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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Forensic Science

Science for Society

Forensic Science Course Descriptions

FORS 120. Introduction to Forensic Science (3 cr I) Lec 3. FORS 120L may be taken as an optional one credit hour lab (required for BS in forensic science). Theory and practice in the forensic sciences. The USA legal system, taphonomy, criminalistics, forensic engineering, digital forensics, and behavioral sciences.

FORS 120L. Introduction to Forensic Science Laboratory  (1 cr I) Lab 2.  Prereq: Parallel FORS 120. Practical aspects of forensic sciences. Forensic entomology, soil science, bloodstain patterns, fingerprints, trace evidence, odontology, footmarks, toolmarks, and osteology.

FORS 200. Forensic Science Seminar (1 cr II) Prereq: FORS 120. Current issues in research, ethics, and professional practice related to forensic science.

FORS 300. Forensic Taphonomy (3 cr II) Prereq: FORS 120, BIOS 103, CHEM 110. Forensic application of processes associated with decomposition and preservation of organic materials.

FORS 400. Crime Scene Investigation (3 cr, II) Lec 3. Prereq: Junior standing and permission; parallel FORS 400L. Identification, collection, preservation, presentation of physical evidence. Ethics and chain of custody.

FORS 400L. Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory (1 cr, II) Lab 3. Prereq: Parallel FORS 400.

FORS 401. Forensic Biology (3 cr, II) Lec 3. Prereq: Junior standing and permission; parallel FORS 401L. Ethics, quality assurance, quality control, analysis, and interpretation of biological evidence for the legal system.

FORS 401L. Forensic Biology Laboratory (1 cr, II) Lab 3. Prereq: Parallel FORS 401.

FORS 414/814. Forensic Entomology (ENTO 414/814) (4 cr II) Prereq: Introductory course in ENTO. Collection, preservation, identification of forensically important insects. Estimation of postmortem interval, scene location and determination of cause and manner of death using entomological evidence.

FORS 445/845. Human Remains in Forensic Science (NRES 445/845) (4 cr I) Prereq: FORS 120. Human skeletal anatomy, identification of age, sex, biological affinity, stature. Activity pattern reconstruction and pathology identification. Radiology and 3D imaging.

FORS 446/846. Pollen Analysis for Behavioral, Biological, and Forensic Science (NRES 446/846) (4 cr I) Prereq: BIOS 109, FORS 120. Collection, processing, identification of common North American pollen types. Pollination ecology relating to scene reconstruction. Fundamental statistics and presentation to a legal and scientific audience.

FORS 485. Current Issues in Forensic Science. (3 cr II) Lec 3. Prereq. Senior standing; completion of forensic science core requirements.  Application and integration of principles to address emerging issues involving forensic science.

FORS 495. Internship in Forensic Science (1-4 cr, max 4 I, II, III) Prereq: Sophomore standing and permission. FORS 495 requires a structured practical experience under the supervision of a forensic science professional.

FORS 496. Independent Study in Forensic Science (1-6 cr, max 6 I, II, III) Ind. Prereq: Sophomore standing and permission. FORS 496 requires an individual or group research project or extension of course work.

FORS 498/898. Special Topics in Forensic Science (1-6 cr, max 12) Prereq: 3 hours forensic science or closely related coursework.

FORS 499H. Honors Thesis (1-6 cr, max 6 I, II, III) Ind. Prereq: Good standing in the University Honors Program and permission. AGRI 299H recommended. Conduct a research project and write a University Honors Program or undergraduate thesis.