Forensic Science, Certificate of Completion
- Academic Year: 2020-2021
- Division / Department: Emergency Services Education / Criminal Justice
- Degree Code: CJ.FS.CERT
The objective of these criminal justice courses is to prepare students for careers in criminal justice with an understanding of the criminal justice system in state, county and municipal law enforcement; corrections; courts; security; and other criminal justice-related agencies. Curricula in law enforcement and corrections are available to meet the different needs of the student by teaching workplace competencies.
A grade of C or higher is required in all Criminal Justice classes for graduation.
Marketable Skills 1.Demonstrate Critical Thinking skills to assess and evaluate information in stressful situations. 2.Self-management to plan and organize task in a demanding corrections environment without close supervision.
3.Effectively communicate verbally and in writing. 4.Function in a team setting to accomplish goals and tasks. 5.Make appropriate ethical decisions using stated policy
and procedures
6.Skill to overcome negative situations and adversity to accomplish goals while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Semester I
| CRIJ 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Course Description× CRIJ 1301 Introduction to Criminal Justice This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent, and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes, and an overview of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and court procedures. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) May be eligible for articulation with a high school that has a current articulation agreement with McLennan. See the high school counselor for information. |
3 hours |
| BIOL 1408 Biology for Non-Science Majors I
Course Description× BIOL 1408 Biology for Non-Science Majors I Lab Fee: $15.00 Provides a survey of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including chemistry of life, cells, structure, function, and reproduction. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
| CRIJ 1306 Court Systems and Practices
Course Description× CRIJ 1306 Court Systems and Practices This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| CRIJ 2314 Criminal Investigation
Course Description× CRIJ 2314 Criminal Investigation Investigative theory, collection and preservation of evidence, sources of information, interview and interrogation, uses of forensic sciences, and case and trial preparation. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 13 hours |
Semester II
| PSYC 2301 General Psychology
Course Description× PSYC 2301 General Psychology General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. NOTE: Must have passed the reading portion of the TSI Assessment or have credit for INRW 0402. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| BIOL 1409 Biology for Non-Science Majors II
Course Description× BIOL 1409 Biology for Non-Science Majors II Lab Fee: $15.00 This course will provide and reinforce a survey and of biological principles with an emphasis on humans, including evolution, ecology, plant and animal diversity, and physiology. Semester hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) BIOL 2404 Anatomy & Physiology (specialized) Course Description× BIOL 2404 Anatomy & Physiology (specialized) Lab Fee: $15.00 Study of the structure and function of human anatomy, including the neuroendocrine, integumentary, musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, reproductive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. Content may be either integrated or specialized. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I Course Description× CHEM 1405 Introductory Chemistry I Lab Fee: $25.00 Survey course introducing chemistry. Topics may include inorganic, organic, biochemistry, food/physiological chemistry, and environmental/consumer chemistry. Designed for allied health students and for students who are not science majors. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/3 lab) |
4 hours |
| Mathematics (college-level) | 3 hours |
| CJSA 1308 Criminalistics I
Course Description× CJSA 1308 Criminalistics I Lab Fee: $20.00 Introduction to the field of criminalistics. Topics include the application of scientific and technical methods in the investigation of crime including location, identification, and handling of evidence for scientific analysis. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 13 hours |
Semester III
| CJSA 2471 Forensic Science I
Course Description× CJSA 2471 Forensic Science I Lab Fee: $20.00 An introduction to crime scene investigation, evidence gathering, and preservation. Utilizing lecture and lab, this course presents the methods, procedures, and techniques for the analysis and preservation of crime scene evidence appropriate for first responders to a crime scene. Includes the use of scientific instrumentation to perform trace analysis of hair and fiber, stains, epithelial cells, latent fingerprints, DNA, and other basic evidence gathering techniques. Additional skills and knowledge will be obtained from guest speakers and local documented cases. In the process, students will gain hands-on experience as well as practical understanding of the basic operation of a busy forensic lab. Semester Hours 4 |
4 hours |
| COSC 1301 Introduction to Computing
