Why study forensic science?
Forensic science classes are often required for students interested in law enforcement. These classes may also be of interest to students seeking to enhance their analytical skills. Even those who enjoy solving a mystery are welcome. Students with a background in forensic science may find career opportunities in many fields. Careers include crime scene analysis, law enforcement, and government security agencies. Other fields are education, art, and the entertainment industries. When taken together, Parkland's two forensic science classes fulfill both the Physical and Life Science (with lab) General Education requirements.
At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.
Classes
Essentials of Forensic Science (SCI 108): an introduction to the application of science to criminal and civil cases. Including an overview of forensic chemistry, forensic biochemistry, and other sub-disciplines in forensics. Special emphasis will be placed on the techniques of sampling a crime scene. The use of physical evidence to help solve cases will also be a focus. Learn about evidence, what it is, where it can be found, and where it comes from. Also, how to analyze it, and how valuable it is in a criminal case.
Forensic Science II: Death Analysis (SCI 208): is designed to give students an appreciation of the science associated with areas of a forensic investigation. It can be taken independently of or concurrently with SCI 108; SCI 108 is not a prerequisite for taking SCI 208. After a brief introductory presentation of the basics of human anatomy and physiology. SCI 208 covers many topics, including firearms and ballistics, explosives, forensic osteology, and forensic odontology. As well as bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic radiography, traumatic death, and pathology. Mass disasters (airline crashes) and MVAs (motor vehicle accidents) will also be covered. There are two underlying themes in the course: ‘What kills people?’ and ‘What happens to a body after death?’. The labs are associated with several major topics shown above. With heavy emphasis on analysis of human skeletal remains and bloodstain pattern analysis. Real specimens are used in many cases. These include the lab involving an external examination of a cadaver as a preface to autopsy.