists (Lecture and lab, 5 credits) [Prereq: 708]

FOS 733 Advanced Methods in Forensic Molecular Biology (Lecture and lab, 5 credits) [Prereq: 732]

Forensic Toxicology

FOS 725 Forensic Toxicology I (Lecture and lab, 5 credits) [Prereq: 707]

FOS 726 Forensic Toxicology II (Lecture and lab, 5 credits) [Prereq: 726]

Electives (one elective is required)

FOS 727 Case Analysis in Forensic Toxicology (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 707]

FOS 735 Advanced Topics in Physical Science (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 711]

FOS 736 Firearms and Toolmarks Examination (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 706]

FOS 738 Crime Scene Investigation for Forensic Scientists (Lecture, 3 credits) [Prereq: 706]

FOS 760 Scientific Evidence, Expert Testimony and Ethics (Lecture, 3 credits)

FOS 761 Forensic Anthropology: Osteology and Genetic Identification (Lecture, 3 credits)

FOS 762 Current Trends in Forensic Pathology and Entomology (Lecture, 3 credits)

CRJ 708 Law, Evidence and Ethics (Lecture, 3 credits)

Course Descriptions

FOS 706 Physical and Biological Evidence

This course provides an introduction to the problems encountered and the techniques used in the scientific examination of physical and biological evidence. Topics include crime scene procedures, physical evidence documentation, application of the scientific method in crime scene investigation, scientific and legal integrity of physical evidence, ethical issues, professional standards, expert testimony, and the theoretical bases of methods of comparison and their influence on the interpretation of scientific data. Emphasis is placed on practical problem-solving in forensic science.

FOS 707 Principles of Forensic Toxicology

This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles of forensic toxicology. This course emphasizes the common drugs/poisons that are encountered by a practicing forensic toxicologist and the approach to determining their medico-legal role in establishing the cause of death and disease. Topics include the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of drugs, impairment versus intoxication, and the interpretation of drug effect in the criminal court setting. The science of ethanol and drugs of abuse, along with other important agents (sports doping drugs, therapeutic drugs, CO etc.), will be discussed as they relate to toxicology. An introduction to the basic applied methods of forensic toxicology is also presented including biological samples, analytical schemes, and some of the special problems commonly encountered in forensic toxicology. Lectures, directed readings, and participatory discussions will introduce the science of forensic toxicology.

FOS 708 Human Genetics and Forensic DNA Technology

Genetics and molecular biology have become the center of forensic human/non-human identification. This course will explore selected topics in modern genetics drawn from classical, molecular, and population genetics. It will then expand on the applications of these concepts to forensics. This way, the class will cover core subjects in human genetics and serve as an introduction to forensic genetics for students earning a graduate degree in forensic sciences. Lecture topics will include genome structure, inheritance, recombination, genetic variation and mutations, and gene expression. Forensic biology lectures will cover sample collection, bioethics, DNA typing, databases, quality assurance, and quality control. The course will also discuss ethical issues in these areas. We will also discuss the history of the discipline, highlighting the disparity in opportunities and noted achievements of all those who have contributed to the field. The course will emphasize quantitative analysis and problem-solving skills.

FOS 709 Applied Statistics and Data Analytics for Forensic Scientists

Tailored for Forensic Science Master’s degree students, this practical introductory course in statistics and data analytics combines theory with hands-on training. Designed to address the practicalities of analyzing and modeling forensic laboratory data for research and practice, the course emphasizes rigorous model selection, testing, and criticism. Lectures and software training/laboratory components are integrated utilizing datasets from trace evidence, toxicology, and molecular biology/DNA analysis.

FOS 710 Advanced Criminalistics I

Fundamental principles used in the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence using micro techniques are stressed in the course. The course emphasizes microscopy and microchemistry of trace evidence such as controlled substances, glass, and fibers. Documentation and photography skills are developed. Students will begin to develop their ability to critically assess forensic situations. Case studies are also used in lectures to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 706 Physical and Biological Evidence and FOS 722 Advanced Instrumental Analysis II.

