Forensic Investigation (Forensic Science Option)

This course provides practice in written and oral communication skills used in forensic science and investigation careers. The emphasis is on explaining technical material in plain language and communicating investigation results in reports and presentations. The course also includes techniques for e-mails, letters, reports, and for making oral presentations. Students prepare a professional job application and LinkedIn profile and examine strategies for maintaining their online reputation as professionals.
Prerequisite(s):

• 6 credits of COMM 1100 level or above, or 3 credits of university/college writing course.

This is a course in advanced composition and rhetoric, in which students will develop skills in complex critical analysis and interpretation by analyzing and evaluating materials from a variety of discourses or genres, including visual, online, and print; developing and writing essays, including critiques and research papers; applying and discussing principles of rhetoric and critical theory; examining and using methods of interpretation and analysis from the humanities and social sciences; evaluating the credibility of primary and secondary sources, including as it applies to media literacy, and for the purposes of academic research; situating discourses within their historical context and relevant to rhetorical theories of different periods (for example, Aristotle in the ancient world and Bakhtin in the twentieth century). The course format will include lecture, discussion, and both individual and group activities.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177 or equivalent, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

Fosters abilities and values required for ethical decision making at work. Develops skills in logical analysis, a working knowledge of moral principles and theories, and the ability to diagnose and resolve moral disagreements commonly found at work. Examines and applies moral principles to historically famous cases in manufacturing, human resources, management, engineering, health care, and computing.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

This course is designed to provide the forensic investigator the concepts of case management and the application of case management methods in organizing investigative teams, planning investigative actions and analyzing evidence and intelligence.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

There are two management concepts that have historically tended to produce very successful outcomes when applied to any endeavour, including conducting complex criminal or civil investigations. These concepts, using the strength of teams and project management, each have followers. The focus of this course will be to expose you to both concepts to enable you to develop and experience an organized approach to any type of investigation.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

As laboratories continue to push for increased efficiencies, the importance of good management techniques has never been more relevant in the forensic community. Creating a foundation of financial literacy for students to build on allows the introduction of lean management and change management principles which can be applied in a laboratory context. Students will examine how ethical standards influence professional practice in forensics, and how efficiencies can be created in the context of a forensic science laboratory.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

The Canadian criminal justice system is an adversarial system which pits the accused person against the State. The adversarial process follows a well-defined series of procedural steps from initial complaint to verdict and sentencing. This course provides a detailed examination of the legal procedures that govern criminal proceedings in Canada including the tendering of evidence by both Crown and defence, with a particular emphasis on issues applicable to forensic investigators and technicians.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Forensic evidence is subject to all the general rules related to the admissibility of evidence in the criminal trial process and is also subject to certain unique rules of scrutiny. This course examines the fundamental laws of evidence within the adversarial process and provides a context for the expert in their role as witness.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 7001

Through a practical exploration of the stages of a mock investigation and consequent trial, this course illuminates the vital role forensic evidence plays in criminal proceedings. The course will put particular emphasis on issues relating to the admissibility of forensic evidence and the evidentiary weight that results from the manner of identification, isolation, collection, and analysis of such evidence. Students working as members of an investigative team will locate and gather evidence, interview witnesses, identify a suspect, and formulate a theory of culpability. At a subsequent mock trial, each student will be examined by Crown and defence counsel on their role in the investigation.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 7002

The course covers the major areas of crime scene examination, in order to give an in-depth understanding in theories of searching and in dealing with the entire range of physical evidence located during the various types of crime scene searches.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides on overview of the fundamental principles of forensic science and its origins. Techniques and instrumentation employed by forensic experts and methodology used to maintain continuity and integrity of evidence are examined. The role of physical evidence in civil and criminal trials is also discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

