Metropolitan State College of Denver Chemistry Department Degree Programs

Criminalistics Concentration
FEPAC Accredited Program

Mission Statement

The mission of MSCD is to provide a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education, and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global and technological society. To fulfill its mission, MSCD's diverse college community engages the community at large in scholarly inquiry, creative activity, and the application of knowledge.

With its modified open admission policy, the College welcomes students from all walks of life and circumstances, including all levels of academic preparation consistent with statutory guidelines, all conditions of economic and income status, all ages and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In addition to degree-seeking students, non-degree students seeking opportunities for continuing education are welcomed.

The Forensic Science/Criminalistics Program has career-specific goals designed to meet the College mission for the Criminalistics community by preparing students for entry-level positions in Forensic Science Laboratories and/or Crime Scene Investigation and/or graduate work in the field.

Learning Goals and Objectives

• Provide a firm foundation in Chemistry for all majors
  • The students will demonstrate proficiency in the areas of
    • General Chemistry
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
      as measured by ACS exams.
      
      
• Provide a foundation in mathematics and physics needed to understand and practice
  • The students will have sufficient mathematics and physics understanding to succeed in the required Physical Chemistry course(s) and in statistical treatment required in evaluation of evidence.
    
    
• Provide the minimum required background in biological sciences
  • The students will meet minimum education requirement of TWGDAM/DAB for analysts positions.
    
    
• Provide a foundation in Criminal Justice/Law sufficient to prepare students for careers in Criminalistics
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the Constitution as it applies to search and seizure aof Physical Evidence.
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of relevence and admissibility as it applies to Physical Evidence.
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the rules for admissibility of scientific evidence and expert testimony concerning the analysis of Physical Evidence.
    
    
• Provide a foundation in ethics as it is applied to the use of physical evidence in Criminal Justice proceedings
  • The student will be aware of the need for ethical consideration in:
    • Handling Physical Evidence
    • Choosing analytical methods
    • The relationship of competency to ethics
    • QA/QC
    • Reporting results
    • Testimony
      
      
• Provide a foundation for evaluation of the weight associated with physical evidence and for the selection and validation of methods.
  • The student will be familiar with methods of statistical evaluation of evidence including Bayes Theorem.
  • The students will be able to evaluate published procedures and validation studies.
    
    
• Provide a foundation of recognition, collection, documentation and preservation of physical evidence.
  • The student will demonstrate a knowledge of
    • Chain of custody
    • Types of Physical Evidence
    • Proper collection of classes of evidence
    • Proper packaging and storage of evidence
      
• Provide training in Oral communication with investigators, scientists, lawyers, the public, and juries
  • The student will be able to speak to the level of his/her audience using standard English, in a calm voice with appropriate volume.
    
    
• Provide training in written communication
  • The student will be able to write laboratory reports, scientific review and reports using standard English and appropriate formats.