Forensic
science program offered
Academics:
A new eight-week program will provide participants
with an overview of forensic science and
new technology used to convict criminals.
By
Annica Sundstrom
On-line Forty-Niner
A
certificate program in forensic science
is being introduced at Cal State Long Beach
this semester. The program, "Basic
Applied Forensic Science and Crime Analysis,"
will take place on eight consecutive Saturdays
starting Oct. 4.
The
program's main goal is to give criminal
justice students and other participants
"an edge in today's highly competitive
job market," criminal justice department
chairman Sam Torres said.
"The
program will not make a criminalist out
of anyone," but it will present individuals
with an overview of key areas in forensic
sciences, Torres said. The program also
provides an opportunity for lawyers and
people who already are working in law enforcement
to further develop their skills and to improve
their chances for professional advancements.
According
to criminal justice associate professor
John Z. Wang, one of the challenges today
is to incorporate and apply more science
components into the field of criminal justice.
Many criminals actually go free, "largely
due to the lack of understanding of forensic
science and related legal procedures,"
Wang said.
As
the technology for solving crimes is becoming
increasingly sophisticated, it is essential
for those working in the various fields
of law enforcement to keep up with the new
developments, Torres said.
The
program, offered by the University College
and Extension Services, consists of eight
non-credit modules: "Principles of
Forensic Science," "Criminal Investigation,"
"Crime Scene Investigation," "Traffic
Accident Reconstruction," "Latent
Print Techniques," "Firearms Identification,"
"Questioned Documents and Computer-Based
Fraud" and "Courtroom Presentation
of Evidence." The modules can be taken
as individual courses, but in order to receive
a certificate, all eight must be completed.
"People
working as forensic science experts will
teach some of the modules," Torres
said. These experts work at crime labs in
Los Angeles and Orange Counties and encounter
issues concerning forensic science on a
daily basis. Other parts of the program
will be taught by CSULB criminal justice
department professors, Judy Hails and Bruce
L. Berg.
It
is this combination of professors and practitioners
that makes the program special, Wang said.
It produces "a balanced approach to
forensic science in terms of perspective,
methodology and skills."
The
modules will contain many practical exercises.
"The hands-on experience is the key
element of this program and it's what gives
the classes appeal," Torres said. In
the first module, "Principles of Forensic
Science," the students will get their
hands on how to operate biological microscopes,
ultraviolet lights, infrared lights and
several crime scene kits, among other things,
said Wang, who will teach it.
There
has been a lot of interest in the program,
especially among criminal justice students,
Torres said. "As it looks right now,
it will be offered in spring too."
According
to Marina Freeman, program administrator
at CSULB University College and Extension
Services, more certificate programs for
a variety of majors are currently under
development.
Within
the field of criminal justice, a certificate
program in counter-terrorism is being developed,
which will most likely be available next
year, Torres said.
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