WIS 6561
CREDITS: 3
This course will serve as an introduction to wildlife crime scene investigations. The purpose of the course is to give the student an overview of procedures and protocols that can be used when processing a wildlife crime scene and will discuss in detail various types of evidence.
Course Objectives
At the successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of forensic science and its disciplines and will know how to properly document and process a crime scene where wildlife may be the victim or possibly the perpetrator. Students will gain an understanding of evidence recognition and handling as well as record keeping in order to prevent undocumented scene details or lost or damaged evidence. The student will have learned the various methods to properly conduct a search of the scene and record information, as well as tricks and techniques for equipment improvisation when in the field. The student will also be familiar with the various presumptive test methods that can be utilized at the scene to identify items of evidence, and will have gained a background in basic species morphology.
Topics
| Module | Topic |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | Course Introduction |
| Module 2 | History of Forensic Science |
| Module 3 | Conservation Biology, Biodiversity & Wildlife Management |
| Module 4 | Scene Processing |
| Module 5 | Evidence |
| Module 6 | Forensic Photography/Impression Evidence |
| Module 7 | Fish & Reptile Forensic Analysis |
| Module 8 | Avian & Mammal Forensic Analysis |
| Module 9 | Forensic Entomology & Forensic Botany |
| Module 10 | Genetics & Toxicology |
| Module 11 | Serology & Ballistics |
| Module 12 | Morphology & Anthropology |
| Module 13 | Animal Exams/Field Forensics |
| Module 14 | Computer & Mobile Device Forensics/Report Writing & Court Concerns |