PFD310 - Forensic Crime Scene Investigation

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:44:33.624
Last review date 2024-02-05 00:15:01.88

Subject Title
Forensic Crime Scene Investigation

Subject Description
Forensic science in its broadest definition is the application of science to criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies. This subject focuses on the gathering of information for the purposes of generating evidence to be used in the court of law. You will be introduced to the study of certain technical and scientific methods currently used for identification purposes. Areas that will be covered include: biology, chemistry, ballistics and firearms, document examinations, pathology, toxicology and fingerprints.

Credit Status
This is a required course in the Police Foundations diploma program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.            Describe the historical development of forensic science and the various forensic services available to law enforcement to assist investigations.
2.            Assess how to collect, package and preserve physical exhibits such as blood ,bones ,saliva , bodily fluids, botanical evidence , glass analysis and tool marks.
3.            Evaluate legal requirements when collecting evidence at a crime scene and understand what type of information the Centre of Forensic Science(CFS) can provide.
4.            Assess the Coroners Act , a police officer's role and other crime scene managers at a homicide scene.
5.            Define the circumstances and criteria to obtain a DNA warrant.
6.            Recognize the various types of fingerprints , how to obtain them and the legalities of fingerprinting.
7.            Understand the importance of crime scene management , crime scene measuring and crime scene drawing.

 
 

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.