Course Description× COSC 1301 Introduction to Computing Lab Fee: $15.00 Provides an overview of computer systems-hardware, operating systems, the Internet, and application software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases. Current topics such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and other interdisciplinary settings are also studied. This course is not intended to count toward a student's major field of study in business or computer science. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/2 lab) |
3 hours |
| CRIJ 2328 Police Systems & Practices
Course Description× CRIJ 2328 Police Systems & Practices This course examines the establishment, role and function of police in a democratic society. It will focus on types of police agencies and their organizational structure, police-community interaction, police discretion; police ethics, and use of authority and current and future issues. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| CJSA 1372 Forensic Art
Course Description× CJSA 1372 Forensic Art Lab Fee: $30.00 Course addresses forensic art reconstruction techniques that are used for the postmortem identification of persons and the identification/location of missing or wanted individuals, including age progressions, reconstructive and composite drawings, clay construction of a skull and muscles and clay reconstruction of appearance on a plastic skull model. Semester Hours 3 (2 lec/2 lab) CJSA 1373 Forensic Anthropology Course Description× CJSA 1373 Forensic Anthropology This online course surveys the recovery and analysis of skeletal remains. Estimation of biological factors such as age at death, sex, ancestry, stature, pathology and time since death will be explored. The role of physical anthropology in criminal investigation will be discussed. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| CRIJ 1307 Crime In America
Course Description× CRIJ 1307 Crime In America American crime problems in historic perspective, social and public policy factors affecting crime, impact and crime trends, social characteristics of specific crimes, and prevention of crime. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| 16 hours |
Semester IV
| CJSA 2472 Forensic Science II
Course Description× CJSA 2472 Forensic Science II A forensic science lecture/lab course focused on research in adolescent and adult neuropsychology. A study of the latest research from neuroimaging related to biological templates for violence within Paul MacLean's Triune Brain paradigm. Explores the developmental sequencing and powerful illumination of the brain's centers of addiction and the impact of neurocriminalistics, such as brain mapping and brain fingerprinting. The psychopathology and known offender characteristics will be analyzed and discussed. Also demonstrated are how forensic specialists analyze mens rea (the criminal mind), MO (modus operandi), signature, and criminal aftermath activity as part of crime scene analysis. Prerequisite: CJSA 2471. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/2 lab) |
4 hours |
| CJSA 2389 Internship - Criminal Justice
Course Description× CJSA 2389 Internship - Criminal Justice Special Fee: $13.00 This course serves as the Capstone for the Level II Certificate within the Criminal Justice program. Semester Hours 3 |
3 hours |
| CRIJ 1310 Fundamentals Criminal Law
Course Description× CRIJ 1310 Fundamentals Criminal Law This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. The course also analyzes the philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) May be eligible for articulation with a high school that has a current articulation agreement with McLennan. See the high school counselor for information. |
3 hours |
| CJSA 1400 Death Investigation I
Course Description× CJSA 1400 Death Investigation I Students will develop concepts, investigation processes, scene management, required documentation and case management for incidences of natural, accidental and suicidal deaths. Students will follow the Department of Justice National Guidelines for Death Investigation and meet the criteria for academic credit recognition from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. Semester Hours 4 (3 lec/2 lab) |
4 hours |
| 14 hours |
| Total hours: | 56 hours |
Math
| MATH 1314 College Algebra
Course Description× MATH 1314 College Algebra In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: TSI math complete or MATH 0311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1316 Plane Trigonometry
Course Description× MATH 1316 Plane Trigonometry In-depth study and applications of trigonometry including definitions, identities, inverse functions, solutions of equations, graphing, and solving triangles. Additional topics such as vectors, polar coordinates and parametric equations may be included. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 with a minimum grade of C, or passing score on non-credit equivalency exam for MATH 1314, or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences
Course Description× MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational, to problems in business, economics and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices, linear programming; and probability, including expected value. Prerequisite: TSI math complete or MATH 0311. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1325 Calculus for Business & Social Sciences
Course Description× MATH 1325 Calculus for Business & Social Sciences This course is the basic study of limits and continuity, differentiation, optimization and graphing, and integration of elementary functions, with emphasis on applications in business, economics and social sciences. This course is not a substitute for MATH 2313 or 2413 - Calculus I. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or MATH 1324, minimum grade C. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1332 Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)
