December 17, 2004
Forensic science fans learn basics through distance-learning course
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Fans of the popular TV shows "CSI," "Forensic Files" and "The New Detectives" can learn the basics of forensic science in their own homes through a distance- learning course offered by Purdue University.
HSCI218P: Introduction to Forensic Science begins Jan. 10 and is conducted entirely online via streaming video. The class teaches the basic concepts of forensics and crime-scene investigation, including:
• forensic pathology and toxicology,
• blood spatter,
• entomological evidence and time since death,
• trace evidence,
• ballistic and tool mark analysis,
• computer and cybercrime,
• arson and explosive investigation,
• terrorism and emergency management,
• criminal behavior analysis.
Guest speakers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Indiana University School of Medicine, the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, the Indiana and Illinois State Police, the Indiana Department of Public Health and Purdue faculty from a variety of disciplines also will discuss current trends in forensics.
David G. Tate, course instructor and Purdue health sciences clinical education director, says the course was quite popular last semester when it debuted.
"Students with career aspirations in forensics, as well as those simply curious about the subject, have enjoyed the convenience of crime-scene investigation being brought to their personal computers," Tate said. "We expect another strong response this semester."
The course fee of $655.20 provides three credits. Students also will be required to purchase a textbook and supplemental reading material. Tate also recommends that students have a high-speed Internet connection.
The registration deadline is Jan. 5. To register, contact Dennis L. McElhoe, Purdue distance learning coordinator, at (765) 494-1434, dlmcelhoe@purdue.edu; or Marta Read, Continuing Education's Distance Learning Center administrative assistant, at (765) 494-2746 or mlread@purdue.edu.
Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu
Sources: David Tate, (765) 494-1392, dgtate@purdue.edu
Dennis McElhoe, (765) 494-1434, dlmcelhoe@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web site:
Purdue University Office of Continuing Education and Conferences
PHOTO CAPTION:
David Tate (left) and Ralph Williams will explore the basic concepts of forensic science in a distance-learning course to be offered through Purdue. The course, "Introduction to Forensic Science," will be offered online via streaming video starting Jan. 10. Students will explore topics ranging from forensic crime-scene techniques, firearms, entomology, blood chemistry, pathology, toxicology, anthropology, botany, trace evidence and new trends in forensic investigations. (University News Service photograph/David Umberger)
A publication-quality photograph is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/uns/images/tate.forensics.jpeg
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