FOS 711 Advanced Criminalistics II

This course teaches concepts and techniques employed in the analysis of physiological fluids using non-instrumental methods. Micro techniques and microscopy are employed for soil analysis, wood identification, and hair examination. Additional documentation and photography skills are developed. Case studies are used in lectures to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications. The lab course culminates with the analysis and interpretation of trace evidence from a case simulation.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 710 Advanced Criminalistics I.

FOS 721 Advanced Instrumental Analysis I

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the use of chemical instrumentation and spectrophotometric techniques for the analyses of physical evidence materials of forensic import. The course includes lectures and problem sessions and has as a critical portion, hands-on laboratory sessions. The successful student will understand the fundamental use and operation of certain types of chemical instrumentation and their application to forensic analytical problems. He/she will also be able to choose the proper technique to successfully analyze a material, and increase his/her knowledge and understanding of the analytical approach and interpretation of quantitative data by proper calibration techniques. The lectures include the descriptions of various instruments including their designs, the theory of operation, and the fundamental science on which they are based. Applications of these instruments to forensic samples will be discussed. The accuracy and precision of measurements as well as error analysis will be introduced. This course is concentrated on electronic and vibrational spectra, although other instrumentation topics will be covered.

FOS 722 Advanced Instrumental Analysis II

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the use of instrumental chemical separation techniques for the analyses of physical evidence materials of forensic import. The course includes lectures and problem sessions and has as a critical portion of hands- on laboratory sessions. The successful student will understand the fundamental use and operation of certain types of chemical instrumentation and their application to forensic analytical problems. He/she will also be able to choose the proper technique to successfully analyze a material, and increase his/her knowledge and understanding of the analytical approach and interpretation of quantitative data. The lectures include the descriptions of various instruments including their designs, the theory of operation, and the fundamental science on which they are based. Applications of these instruments to forensic samples will be discussed. This course is concentrated on chromatography and other separation techniques although other instrumentation topics will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 721 Advanced Instrumental Analysis I.

FOS 725 Forensic Toxicology I

This course introduces students to methods of determining the presence or absence of drugs (and metabolites) and chemicals in human fluids and tissues and evaluating their role as a contributory factor in the cause or manner of death and disease. This course deals with the systematic approach to processing biological samples for the presence of drugs and poisons. Students are introduced to the fundamental theoretical principles applied to forensic toxicology with topics including: postmortem and ante mortem toxicology, sample preparation and extraction techniques, and methods of analytical screening and confirmation (chromatography, GCMS, LCMS, immunoassay), that are used to solve problems confronting the forensic toxicologist. Advanced topics associated with pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are discussed as they relate to the interpretation of toxicological results. The general focus of the course will be to examine the scientific aspects of the detection of intoxications and the role of intoxicating agents in the commission of crimes and/or overdose and poisoning. The laboratory sessions introduce the basic analytical principles that are common in forensic toxicology. This includes the various methods of sample preparation, extraction, and drug screening, determination of blood ethanol levels and qualitative and quantitative analysis of specimens for various drugs of abuse. Common acidic, basic, and neutral drug screening methods will be applied along with the concepts of conformational analysis.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 707 Principles of Forensic Toxicology.

FOS 726 Forensic Toxicology II

This course is a continuation of the advanced study of the scientific principles associated with the medico-legal aspects of drugs and poisons. It builds upon the specific forensic material, general pharmacology, and toxicology presented in previous courses. Forensic toxicology is an evolving science dealing with the qualitative and quantitative identification of poisonous substances and the consequent application of the results to an episode of intoxication. Forensic Toxicology II is intended to formulate a basis through which the student becomes more conversant with a wide range of practical components designed to reinforce topics covered earlier and seeks to give students experience in analytical problems specific to the human biological condition. This course covers the applied aspects commonly encountered in the practice of forensic toxicology: human performance testing, workplace/occupational drug testing, sports medicine, clinical toxicology, the role of the toxicologist in the courtroom and expert testimony, QA/QC and toxicology laboratory management issues. Specific problems will be expanded to include consideration of the impact resulting from a variety of synthetic and/or natural toxins. In this framework, aspects of terrorist attacks with potential weapons of mass destruction will also be discussed. Parallel laboratory sessions dealing with the above topics will be included in order to demonstrate some of the practical aspects associated with these issues. Methods of workplace drug testing, detection of doping agents, therapeutic drug monitoring, and QA/QC topics will be addressed in the laboratory environment.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 725 Forensic Toxicology I.

