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Lasell University
Lasell University

2019 - 2020 Academic Catalog

Forensic Biology Minor

The minor in Forensic Biology is an interdisciplinary pre-professional minor designed for students with interests or career goals in Forensic Biology.  It complements any major, but is especially appropriate for students with a biology, exercise science or health science major. It provides students with the scientific academic background in basic principles of Forensic Science and Forensic Biology. 
The Forensic Biology minor consists of  five courses.

Course Code Course Title Credits
Minor Courses
CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (KP) 3
FSCI205 Forensics 3
FSCI309 Forensic Science II 3
FSCI411 Forensic DNA Analysis 4
Choose 1 from the following:
CJ201 Criminology 3
CJ207 Criminal Investigations 3
CJ316 Criminal Procedure 3
FSCI413 Trace Evidence & Microscopy 4
FSCI450 SPT in Applied Forensic Science 3
PSYC307 Forensic Psychology 3

Credit Requirements for minor: 17 credits


CJ101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (KP)

This course is an overview of the history, philosophy, ethics, and legal issues related to the criminal justice system. The course provides an overview of the criminal justice system, focusing on critical decisions with an emphasis on contemporary issues, controversies, and trends.

FSCI205 - Forensics

This course is an introductory survey course in forensic science. The focus will be on the recognition, collection, preservation and analysis of physical evidence. Students will be presented with various state of the art techniques utilized in the analysis of physical evidence from a non-science major perspective with the presumption that students do not have technical backgrounds (i.e. chemistry, biology and/or physics). The goal of this class will be to provide students with an understanding of what forensic science entails.

FSCI309 - Forensic Science II

This course will introduce various methodologies and applications used in the forensic context. Topics discussed include organic and inorganic chemical analyses of physical evidence; principles of serology and DNA analysis, an introduction to quality assurance and quality control concepts; principles and techniques for forensic toxicology, fire debris and explosive examinations. Techniques for the analysis of inks, dyes, polymers and colors will be introduced. Pre-requisites: CJ 205, CHEM 304

FSCI411 - Forensic DNA Analysis

This course introduces students to forensic DNA analysis. Students will develop an understanding of forensic DNA methodologies and their use in solving crimes. Issues pertaining to DNA fingerprinting as it applies to legal proceedings will be addressed. Pre-requisites: BIO 209, 211 (F, alternate years)

CJ201 - Criminology

In this course, contemporary criminological theories are analyzed and evaluated with an emphasis on the social construction of crime, criminal offending, and victimization. Theories of crime are distinguished from theories of criminality. Assessments of theoretical advances, including theory integration and general theories of crime are examined. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CJ 101, LS 101, PSYC 101, or SOC 101

CJ207 - Criminal Investigations

This course examines the fundamentals of criminal investigation including scientific aids, interviews, interrogations, collection and preservation of evidence, methods of surveillance, follow-up and case preparation. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.

CJ316 - Criminal Procedure

Criminal procedure refers to the process whereby the criminal law is enforced. Major topics to be covered in this course include: the exclusionary rule, search and seizure, identification, interrogation, trial rights, sentencing, and due process. Special emphasis is placed upon how the rules of procedure affect the components of the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CJ 101 or LS 101.

FSCI413 - Trace Evidence & Microscopy

This course introduces students to field of forensic microscopy and the various types of microscopes used in forensic analysis including compound, comparison, polarizing light, and ballistics microscopes. Trace evidence including hair, soil, glass, paint and gunshot residue will be analyzed. Students will prepare case folders to develop an understanding of evidence control, experimental protocols, reporting results and drawing conclusions. Pre-requisites: BIO101, CJ205, CHEM204 (F, alternate years)

FSCI450 - SPT in Applied Forensic Science

This course provides specialized topics in Applied Forensic Science in order to address current disciplinary trends. Using a problem-based learning model, students will engage in collaborative work, facilitated by faculty, to solve cases based on current issues. Prerequisite: Senior standing in Applied Forensic Science Program.

PSYC307 - Forensic Psychology

This course deals with the application of psychological knowledge to the judicial process and the criminal justice system. Topics covered include effects of defendant, juror and case characteristics on verdicts, variables affecting eyewitness accuracy, identification and testimony, and the role of forensic psychologists in competency and criminal responsibility assessments as well as criminal profiling. Prerequisite: CJ 201 or PSYC 101.