A basic or introductory forensic science class gives you an overview of what forensic science is and what is required of a forensic scientist. Topics may include the history of forensics, the scientific method, problem solving, tools for analysis and professional and ethical standards. Basic forensics courses teach students about scientific evidence and how to recognize, collect and preserve it. The course may cover aspects such as statistical methods and quality assurance.
Some forensic courses cover topics of forensics as they relate to criminal justice, including homicide crime scene investigations, evidence, criminal trials and legal testimony. These classes teach students how to evaluate a scene, the roles and functions of police agencies, evidence collection, report writing and court testimony. Students learn about the admissibility of evidence, testimony and the importance of documentation, and also how proof of evidence can lead to a conviction.
Evidence like DNA is central to any forensic science program. Courses cover evidence collection and evaluation. Students can expect to spend time in the lab analyzing DNA, including its uniqueness, genetic structure and old and new technologies. The course may teach students how to lift fingerprints and how to distinguish them and identify people. The course may also include evidence like non-human DNA samples and blood samples and types, as well as the instruments and methods used to study them.
Forensic science classes can cover a wide range of other topics including human genetics and genomics, research methods, toxicology, forensic science theories, molecular biology and toxic chemicals. Elective courses in forensic science may go into more depth about specific types of evidence or expand on crime scene investigation by including crimes such as arson. Students who choose to study forensic science need to have a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics and calculus.