Forensic Science Seminars
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in forensic science conveniently and affordably.
The Forensic Science Seminars help prepare students to be leaders in the field of forensic science as law enforcement professionals, crime scene investigators, or forensic laboratory specialists. Courses provide college credit, as well as law enforcement continuing education credits.
Recent seminars have covered:
- Firearm evidence analysis
- Interviewing
- Fire scene investigations
- Crime scene imaging
- Expert witness testimony
- Toolmark evidence
- Sexual offense behaviors
Registration
Contact Denise L. Polson at dpolson@nebrwesleyan.edu or 402.465.2329 for information about registering for the Forensic Science Seminars.
For more information on courses, contact Dan Styrdom, Program Director at dstrydom@nebrwesleyan.edu or 402.465.7557 / 800.541.3818.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the 2013–2014 school year is:
- $365 / Graduate credit (500 course level)
- $265 / Undergraduate credit (200 course level)
- $185 / Law enforcement personnel (Applies to undergraduate credit only. Please note law enforcement position on registration).
Mail registration and payment to:
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Forensic Science Program
c/o Denise L. Polson
5000 St. Paul Ave.
Lincoln, NE 68504-2794
| FORSC 290/590-01 Ballistics: Trajectory Analysis | ||
| Course Description: | Students will learn the basic principles of ballistics trajectory analysis used to reconstruct a shooting incident using basic trigonometric skills as well as current technology. Technology will include the use of trajectory rods, lasers, string and computers. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Times: | September 13, 2013 (6:00pm-10:00pm) September 14, 2013 (8:00am-5:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | Josh Connelly, M.F.S. Christine Gabig, M.S.F.S. | |
| Location: | Burt Hall LL-1, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
| FORSC 290/590-02 Specialized Photography: The Documentation of Excited and Glowing Molecules | ||
| Course Description: | Under certain circumstances, specialized photography is necessary to capture important biological evidence at crime scenes. The same type of photography can also be used to document latent print evidence. This course explores the underlying principles of specialized photography using an alternate light source (ALS) and a series of filters as a means to capture digital evidence of a crime. Students will learn how to set up a digital SLR camera with an ALS and filters, and take timed exposure photographs, to capture digital evidence that could otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. A series of practical exercises along with an exam will make up the graded portion of the class. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Times: | September 27, 2013 (6:00pm to 10:00pm) September 28, 2013 (8:00am to 5:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | CL Retelsdorf, M.F.S. Josh Connelly, M.F.S. | |
| Location: | Olin Hall 333, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
| FORSC 290/590-03 Statement Analysis | ||
| Course Description: | In this course, students will learn to understand how people use speech and how deception or failure to divulge fully can be detected in speech patterns and word usage. They will also explore statement structure to better understand the editing process and detect concealed information. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Times: | October 11, 2013 (6:00pm to 10:00pm) October 12, 2013 (8:00am to 5:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | Gary Plank, M.A. | |
| Location: | Burt Hall LL-1, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
| FORSC 290/590-01 Interviewing Child Victims and Witnesses | ||
| Course Description: | This course provides an overview of the research on child memory and verbal behavior related to children's testimony. Topics will include developmental aspects of language, memory specific to children, recommendations and protocols for interviewing children, and potential areas of concern in child victim and witness interviews. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Times: | January 10, 2014 (6:00pm to 10:00pm) January 11, 2014 (8:00am to 5:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | Kirk Newring, Ph.D. | |
| Location: | Burt Hall LL-1, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
| FORSC 290/590-02 Adjudicative Competencies: Miranda, Insanity and Competence for Trial | ||
| Course Description: | This course provides an overview of the research and practice in the area of assessment of adjudicative competencies. Students will review research related to: 1) a person’s ability to knowingly and intelligently waive their Miranda rights; and 2) sanity/insanity at the commission of the offense, and how this relates to culpability and criminal responsibility. Students will also review the research and instruments used in the assessment of adjudicative competency, for juveniles and adults. Participants will gain a working knowledge of the research, germane issues, and best-practices recommendations related to the assessment of competency in criminal adjudications. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Location: | January 24, 2014 (6:00pm to 10:00pm) January 25, 2014 (8:00am to 5:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | Kirk Newring, Ph.D. | |
| Location: | Burt Hall LL-1, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
| FORSC 290/590-03 Laboratory Analysis of Firearm Evidence | ||
| Course Description: | Firearms-related evidence is frequently encountered in crime scene processing and law enforcement investigations. Laboratory analysis of this type of evidence requires knowledge of firearm operation and manufacturing techniques, evaluation of class and individual characteristics, and proper application of relevant examination methods and equipment. In order to better recognize and identify evidentiary materials, crime scene professionals and forensic firearm analysts must stay current on the latest trends and materials utilized in the firearm and ammunition industries. Students will learn the basics of forensic firearm and ammunition examination and complete practical exercises that emphasize observation, classification and research skills. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Times: | February 8, 2014 (8:00am to 3:00pm) February 22, 2014 (8:00am to 3:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | Kent Weber, M.F.S. | |
| Location: | Olin Hall 219 and 224, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
| FORSC 290/590-04 Trace and DNA Evidence: Recognition, Collection and Analysis | ||
| Course Description: | This course will cover topics related to critical evidence types that are often overlooked, including trace evidence and sources of DNA evidence. Students will learn to recognize and properly collect these types of evidence, to perform preliminary examinations, and to manage contamination issues. In addition, they will learn to recognize and assess the need for a forensic expert in this field. | |
| Credit: | 1 hour | |
| Dates and Times: | April 18, 2014 (6:00pm to 10:00pm) April 19, 2014 (8:00am to 5:00pm) | |
| Instructor: | Christine Gabig-Prebyl, M.S.F.S. Tracey Ray, B.S. | |
| Location: | Olin Hall 219, Nebraska Wesleyan University | |
