Principles of Forensic Science
PHA 6850 Principles of Forensic Science

To access the syllabus, visit Simple Syllabus and search by term and course.

Credits

This is a 3-credit course.

Description

This course has been developed to introduce students to the different disciplines of forensic science and show how they are applied to the examination of various types of evidence.

At the completion of this course, students are expected to:

  • Appreciate the procedures involved in death investigation.
  • Be familiar with the multidisciplinary nature of forensic science.
  • Understand the approach to crime scene investigation.
  • Be familiar with the collection and examination of latent prints.
  • Understand microscopical techniques as they apply to trace evidence.
  • Understand the abuse potential, recognition and analysis of drugs of abuse in both dosage forms and
    biological fluids.
  • Be familiar with the examination of biological evidence including DNA.
  • Understand the approach to firearm examination and comparison.

Final exam

This course has a final online exam which students take at the end of the semester. The exam will be proctored using HonorLock (please see technical requirements on this website: https://app.honorlock.com/support/msr-check).

More information about HonorLock including a student orientation is provided on their website. You can check out the student guide tour on the HonorLock website: https://prep.honorlock.com/

In order to take the final exam, you will need the following equipment:

  • Web camera or built-in camera for laptops
  • Microphone (built-in with web camera or separate)
  • Stable (preferably hard-wired) internet connection

If you have any questions, please contact program director Nancy Toffolo.

Virtual Laboratories

Together with Labster we are now able to offer select virtual laboratories to our students. This allows students to explore analytical procedures and techniques in a simulated laboratory, conduct actual experiments by changing experimental conditions, and challenge themselves to engage both with the theoretical as well as practical aspects of analytical techniques.

Library Access

UF online graduate students enjoy the same library privileges as on-campus students. Visit the University of Florida Libraries to find books, journals and more.