Graduate Course Listing
Please visit the Academic Timetable to see which courses are presently being offered and in which location(s). Not all courses listed below run every term or in all locations. For specific details about program requirements and degree regulations, please refer to the Academic Calendar.
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FRSC-5001H: Communicating Sci. & Forensic Reporting
Offered:
- Peterborough
A forensic scientist must be able to effectively communicate their knowledge and findings. This course will explore and practice the skills in presenting technical scientific information to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Written and oral presentation of scientific knowledge will be a major component of this course.
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FRSC-5003H: Research Design & Stats in FRSC
Offered:
- Peterborough
The course addresses a range of fundamental research skills, including: practicing ethical and safe research; research proposal and journal article writing; data handling and statistical analysis; critical evaluation of research; and formal research presentations. Through oral presentations and discussions students will develop effective communication techniques in order to present scientific information to a variety of audiences. Ultimately, this course provides foundational skills to prepare the next generation of forensic scientists for the professional and research responsibilities required in the rapidly developing forensic field.
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FRSC-5006H: Leadership in Forensic Science
Offered:
- Peterborough
Leadership is required at all levels in forensic science. This course is designed to introduce students to a broad spectrum of issues in forensic science leadership from the crime scene to the crime lab. Topics to be discussed will include management styles, emotional intelligence, situational awareness, performance management, health and wellness, small group dynamics, ethics and leadership roles.
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FRSC-5007H: Adv. Forensic Toxicology
Offered:
- Peterborough
Advanced Forensic Toxicology course is composed of three modules dedicated to drugs and metabolites, biological matrices and measurements. A lecture and lab-based course will provide advanced understanding of toxicology, pharmacology, and methodology in the forensic science context with hands on experience in sample preparation.
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FRSC-5009H: Forensic Placement
Offered:
- Peterborough
This course bridges the academic theory learned in the classroom with a field-based learning experience in a professional setting. It emphasizes both professional practice and research skills, allowing students to develop a professional network and gain valuable work experience in a forensic field of their choice. Students are provided foundational knowledge and skills to prepare them for the responsibilities of forensic positions. The course also incorporates research in a forensic venue, allowing to students to contribute to the forensic science field while critically evaluating the role of research in forensic practice.
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FRSC-5010H: Advanced DNA Typing
Offered:
- Peterborough
This course will provide knowledge of theoretical and practical DNA analytical techniques essential for every fo-rensic scientist to understand. This course will provide students with a study in advanced molecular genetic tech-niques, DNA profiling, and emerging technologies as they relate to forensic science.
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FRSC-5020H: Advanced Forensic Chemical Analysis
Offered:
- Peterborough
The lectures will focus on the advanced topics in forensic chemical analysis including the use of molecular spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, chromatography to analyze forensic evidence such as polymers, fibers, paint, drugs, residues, soil, ex-plosives, among others. Novel chemical methodology with applications in forensic sciences will also be described. Laboratory will provide technical skills and illustrate applications of chemical analysis in forensic context.
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FRSC-5030H: Expert Evidence & the Courts
Offered:
- Peterborough
Forensic scientists must be aware of their roles and responsibilities within Canadian (and international) judicial system. This course will explore the interplay between science and law. Expert witness testimony and the presen-tation of evidence will be a major and practical component of this course. Students will study criminal and civil procedures and rules of evidence specific to the role of forensic experts in providing testimony in court and tri-bunal settings. This course will prepare students for their future as expert witnesses. Oral and written communica-tion skills will be employed throughout the course.
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FRSC-5040H: Complex Crime Scene Analyses
Offered:
- Peterborough
Crime scene investigation commences the moment the chain of evidence is established. It involves the meticu-lous and rigorous application of the scientific method in order to achieve successful documentation, collection and processing of biological and physical evidence. This course will untangle the complexities of analyzing crime scenes in an array of situations and the application of advanced forensic investigation techniques. It will discuss new and emerging technologies available to crime scene investigators and cover an array of possible scenarios that may be encountered.
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FRSC-5070H: Advanced Topics in Forensic Science
Offered:
- Peterborough
This course looks to survey the ever-expanding reach of forensic science, focusing on recent advancements and innovations as discussed in the literature. Critical evaluation of the key limitations and forthcoming challenges expected to arise as a consequence of such advancements will be discussed.
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FRSC-5090H: Work-Integrated Skills Devt
Offered:
- Peterborough
This course prepares students to bridge academic theory with field-based experience in a professional setting; emphasizing job search and professional networking skills. Students are provided foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for the responsibilities of forensic positions. Pre-requisite for FRSC-5009H.
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FRSC-5111H: Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Offered:
- Peterborough
This course is intended to develop a fundamental knowledge of the discipline of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). A student will learn the basic theoretical and practical aspects that are associated with the discipline. Scientific evidence-based analysis and conclusions will be emphasized. Techniques will be discussed in lecture and students will then have the opportunity to learn the practical aspects by participating in laboratory experimentation.
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FRSC-5320H: Forensic Psychology
Offered:
- Peterborough
Examines how empirical psychological research informs police, the law, and courts. Topics include suspect interrogation and lineups, critical approaches to deception detection, eyewitness memory and testimony, jury biases and jury selection, mental illness and drug courts, risk assessment tools and methods, psychopathy and predictive assessment, sexual and intimate partner violence, and theories of homicidal offenders.
Cross-listed: PSYC-5320H
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FRSC-5800H: Bioinformatics
Offered:
- Peterborough
Bioinformatics-the application of computer programming to the management and analysis of biological information-is necessary for storing, manipulating, and analyzing large datasets. This course will consist of a mix of active lesctures (i.e. coding during lecture) and computer-based labs and independent reserach. Students will work independently under guidance from the instructor, on a bioinformatics project of their choosing that falls within the concepts covered, and skills developed during lecture and lab. Students will work collectively on writing a primer focused topic provided by the instructor.
Cross-listed: ENLS-5800H
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FRSC-5950D: Major Research Paper 1
Offered:
- Peterborough
The MRP is set up as an extended interaction with an external organization. It has been designed to meet the needs of the forensic Science industry. The MRP provides for a larger scope project than that of a placement but not the scope of an MSc thesis. The MRP begins in September and ends at the end of August after the students present their work. The goal of this MRP is to allow students more time to interact with the placement organization, to learn from them, and contribute back to the organization through their investigations.
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FRSC-5970H: Major Research Paper 2
Offered:
- Peterborough
The MRP is set up as an extended interaction with an external organization. It has been designed to meet the needs of the forensic Science industry. The MRP provides for a larger scope project than that of a placement but not the scope of an MSc thesis. The MRP begins in September and ends at the end of August after the students present their work. The goal of this MRP is to allow students more time to interact with the placement organization, to learn from them, and contribute back to the organization through their investigations.
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FRSC-5990H: Special Topics
Offered:
- Peterborough
The special topics course will cover an area of study relevant to the Master of Science Forensic Science Program that the instructor has specific expertise in. The goal of these courses is to provide an opportunity for students to learn from a diverse group of individuals in areas or at a depth beyond those covered in the other existing courses. The course may cover new subject matter, research techniques or methodologies. After one year, these courses will be reviewed for inclusion in the regular program curriculum.