FOS 727 Case Analyses in Forensic Toxicology

This course educates students in forensic toxicology interpretation and expert testimony in court in criminal and civil cases. Cases that will be investigated and discussed include the critical review of analytical data (what causes a false positive drug test result?), the accuracy of alcohol testing and the issues related to alcohol back-calculations, how doses and route of administration influence the drug’s effects, and interpretation of hair analysis, among others. The course will follow a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) strategy. PBL is a student-centered learning approach based on the student’s autonomy on their goal-setting, collaboration, communication and critical thinking within real-world practices.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 707 Principles of Forensic Toxicology.

FOS 732 Advanced Topics in Genetics and Molecular Biology for Forensic Scientists

This course provides an in-depth study of selected topics in molecular biology and genetics that are relevant to forensic science practice and applications. Lecture topics include the structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins; genetic variation and its implications in human populations; DNA replication, recombination, and repair; inheritance patterns and genetic linkage; transcription and translation; the regulation of gene expression and epigenetic mechanisms. The laboratory introduces experimental methodologies at the core of molecular biology, focusing on the detection and quantification of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 708 Human Genetics and Forensic DNA Technology.

FOS 733 Advanced Methods in Forensic Molecular Biology

This course provides an in-depth treatment of selected topics in molecular biology. Lecture topics include the structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins; DNA replication, recombination, and repair; mutagenesis; transcription and translation; regulation of gene expression; mobile genetic elements, and molecular biological techniques. The laboratory introduces experimental methodologies: cell culture techniques, transformation, DNA and protein isolation, electrophoresis, Southern and Western blotting, DNA sequencing, and recombinant DNA techniques. QA/QC topics will be addressed in the laboratory environment.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 732 Advanced Topics in Genetics and Molecular Biology for Forensic Scientists.

FOS 735 Advanced Topics in Physical Science

This course will introduce the student to the use of advanced instrumental techniques for the analyses of physical evidence materials of forensic import. The course includes lectures and problem sessions. At the conclusion of the course the successful student will understand the use and operation of certain types of advanced chemical instrumentation and their application to certain forensic samples. The student will also be able to choose the proper techniques to successfully analyze these materials. Qualitative methods will be covered and quantitative analysis will be stressed. Evidence types to be covered are glass, paints, fibers, metals, gunshot residues, and inorganic materials. Careful calibration, which is necessary for quality analysis, will be stressed. Ethical concerns over interpretation and report generation will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 710 Advanced Criminalistics I.

Co-Requisite(s): FOS 711 Advanced Criminalistics II.

FOS 736 Firearms and Toolmarks Examination

After a brief review of the development of firearms and ammunition, a detailed examination of the manufacturer of firearms and ammunition will follow. These principles will be developed to provide a robust background for the student to understand the concepts and theoretical basis of comparison microscopy as it is used to associate fired ammunition to the firearm from which it was discharged. The same principles will also be applied to the forensic analysis of toolmarks. Grading will be based on the written and oral assignments, the examinations and class participation.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 706 Physical and Biological Evidence.

FOS 737 Forensic Electron Microscopy

This is a lecture, demonstration and laboratory class that will introduce the student to the theory and applications of electron microscopy as well as that of x-ray spectrometry to forensic and chemical analysis. Diffraction theory in electron microscopes will also be introduced. The class will concentrate on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), with less emphasis on Transmission Electron (TEM) and Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM) techniques.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 722 Advanced Instrumental Analysis II,

Co-Requisite(s): FOS 710 Advanced Criminalistics I,

FOS 738 Crime Scene Investigation for Forensic Scientists

This course explores the techniques and procedures used by crime scene investigators in gathering probative forensic evidence. Often, criminalists within lab settings receive evidence for analysis that does not provide context for how and where it was collected, nor the context under which it has been forwarded to the lab. The determination of contributing probative events that lead to a crime scene must be approached in a logical and discriminatory manner to provide investigators, prosecutors, and jurors with a fair and accurate understanding of how a crime unfolded. The class will teach hypothesis driven approaches, critical thinking and context evaluation to guide the use of physical evidence and crime scene reconstruction as an investigative tool. Limitations and ethical concerns regarding crime scene processing will be discussed. Lecture concepts will be reinforced through practical exercises.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 706 Physical and Biological Evidence.

