Printed on 3/29/2024

Forensic Science

10-504-4 Associate Degree (AAS) Part Time, Full Time 60 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Times of Day: Day, Evening Locations*: Appleton, Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Forensic science is a fascinating field where law enforcement meets scientific investigation. Your training will introduce you to crime scene management, criminal law and constitutional law. You will learn how to identify, document, collect, preserve and analyze physical evidence. Gain experience with biological evidence such as DNA, as well as fingerprints and footwear impressions, trace evidence, tool marks and more. You’ll also develop skills for crash scene investigation, and property and evidence management. Then you can enhance your credentials with a concentration in either physical evidence or digital evidence.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (40 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
    10-504-110
    3Credit
    72
    90

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504110
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores the applications of science in the field of crime scene management from the crime scene to the courtroom and beyond. Students will focus on the examination and reconstruction of various crime scenes with the emphasis on the identification, collection, documentation and preservation of physical evidence.

    Prereq: Active in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice plans, HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103; Coreq: A.C.E. 94900315; OR not pursuing a degree
  • Property/Evidence Management
    10-504-168
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504168
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on the applications of all forms of property and evidence management systems that include a number of key stages from the piece of property/evidence's acquisition to its eventual disposal. Students will learn versatile time saving tools for managing property, evidence, and equipment through warehousing and inventory control. Develop formal standards for the management, administration, handling of property/evidence and benchmark references specific to the initial property/evidence handling procedures and life time standards for an organization.

  • Cultural Diversity In Criminal Justice
    10-504-103
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explore the impact of varied cultures on American policing, courts, and corrections.

  • Basic Crime Scene Photography
    10-504-131
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504131
    • Credits: 3.00

    Designed to develop basic skills in preparing effective crime scene photographs and to instruct the student in the type of photographs necessary, as well as the lighting needed for good crime scene photography. This course will educate the crime scene investigator, homicide detective, sworn law enforcement officer, rape detective, arson investigator, domestic violence investigator, and other law enforcement personnel in the aspects of photography and provide the skills needed to apply this technology in the crime scene investigation field and/or related areas.

    Coreq: Introduction to Forensic Science (10504110)
  • Impression Evidence
    10-504-146
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504146
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the many different types of two/three dimensional impression evidence (footwear, fingerprints, tool marks, tire tread, etc.) found at crime scenes, detection/recovery techniques in the field and examinations in the lab and beyond to include the courtroom. Students will have practical hands-on applications (casting, lifts, etc.) with the collection techniques used in the field and lab environment. This will aid the student in developing tools and technologies to enhance their abilities to identify, document, collect and preserve impression evidence. This course is offered online in fall term and on-campus in spring term.

    Prereq: Introduction to Forensic Science (10504110)
  • Criminal Procedures
    10-504-208
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504208
    • Credits: 3.00

    Identify basic concepts of criminal law; analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes against persons have been committed; analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes against property have been committed; and analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes involving drugs, alcohol or other criminal activity have been committed.

    Prereq: Intro to Corrections 10504201; OR active in Forensic Science plan; OR active in Private Investigator Spec CERT
  • Biological & Trace Evidence
    10-504-122
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504122
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides the student with the knowledge of protecting, recognizing, documenting, collecting, preserving and analysis of biological and trace evidence. Students will learn about the different types of biological evidence and trace evidence that can be used to assist in criminal investigations. This course deals with the real science and myths of DNA along with the identifying suitable types of evidence for DNA analysis. This course is offered on-campus in fall term and online in spring term.

    Prereq: Basic Crime Scene Photography 10504131 or enrolled in Evidence Technician certificate
  • Crash Scene Investigation
    10-504-159
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504159
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the importance of crash scene management as a crime scene management application. Students are exposed to response, recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of evidence techniques. Topics include reports, legal aspects, manual and laser measuring techniques, plotting methods, manual and computer-aided diagramming, evidence collection, approach speed, approach angle, crush evaluation, departure angle, drag factor, percent braking, post-collision speed, scrape, skid, test skids, etc.

    Prereq: Basic Crime Scene Photography 10504131
  • CCI: Investigating Internet Crime
    10-504-178
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504178
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with an understanding of the nature of crimes being committed on the Internet and the skills necessary to successfully investigate Internet-related crime. Students will learn various investigative techniques, protocols and technical tools necessary to identify offenders and acquire evidence to build a prosecutable case.

  • Writing Reports
    10-504-205
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504205
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explain the context of report writing, take effective field notes, organize information in reports, write narratives, describe what information should be included in certain types of reports, prepare for court, describe how to be an effective witness, and testify as a witness in court.

