Program Codes:
BSFRSCFA
Bachelor of Science
Forensic Anthropologists are often called upon to comprehensively analyze human skeletal remains from a variety of crime scenes, ranging from surface scatters to mass fatalities. The skills of physical anthropology and archaeology are paramount to the training of competent forensic anthropologists and the program uniquely prepares students for graduate studies in biological, physical and forensic anthropology.
The Mercyhurst undergraduate program is the only one in the United States with a Forensic Anthropology concentration. The department includes a board-certified Forensic Anthropologist and conducts approximately one hundred forensic cases a year. Upperclassmen are provided opportunities to work with both faculty and forensic anthropology master’s students on a number of these cases both in the field and in the laboratory. This concentration prepares students for advanced studies in anthropology, death investigation positions and positions in medical
examiner’s offices.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Introduction to the physiological and molecular techniques and methodologies for studying cells, organelles and macromolecules in relation to cellular activities and maintenance of life.
BIO 142
This is a calculus-based course that is designed for natural science and mathematics majors, (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth-space science education, mathematics). The role of physics in other scientific fields will be emphasized as classical mechanics is covered. This portion of the General Physics series will deal strictly with mechanics; topics include: motion in one-, two- and three-dimensions, the laws of motion, work, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy, linear and rotational motion, and the prediction of motion based on initial conditions.
MATH 170
PHYS 203
Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics I.
PHYS_201
This is the initial course in a sequence of courses on the fundamental ideas of the calculus of one variable intended for science and mathematics majors. It is here that truly significant applications of mathematics begin. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are functions, continuity, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima and antiderivatives and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 118 or MATH Placement score of at least 76. 4 credits.
Course will cover the basics of the multidisciplinary fields of forensic science from crime scene investigation through the laboratory analysis of evidence. The role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness, ethics in the criminal justice system and professional practice of forensic science will also be discussed.
CHEM 121, BIO 146, MATH 170.
FRSC-151
The laboratory component to the introductory course will allow the student hands-on activities in regard to identification, collection, processing and analysis of evidence as presented in the classroom lectures, as well as the courtroom presentation.
FRSC-150
This course is an introduction to morphometrics and will cover the statistical techniques most commonly employed in Forensic Science and Anthropology. Topics will include correlation, regression techniques, EDA, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Factor and Principal Components Analysis and Discriminant Function Analysis.
MATH-109 MATH-170 FRSC-150
Two (2) Additional Elective Courses (8 credits)
ANTH 121
ANTH 120
MATH 170, CHEM 121, CHEM 122 BIO 146
ANTH 120, ANTH 130
ANTH 251
ANTH 120, ANTH 130
ANTH-270
ANTH 120
ANTH 327
ANTH 326
ANTH 326, ANTH 327
ANTH 334
ANTH 326, ANTH 327
ANTH 333
Course will include lecture and hands-on excavations of a variety of outdoor mock crime scenes. Topics to be covered include basic archaeology principles, proper excavation techniques and recovery of various classes of physical evidence.
FRSC 391
FRSC 390
A comparative study of the organ systems of the vertebrate animals from an evolutionary and developmental perspective.
BIO-146
BIO 321
The detailed dissection of representative vertebrates.
BIO 320
The course is an introduction to basic techniques of crime scene photography. Includes discussion of cameras, digital images, lighting, photographic protocol, images as physical evidence and courtroom presentation.
FRSC-150
The course will provide an overview of forensic investigative techniques used to process various types of indoor crime scenes. Evidence identification, collection, preservation and submission protocols, proper use of standards, chain of custody issues, and crime scene reconstruction techniques will be discussed in the course. In addition, the role of the crime scene technician as an expert witness will be explored.
FRSC-340
Course will focus on the proper collection and documentation of physical evidence according to the current laws and court proceedings. Discussion will also include new court rulings regarding evidence and expert witness activities.
FRSC-150
This course will address chemical concepts and practices from a forensic science perspective. Aspects of analytical chemistry will cover chemical details of presumptive testing, instrumentation, and proper statistical treatment of collected data. Students will learn the fundamental principles behind the analysis of chemical and physical evidence for drugs, combustion, polymers, paints and coatings while applying these principles to toxicological information.
CHEM 131
This course is intended to examine the forensic application of death investigations, utilizing techniques and methodologies introduced in prior Forensic Science courses. The focus of the course will be on examining important similarities and distinctions among homicide investigations and various other manners of death: suicide, natural, accidental and equivocal deaths. The course will concentrate on the scene examination, documentation of the death scene, exploring the various analyses of time since death, and when appropriate, post-mortem interval and investigative protocols and procedures.
FRSC-320 or permission
Lecture and laboratory course will cover basics of processing the fatal fire scene from identifying the source and paths of fire, documentation of accelerants, collecting evidence such as explosive residues and photographic documentation. Seniors only.
FRSC-242 AND FRSC-320 or permission
The Department Chair may consider other courses for elective approval.