- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This course provides instruction in evidence search and collection for the purposes of submitting samples for forensic DNA typing within an accredited laboratory environment. Evidence searching (including alternate light sources) is followed by screening of evidence with presumptive and/or confirmatory tests to identify the source of biological evidence including blood, semen, saliva, and urine. Students will also learn about microscopy principles and techniques to search for and identify biological and trace chemical evidence. Practical laboratory exercises teach the decision-making process for initiating complex searches with the proper methods for collecting and preserving wet and dry biological evidence, proper evidence storage, and maintenance of the chain of custody and evidence tracking. In addition, biological hazards and best safety procedures are covered.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in FSCT 8150
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$893.05
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify the difference between biological evidence and non-biological evidence.
- Outline common locations and source of biological evidence.
- Use UV and alternate light sources to locate biological evidence.
- Describe the underlying process of how presumptive and confirmatory tests work in identifying biological fluids.
- Use presumptive and/or confirmatory tests and correctly interpret the results to identify various types of biological fluids (blood, semen, saliva, urine).
- Search a variety of types of evidence including mapping of large pieces of evidence.
- Explain the underlying principles of microscopy including Kohler illumination, phase contrast microscopy, other techniques and limitations.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively search for biological evidence using microscopy.
- Practice proper safety procedures to handle potential health hazards when dealing with biological evidence.
- Demonstrate proper techniques to package and store wet and dry evidence in order to preserve DNA.
- Identify proper methods for storing various types of biological evidence.
- Describe the components and importance of chain of custody and evidence tracking while working in an accredited forensic laboratory.
Effective as of Fall 2018
Related Programs
Forensic Biology: Evidence Recovery (FSCT 8155) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs with a co-op option.
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Combined Honours in Biochemistry and Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science Full-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Advanced Certificate Part-time
- Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)
Bachelor of Technology Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2025
Below is one offering of FSCT 8155 for the Winter 2025 term.
CRN 87305
Dates
Mon Jan 06 - Wed Apr 02
- 13 weeks
- CRN 87305
- Domestic fees $893.05
Status
Full
This course offering is full. Please check back next term, subscribe to receive email updates or contact us with your comments or questions.
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06 - Apr 02 | N/A | N/A | Online |
| Jan 08 - Feb 12 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Burnaby NW04 Rm. 4074 |
| Feb 19 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Online |
| Feb 26 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Online |
| Mar 05 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Burnaby NW04 Rm. 4074 |
| Mar 12 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Online |
| Mar 19 - Mar 26 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Burnaby NW04 Rm. 4074 |
| Apr 02 | Wed | 18:00 - 21:30 | Online |
Instructor
Christine Martin
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.12 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Nathalia Biernat will be co-instructor for this hybrid course: Jan 06 - Apr 2, 2025. Face to Face labs held on Jan 08, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, Mar 05, 19 & 26, 2025. Online “LIVE” classes are planned for Feb 19 & Mar 12. Online midterm on Feb 26 and Final exam on April 2. Online Powerpoint presentations are planned for: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb 05, 12, 19, Mar 05, 12, 19 & 26. Note: The online presentations are released Mondays every week online, as per the course outline and made available for the class duration of the course. In-person attendance is expected Wednesdays every week, as per the course outline. For more information, please contact one of the Program Assistants at BCIT_Forensics@BCIT.ca or the Forensic Science & Technology website at bcit.ca/forensics.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.