Forensic Biology I

Subject	Course No.	Credit Value
Biology	BIOL 3839	Three (3) credit hours

Analyze and interpret information in the diverse field of forensic biology by examining the medical basis of selected causes of death (forensic pathology) and investigate the factors influencing human decomposition in a variety of conditions and environments (forensic taphonomy). Forensic science subdisciplines related to anthropology, ecology, entomology, and toxicology are also explored.

Credit can only be obtained for one of BIOL 3833 or BIOL 3839.

Disclaimer: Due to the nature of this course, students will be exposed to medically graphic and explicit content from real forensic cases, including injured and deceased human bodies. Some individuals may find discussions of homicide and suicide triggering or traumatizing.

Contact the instructor to request a syllabus.

Instructor: Dr. K. Miles
Prerequisite: BIOL 2053 or permission of the instructor

What you will learn

This course is designed to help you:

• Differentiate between important physical and chemical changes to the body after death.
• Comprehend the varied processes involved with the general term ‘decomposition’ and how various intrinsic and extrinsic factors impact taphonomic progression.
• Demonstrate an introductory understanding of forensic sciences and how the biology of death and decomposition can be affected, and more readily understood, by interdisciplinary examination of anthropology, entomology, ecology, and toxicology.

Students have six months from the registration date to complete the course. All course exams and/or assignments must be completed by the designated end date.

Assignments and examinations

• 11 x assignments (20% total)
• 1 x term project (20%)
• 3 x exams (invigilated, 60% total)

The exam(s) for this course will be invigilated on an approved date using Respondus e-proctoring software (LockDown Browser and Monitor). This is a free tool provided with this course; a webcam is required. More information will be given once you have been registered.

Fees and payments

There is a $150 non-refundable/non-transferable online fee per course in addition to applicable tuition & fees. Learn more about our payment options.

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