Biology: Intro to Forensic Biology

Covers crime scene investigation, methods of evidence collection and analysis, cause of death, and DNA identification in the context of biases that can influence the processing, interpretation, and use of evidence in the US court system.

Open to degree and PACE students

Forensic science is a rapidly changing field that blends expertise in a wide range of natural sciences, social sciences, and the law to better represent the rights of all members of our society. In this course, we will look at crime scene investigation, methods of evidence collection, and analysis of biological evidence both classical (fingerprints, blood spatter) and modern (DNA profiles and match statistics). In the process, we will consider the roles and responsibilities of the many members of an investigative team as evidence is collected, analyzed, interpreted, and presented, moving from the crime scene to the courtroom. Included in our discussions will be conversations around sources of bias and error that can lead to wrongful convictions, and the roles of regulation and tradition in admissibility of different kinds of evidence and testimony. To provide opportunities to learn how to interpret and evaluate criminal investigations, we use a case study approach building from relatively straight-forward cases to highly complex cases being argued by the Innocence Project. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to work with your peers to produce logical analyses of evidence and arguments used by both prosecution and defense, identify sources of bias and error, and develop and present your own opinions.

We will read from a range of reports and peer-reviewed articles about the collection, analysis, and presentation of biological evidence in criminal investigations. Our resources will include the National Academies of Science 2009 critique of forensic science. You are expected to complete all readings and other resources before each class, and come prepared to ask questions and discuss what you have read. Activities and assignments will be a mixture of group work and individual work.

This is an “active learning, case study” class (see below for a more complete description). Because it is also a high enrollment class, much of the work will be done in small groups. Grades for this class are based on multiple assessments. Doing well in this class requires that you complete the assigned readings and the assessments. To help you with the homework, each assignment will have questions indicating critical points (you should read or watch the entire assignment), and there will be weekly reflections to help you “consolidate” what you have been reading and talking about in class. You will then be expected to use your growing knowledge and skills to contribute to class conversations as a listener and as a speaker.