​This course will introduce students to the basic skills and concepts needed to conduct an investigation in a criminal or civil matter. Students will learn how to collect, document, and analyze evidence and information relevant to the investigation; and then make appropriate case related decisions based on the collected evidence and information. This course will outline the role of an investigator and the necessary steps an investigator must take in order to progress through an investigation from start to finish. This will include the initial examination of the scene or incident, the actual investigation, collection and documentation of evidence, interviewing witnesses, writing incident or investigative reports and providing testimony at legal proceedings such as a trial or tribunal. This course is for those wanting to learn how to conduct investigations of accidents and incidents involving the workplace, violations of professional regulations, company policies, or other legal and regulatory matters.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course covers the major areas of incident scene examination; from the management and control of the scene upon arrival, to the detection and collection of pertinent evidence; including the extraction of witness recorded evidence from digital devices (CCTV, cell-phones, etc.). Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of processing an incident scene from start to finish, including in-depth knowledge regarding the theory of scene searching, and in dealing with the entire range of scene specific evidence that can be located and recovered. Students will learn how to forensically photograph, and document incident scene exhibits and will be exposed to the practice of proper evidence detection, collection and documentation. Students will learn about the current forensically acceptable methods of incident scene processing techniques, which will be applied through hands-on practical exercises in a team setting. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides instruction in forensic biology with a focus on current short tandem repeat (STR) technologies. The design of the course follows the logical progression of a forensic DNA case by including instruction in: evidence gathering and preservation techniques, the identification of biological evidence including presumptive and confirmatory testing, the extraction, quantitation and PCR amplification analysis strategies for common types of biological evidence (bodily fluids, hard and soft tissues and "touch" DNA), and the interpretation methods utilized for single-source profiles, mixed profiles, parentage and kinship scenarios. Each module also includes practical interpretation exercises based on real case work scenarios in order to underpin the theoretical aspects of this applied forensic discipline.
Prerequisite(s):

• 3 credits of university/college biology course

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

This course serves as an introduction to the analysis, interpretation and reporting of common drugs encountered by a practicing forensic toxicologist. Other topics that are explored include laboratory techniques and instrumentation, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of common drugs including cannabis, CNS stimulants, Opioids, CNS depressants and novel psychoactive drugs, the application of forensic toxicology to post-mortem, sexual assault and impaired driving cases, and presenting expert testimony in court. Directed reading, practical quiz and participatory discussions will introduce you to the science of forensic toxicology.
Prerequisite(s):

• 3 credits of university/college chemistry course.

This laboratory course introduces the chemistry and analytical requirements for the testing of illicit and controlled drugs. The student will learn the characterization of drugs in typical street form including cannabis, cocaine and crack, heroin, designer drugs and hallucinogens, as well as how they are analyzed, and the requirements for their certification to be used in a court of law. The student will learn how to use various chemical tests, isolation and purification techniques, as well as chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
Prerequisite(s):

• 3.0 credits of post-secondary chemistry.

This course explains the role that quality assurance and quality control play in an accredited forensic science laboratory. The requirements and applications of the standards ISO 17025 (General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories) and CAN-P-1578 (Guidelines for the Accreditation of Forensic Testing Laboratories) are covered. The role and duties of a Quality Assurance Manager within a calibration or testing laboratory are covered. Students undergo numerous practical Quality Assurance activities, including conducting corrective action, continual improvement, and controlling documents and records. In addition, students will conduct an internal audit exercise which includes developing an audit plan and program, gathering audit evidence, conducting interviews, writing an audit report, and conducting an audit meeting.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course demonstrates principles of forensic archaeology and methodical scene examination, showing how these principles are used in the search, excavation and recovery of human remains. The theories and methodologies employed are explored during lectures as well as during the field component. During the field component of the course (3x 8 hour days), teams will learn to process a scene from start to finish, including: initial scene assessment, surface scatter search, mapping, measuring, recording, gridding, screening, excavation and recovery of the remains. The course will conclude with a de-briefing session.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Forensic entomology is the study of insects associated with a human corpse, usually a homicide victim, to determine elapsed time since death. It can also be used to determine whether the body has been moved, disturbed after death, used drugs prior to death, etc. It is the most accurate and frequently the only method of determining elapsed time since death after 72 hours. The course provides the students with an overall understanding of entomology and its applications to criminal investigations, collecting insect evidence at a crime scene in a manner defensible in court, and the value of insect evidence and the results which can be expected from an entomologist.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides practical instruction in the area of forensic analysis with a strong emphasis on the instrumental analysis of samples to aid in forensic investigations including homicide, arson analysis, driving impairment cases, and death investigation. The course focuses on the theory and practice of instrumental methods commonly used in the chemical analysis of samples by forensic scientists. Chromatographic techniques such as GC and HPLC will be reviewed prior to discussion on their use as components of hyphenated techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The related technique of ICP-MS/MS will also be discussed. Specific emphasis will be given to application of these techniques for forensic science. Correct operation and troubleshooting of all instruments used will also be emphasized. In addition to their practical sessions, students will give a group presentation on a topic related to the use of instrumental methods for forensic analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8240
• FSCT 8240 or an Analytical Chemistry course.