    Prereq: Communicating Professionally 10504207; OR Intro to Corrections 10504201 and Public Safety Communication 10504112; OR active in Forensic Science plan; OR active in Private Investigator CERT
  • Juvenile Procedures
    10-504-209
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504209
    • Credits: 3.00

    Describe the juvenile justice system; describe how juveniles in need of protection or services or delinquent are handled; identify constitutional law issues relevant to juveniles; analyze the role of law enforcement and other agencies in responding to and investigating child maltreatment; and recognize the unique investigative issues for missing children.

    Coreq: Criminal Procedures 10504208 OR enrolled in Child Protection Investigator certificate
  • Basic Medicolegal Death Investigation
    10-504-105
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504105
    • Credits: 3.00

    Based on the standards set by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) students will learn to investigate a death scene. Topics will include investigations from homicide to accidents to natural causes.

    Prereq: Basic Crime Scene Photography 10504131
  • Forensic Science Capstone
    10-504-180
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504180
    • Credits: 3.00

    Integrates all the individual skills students learned in previous classes to allow them to process a crime scene. Students will be expected to achieve a basic knowledge of how to record and document, collect, protect and defend the credibility of evidence.

    Prereq: Biological and Trace Evidence (10504122) and Impression Evidence (10504146)
  • Constitutional Principles
    10-504-211
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504211
    • Credits: 3.00

    Diagram the structure of the criminal justice system; identify when constitutional rules apply; identify the elements of a lawful arrest; identify the requirements for search warrants, and when warrantless searches are permitted; identify the requirements governing confessions and statements; and analyze the requirements for evidence to be admissible in court.

    Prereq: Criminal Procedures 10504208; OR active in Financial Fraud Detection CERT

    General Studies (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Quantitative Reasoning
    10-804-135
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10804135
    • Credits: 3.00

    Intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction and interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry and spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course.

    Prereq: Arith – HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL 65+, Next Gen 263+, ACT Math 18+ OR Arith Prep 10834109 OR Not active in program
  • Written Communication
    10-801-195
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801195
    • Credits: 3.00

    Teaches the writing process which includes prewriting, drafting and revising. Through writing assignments, students analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Class sessions and assignments involve giving oral presentations and using computers.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR Not pursuing a degree
  • Basic Anatomy
    10-806-189
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10806189
    • Credits: 3.00

    Examines concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to health careers. Learners correlate anatomical and physiological terminology to all body systems.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Think Critically & Creatively
    10-809-103
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809103
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides instruction about critical and creative thinking that is in high demand in all occupations. Models, theories, and processes provide the foundation for learning logical thinking strategies. Students will apply a systematic approach to problem solving by analyzing the problem, assessing possible solutions, and making effective decisions. In addition, students will generate ideas and analyze complex issues. This course assists students with developing a critical thinking mindset which is essential at every level of personal and professional life.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree
  • Intro to Psychology
    10-809-198
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809198
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on the theoretical foundation of human functioning and looks at learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. Students consider the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

    Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 237+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 15+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 74851745 OR not pursuing a degree

    Suggested Electives (2 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • CCI: Computer Crime Investigation
    10-504-176
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504176
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with the skills, knowledge and ability to conduct computer crime investigations. Students will learn investigative protocols that can be applied to various types of computer crimes, focusing on the collection of evidence to initiate a criminal prosecution.

  • CCI: Basic Data Recovery
    10-504-179
    2Credit
    36
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10504179
    • Credits: 2.00

    Provides students with a basic understanding of how forensic evidence is recovered from a computer or similar device. Students will learn the necessary steps involved in preserving, authenticating, and analyzing data stored on computing devices, while maintaining the integrity of evidence found on these devices.

  • Forensic Anthropology, Intro to
    10-504-194
    3Credit
    72
    90
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504194
    • Credits: 3.00

    Provides the student with information regarding forensic anthropology as it applies to the science of physical anthropology and the legal process. Students will learn how forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist in the detection of crime. Students will be exposed to how the forensic anthropologists assist in locating and recovering suspicious remains, establish if the bones are human, how to determine the sex, race, age, stature, weight, and any pathology of the newly acquired skeleton, determine manner and cause of death and, if homicide, identify the murderer.

    Prereq: Introduction to Forensic Science (10504110)
  • Public Safety Fitness and Wellness
    10-504-181
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504181
    • Credits: 3.00

    Demonstrates student fitness techniques and wellness topics to prepare candidates for public safety careers. Instruction related to nutrition, disease, stress and injury prevention will be provided.

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.