FOS 760 Scientific Evidence, Expert Testimony and Ethics for Research and Forensic Scientists

This is a course of study designed to introduce the forensic science student to the inter-relationship of science and the law as well as discuss some of the ethical problems that may confront him/her in their role as an expert witness and scientific researcher. The role of the expert and his testimony in assisting the court and the trier of fact will be explored. Classic Frye rule considerations will be presented, as well as the newer Daubert guidelines. The impact of the Federal Rules of Evidence will be discussed. The course will be taught by lectures and by the Socratic Method. Students will be given assignments from textbooks, handouts, and library research and are expected to be prepared for class discussions each period. A portion of the instruction will be on how to prepare and testify as an effective expert. Sometime will be spent on dealing with cross-examination.

FOS 761 Forensic Anthropology: Osteological & Genetic Identification

This course will introduce students to methods in forensics, with applications ranging from the study of ancient civilizations to modern criminal cases. As part of the course, students will become familiar with crime scene investigation techniques and excavations of human remains in archaeological contexts. Students will be introduced to sample collection and identification methods for human and nonhuman remains, including DNA analyses, osteology, and facial reconstruction. The students will also develop skills in basic human skeletal anatomy, pathology and trauma investigation, sample/evidence collection, genotyping, and the study of changes occurring in bodies post-mortem, or taphonomy. Finally, the broader social and legal context of forensic analyses in different communities will be presented in the course by discussing well-known archaeological and criminal investigation cases.

FOS 762 Current Trends in Forensic Pathology and Entomology

This course will provide students with an in-depth introduction into the historical and current methodologies and practices in the fields of forensic pathology and entomology. Students will be involved in critiquing and evaluating historical and current research in the field. Students will also develop their practical skills through a field exercise where they will learn about chain of custody and will incorporate collection, sampling and analytical techniques relevant to the field of forensic science, pathology and entomology. They will also learn the basic skills of histology in forensic pathology.

FOS 795 Thesis Prospectus I

The first in a series of three mandatory prospectus courses is a seminar designed to introduce the student to John Jay college resources, current topics in forensic science, and scientific research design. In preparation for finding a mentor and starting thesis research, students will hear about scholarly research by science faculty, research ethics, and library and writing center resources. The class also covers professional ethics and ethical issues in forensic science. Students will develop critical analysis and scientific writing skills. Students should register for FOS 795 in their first semester of study.

FOS 796 Thesis Prospectus II

The second required prospectus seminar course continues to introduce the student to scholarly research, and professional and ethical issues in scientific research and forensic science. In this formal seminar, presentations by a combination of invited experts, faculty, and/or students on published articles, original research, and other relevant topics will provide students with a broader perspective on forensic science. Students will develop critical literature review and oral and written communication skills. In FOS 796 students present the development of their thesis research, from literature review and experimental design to preliminary data. Students must develop and submit a thesis prospectus by the end of this course.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 795 Thesis Prospectus I

FOS 797 Thesis Prospectus III

The third prospectus class requires the student to work on a research project under the tutelage of a faculty member. Before registering for this class using the Graduate Thesis Prospectus form, the student must have identified a faculty mentor and a thesis project and, if applicable, obtained Human Subject Research approval. The purpose of this course is to assist the student in completing their thesis research requirement. Students will hone their research, data analysis, and scientific reasoning skills.

Prerequisite(s): FOS 796 Thesis Prospectus II

CRJ 708 Law, Evidence and Ethics

Examines the rules of evidence followed in criminal investigations, criminal trials and administrative proceedings. Pays special attention to the methods and ethical obligations of government agents assigned to gather evidence.