With the advent of new molecular techniques, DNA is the material of choice for forensic analysis. The current technology of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) makes it possible to identify an individual with a high degree of accuracy. A series of lectures and laboratory exercises will show students the strength of this powerful technique and how it applies to law enforcement.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8150

This course examines the pharmacological and physiological effects of alcohol consumption on the human body. The theoretical basis and practical applications of various technologies, both laboratory based and field use based, that are currently utilized to determine blood alcohol concentration in the body will be thoroughly reviewed. Students will be given practical training in the usage of Approved Screening Devices and Evidentiary Breath Testing Instruments. Actual application and interpretation of the obtained blood alcohol concentration results within a courtroom setting will also be discussed and further reinforced by use of sample case studies.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course covers firearms and ammunition, serial number restoration, physical matching and comparison, range determination, gunshot wounds and exhibit handling. Emphasis is placed on firearm and tool mark identification to increase understanding of the uniqueness of tool marks as an aid in investigating and solving crimes.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

​This course will introduce the student to the application of investigative work within the field of civil law with respect to the rules, rights, and privacy required when conducting an investigation. The course will focus on the interpretation and application of administrative law principles used by the courts to review decisions of regulatory councils, boards, panels, commissions, and tribunals. In addition, students will be introduced to the rules regarding the collection and retention of information with respect to privacy and individuals. The student will learn how to apply the requirements of privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in an investigative setting. Through both theoretical and practical exercises, the student will gain an understanding regarding the considerations that need to be applied in connection with any collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, or access to such information.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​The success of any investigation at any level is dependent on the investigator obtaining evidence and presenting it in a manner that is acceptable to the courts. Often this evidence is information supplied by people involved in incidents. The amount and veracity of this information is of utmost importance. In this course, candidates learn and practice very practical and straight forward techniques available for interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects to obtain the maximum amount of court admissible information. This course will focus on a non-accusatorial, evidence-based philosophy to interviewing which responds to Charter challenges and case law related to voluntariness of statements.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course will provide the student with an overview of complex investigative techniques such as; international investigations, multi-jurisdictional and multi-faceted investigations, and how to oversee and manage multiple ongoing investigations. Students will be exposed to advanced topics such as applying for and executing search warrants, Anton Pillar orders, and ​how to conduct internal investigations. The student will gain knowledge regarding the boundaries and parameters of investigation; compliance requirements; media management; structure and content of major case management investigation plans; legal considerations; recovery of evidence; witness interaction; and in-depth interview techniques.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 7215

The multi-faceted field of Forensic Photography is used in diverse disciplines as Forensic Odontology, Dactyloscopy, Document Examination, Forensic Pathology and Forensic Tool Mark Examination. Forensic photography's role as well as its limitations are emphasized in this course. Students will be thoroughly immersed in the theory of photography, providing them with an understanding of the techniques which will be used in the practical exercise. Topics include crime scene photography, alternate light source photography, unltraviolet and infrared photography, photomicrography, macro photography, theory of light and photographic evidence in the courtroom.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course will provide you with the latest techniques used to effectively gather online information for investigative purposes relating to persons, companies, and other assets. You will be introduced to the methods of gathering online intelligence through social media platforms, search engines, and dark web searches. In addition, you will learn how to assess potential counter-intelligence concerns. Particular emphasis will be placed on heightened awareness and the “paper trail” investigators may leave behind when using internet investigation tools. Approaches to maintain privacy and security when carrying out online investigations will also be explored and a variety of online search methodologies introduced.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course is designed for individuals interested in death scene investigations. Participants will learn about identification of corpses and the external appearance in both violent and natural death. An understanding of the death scene approach and the role of the investigator in sudden death scenarios will be explored. Students will learn how to use a standardized approach when investigating sudden deaths, and to recognize the features of each specific death type and there causation. The student will gain an understanding regarding the critical relationship between the surrounding environment and evidence discovered at the scene, and how this can assist in determining the causation of death. This course outlines the interdisciplinary approach to death investigation by highlighting the roles of the coroner (medical examiner), pathologist, police & forensic scientists.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course demonstrates principles of forensic archaeology and methodical scene examination, showing how these principles are used in the search, excavation and recovery of human remains. The theories and methodologies employed are explored during lectures as well as during the field component. During the field component of the course (3x 8 hour days), teams will learn to process a scene from start to finish, including: initial scene assessment, surface scatter search, mapping, measuring, recording, gridding, screening, excavation and recovery of the remains. The course will conclude with a de-briefing session.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Forensic entomology is the study of insects associated with a human corpse, usually a homicide victim, to determine elapsed time since death. It can also be used to determine whether the body has been moved, disturbed after death, used drugs prior to death, etc. It is the most accurate and frequently the only method of determining elapsed time since death after 72 hours. The course provides the students with an overall understanding of entomology and its applications to criminal investigations, collecting insect evidence at a crime scene in a manner defensible in court, and the value of insect evidence and the results which can be expected from an entomologist.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

