Graduate Course Listing

This course is designed to instruct candidates with conditional entry into graduate studies in forensic science. Across three modules, students will learn key concepts in forensic science and law, biology and genetics, and chemistry and physics. Students will be assessed per module and via a final exam. The results of these assessments will be used to determine their acceptance into the graduate program (MScFS).

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.

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.

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.

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.

This course provides field-based learning experience in a professional setting. It emphasizes both professional practice and research skills, allowing students to gain valuable work experience in a forensic field of their choice, explore forensically relevant research questions, and develop a professional network.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

This course examines contemporary and iconic environmental forensic cases, with a focus on strategies used to identify environmental poisonings and/or impacts. Through the exploration of case studies such as major oil spills, and chemical company negligence, students will gain skills and knowledge in environmental forensics investigations.

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

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.