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FMED 500 – Pathology for Forensic Medicine
4 credits (classroom)
The course provides a systematic approach to the pathological basis of the principles of forensic medicine. The course begins with an overview of cell injury, death, adaptation, repair and regeneration. It continues with a survey of the dermatological, skeletal, neurological, endocrine, immunological, cardiorespiratory, vascular, gastrointestinal, renal, urological and reproductive systems. Special emphasis is given to conditions of the cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory and central nervous systems that cause death.
FMED 501 – Principles of Forensic Medicine I
6 credits (classroom)
This course begins with an overview of the field of forensic medicine. This includes discussion of the history of forensic science and medicine. Also discussed are the roles of medical examiners, coroners and non-physician medico-legal death investigators. General principles of crime scene investigation are introduced. Instruction then moves to the science behind forensic medicine. Topics in this section include post-mortem changes, sudden natural death, blunt force injury, sharp-force injury, ballistics and gunshot wounds. Also taught here are asphyxiation, drowning, thermal injuries, electrical injuries and lightning injuries.
Prerequisite: FMED 500
FMED 502 – Principles of Forensic Medicine II
6 credits (classroom)
This course continues the overview of the field of forensic medicine. Topics covered in this course include forensic study of toxicology, anthropology, odontology, entomology and neuropathology. Students also learn about forensic medicine aspects of motor vehicle accidents, explosions and bombs, bioterrorism and mass fatalities. This course covers use of fingerprinting, trace evidence analysis and DNA analysis in conducting medico-legal investigations. Students will be given an outline of criminal law and considerations in preparing and delivering court testimony. Investigation of special crimes including child abuse, sexual assault, arson and deaths of persons in custody will be discussed as well as techniques for providing grief assistance.
Prerequisite: FMED 501
FMED 504 – Research Design and Methodology
4 credits (online)
This course provides a foundation in research design, concepts and methodology with an emphasis on epidemiology. Students will evaluate the relationship of research design frameworks and research outcomes. The application of biostatistics and epidemiology concepts to the interpretation of the medical literature will also be discussed.
FMED 505 – Bioethics in Professional Practice
4 credits (online)
This course introduces students to the field of biomedical ethics and related medico-legal concepts. Material is presented to provide students with a basic understanding of the legal obligations and ethical responsibilities of the health care provider. Topics include research involving human participants and animals, medical and health care ethics, and the implications of applied genetics and biotechnology.
FMED 506 – Evidence-Based Forensic Medicine
4 credits (online)
This course introduces students to the emerging field of evidence-based medicine. It begins with a history of the field. Students learn how to ask a clinical question so that it may be answered and how to use that question to formulate an effective literature search to find the best answer to the question. In the next phase, students learn how to evaluate the importance and validity of the evidence. Finally, they learn how to use the evidence-supported answer in a manner that matches the values and views of their patients.
FMED 508 – Capstone Integrated Experience
8 credits
The Capstone Integrated Experience project is a research project that will involve field experience and/or research in the area of forensic medicine. The objective is to afford students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and the skills they have acquired through their academic coursework in a real life setting in an area of personal interest within the scope of forensic medicine. This project will culminate with a final paper at the conclusion of the experience.
FMED 513 – Law and Evidentiary Procedure
4 credits (online)
This interactive online course focuses on the role of the forensic medicine professional in the legal system, starting with an overview of the American legal system and continuing with an in depth study of evidentiary issues, rules and procedures.