​This is a practically-orientated, skills-intensive surveillance course is designed for those who will be conducting covert surveillance in an urban environment. The course will introduce the student to best practices when conducting covert surveillance, which includes the selection of proper equipment, an understanding of covert surveillance technologies available to the investigator, and both static and mobile surveillance techniques. Students will develop surveillance skills through classroom study and practical applications involving participation in a team environment. Students will utilize foot and vehicle surveillance at a variety of sites, integrating specialized equipment and surveillance techniques to surreptitiously follow a known target.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers the history of fingerprints as it relates to individualization; friction skin development; how to obtain a proper set of known fingerprint impressions; the Henry Classification System, the Auto-Class Classification System and Real Time Identification (RTID) System; fingerprint individualization with emphasis on Ridgeology; palm print individualization including the use of palmar flexion creases; procedures utilized in crime scene examination and recovery of fingerprints; chemical techniques for fingerprint detection; the Identification of Criminals Act; and the expert witness in the Canadian Court System.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of the uses and evidentiary value of both digital and analogue video. It analyzes the proliferation of video cameras in today's society and demonstrates to investigators how they can take advantage of this accurate and powerful source of evidence. Through site surveys, students will gain an increased awareness and understanding of the use of video surveillance technologies and techniques. Students interpret recent Supreme Court decisions. Investigators are challenged to look for video at every crime scene; learn how to use it, and how to apply proper rules of evidence in order to protect it for court. Students are shown how to optimize a video surveillance system so the full evidentiary potential is obtained.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This hands-on course provides the students with a thorough understanding of the latest in CCTV technology and system design. Using the latest in digital video forensic tools, students will learn techniques on how to extract, interpret, and clarify video evidence from both digital and analog CCTV sources for investigative purposes. A thorough understanding of the many different types of CCTV technology and systems being employed in today’s security environment will be explored. Students will evaluate the capabilities and limitations of CCTV recorded information for the purpose of forensic video examination and analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

This course is intended to develop advanced research and analytical skills. It will focus on the theory of inquiry; the logic, reality, and structure of investigative enquiry; and data analysis, methodologies of measurement models, and reporting of results. Emphasis will be placed on data-gathering and statistical techniques. You will be introduced to multivariate statistical analysis techniques, using SPSS for application in the law enforcement and forensics fields. Various models of measurement, including quantitative, qualitative and data-mining techniques with hands on data sets, will be covered. Groups will be required to prepare a mini research project using all the statistical applications covered in class.
Prerequisite(s):

• Admission to a Forensic credential program or permission of the Program Coordinator.

Under the supervision of the graduation project research methodologist, faculty mentor(s), and industry subject matter expert, you will build upon the project concept initiated in FSCT7910 and complete a theoretical or applied independent research proposal. The course will focus on research themes relevant to your chosen areas of specialty in forensic investigation. You will conduct a comprehensive literature review, prepare a research design and protocol, validate the measurement model(s), conduct reliability and validity studies, and undertake a pilot study to ensure measurement instrument reliability. The research proposal should be innovative, experimental, or explanatory in nature to demonstrate the practical application of knowledge and skills. It should be comprehensive, covering all the operational aspects of the project and the measurement instrument to be employed. The research models employed and the research protocol followed will be well articulated and defined. This course will be focusing on building a foundation that leads to FSCT8621, Graduation Project 2.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 7910
• Completion of all framework courses and all specialty courses or permission of program coordinator.

​In this capstone graduation course, under the supervision of the course instructor, you will implement the graduation project proposal developed in FSCT 8611. You will apply the chosen research methodology and collect the requisite data needed to answer the research questions of interest. At defined intervals, you must present in writing to the course instructor. At the end of the course, you will prepare a formal research paper (akin to a scientific publication), a research poster and an oral presentation. The poster and the presentation are expected to clearly highlight the research questions posed, the model of measurement utilized, data analysis, and key research findings.​
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in FSCT 8611