Course Description× MATH 1332 Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) Intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: TSI math complete or MATH 0308 or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods
Course Description× MATH 1342 Elementary Statistical Methods Collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data, and probability. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Use of appropriate technology is recommended. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: TSI math complete or MATH 0308 or completion of college-level math course or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1350 Mathematics for Teachers I (Fundamentals of Mathematics I)
Course Description× MATH 1350 Mathematics for Teachers I (Fundamentals of Mathematics I) This course is intended to build or reinforce a foundation in fundamental mathematics concepts and skills. It includes the conceptual development of the following: sets, functions, numeration systems, number theory, and properties of the various number systems with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MATH 1314/1414 College Algebra or the equivalent or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 1351 Mathematics for Teachers II (Fundamentals of Mathematics II)
Course Description× MATH 1351 Mathematics for Teachers II (Fundamentals of Mathematics II) This course is intended to build or reinforce a foundation in fundamental mathematics concepts and skills. It includes the concepts of geometry, measurement, probability, and statistics with an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking. Prerequisite: MATH 1314/1414 College Algebra Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics
Course Description× MATH 2305 Discrete Mathematics A course designed to prepare math, computer science, and engineering majors for a background in abstraction, notation, and critical thinking for the mathematics most directly related to computer science. Topics include: logic, relations, functions, basic set theory, countability and counting arguments, proof techniques, mathematical induction, combinatorics, discrete probability, recursion, sequence and recurrence, elementary number theory, graph theory, and mathematical proof techniques. Prerequisite: MATH 2413 with a grade of C or better. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2318 Linear Algebra
Course Description× MATH 2318 Linear Algebra Introduces and provides models for application of the concepts of vector algebra. Topics include finite dimensional vector spaces and their geometric significance; representing and solving systems of linear equations using multiple methods, including Gaussian elimination and matrix inversion; matrices; determinants; linear transformations; quadratic forms; eigenvalues and eigenvector; and applications in science and engineering. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 2414 or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2320 Differential Equations
Course Description× MATH 2320 Differential Equations Ordinary differential equations, including linear equations, systems of equations, equations with variable coefficients, existence and uniqueness of solutions, series solutions, singular points, transform methods, and boundary value problems; application of differential equations to real-world problems. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 2414 minimum grade of C. Semester Hours 3 (3 lec) |
3 hours |
| MATH 2412 Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Course Description× MATH 2412 Pre-Calculus Mathematics In-depth combined study of algebra, trigonometry, and other topics for calculus readiness. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 with a minimum grade of C, or passing score on non-credit equivalency exam for MATH 1314, or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2413 Calculus I
Course Description× MATH 2413 Calculus I Limits and continuity; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; definition of the derivative of a function and techniques of differentiation; applications of the derivative to maximizing or minimizing a function; the chain rule, mean value theorem, and rate of change problems; curve sketching; definite and indefinite integration of algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental functions, with an application to calculation of areas. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 2412 with a minimum grade of C, or both MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 with minimum grades of C, or passing score on non-credit equivalency exam for MATH 2412, or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2414 Calculus II
Course Description× MATH 2414 Calculus II Differentiation and integration of transcendental functions; parametric equations and polar coordinates; techniques of integration; sequences and series; improper integrals. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 2413 with a grade of C or better or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |
| MATH 2415 Calculus III
Course Description× MATH 2415 Calculus III Advanced topics in calculus, including vectors and vector-valued functions, partial differentiation, Lagrange multipliers, multiple integrals, and Jacobians; application of the line integral, including Green's Theorem, the Divergence Theorem, and Stokes' Theorem. Graphing calculator required. Prerequisite: MATH 2414 with a grade of C or better or consent of division chair. Semester Hours 4 (4 lec) |
4 hours |