JS 673: Forensic Drug Chemistry

Taken Summer 2012 Dan Matteo This was the first time they separated the forensic drug chemistry and toxicology course. Forensic Drug Chemistry was a very interesting class for me because it was the first time drug chemistry was introduced while in the program. Most of the other classes when I started were biology based. Dan Matteo was a very good teacher he took out the time to explain things others did not understand and also was very helpful when it came to conducting assigned labs. The class grade was based off of test and everything else was more of a if you need a grade boster. If you did them well he might consider giving you say a B instead if a C if you were borderline. All in all I say this was a very informative class and everything I learned I remember because of the way he taught it and structured the test. If you got a degree in chemistry I think you will really enjoy this class because like I said before most classes before this class, which is a summer class only, are biology based.

JS 673:Forensic Drug Anlys and Toxicology

Taken Summer 2012 Instructor: Dan Matteo I never thought I would be interested in a career in drug chemistry until I took this class. Dan is an actual drug chemist that has been working in the field for about 12 years and exposes you to the basics of drug chemistry. You'll get to see how a GC/MS and IR works as well as how to do different color tests used in drug chemistry labs. Even though the summer session was short, Dan was about to teach a vast amount of information. His tests build off each other, which helped me to retain all the information I learned throughout the semester. This class is very laid back and fun and gives you a good background for future class, like toxicology.

JS 679: Seminar in forensic Science

Taken Spring 2012 Instructor: Elizabeth Gardner During this class, first year students presented their research project proposals and the second year students present their final projects and defended. Everyone completed a research paper to accompany their presentation. While fall semester of seminar is somewhat informal, this semester is formal and should be taken seriously. Don't wait until the last minute to start on the research paper since it will take a good amount of time to find sources and edit everything. This class will give you even more exposure to presenting research findings in a scientific setting. Be prepared to answer questions about your research.

JS 676: Adv Bio Methods in Forensic Science

Taken Spring 2012 Instructor: Jason Linville I took this class at the same time at regular Bio Methods which got a little confusing. Much of the material overlapped, which was helpful for studying, but organizing time in the lab was difficult. During this class we mostly read and dissected research papers that Dr. Linville assigned such as validation papers and papers on touch DNA and did a couple of independent assignments in the lab.

JS 674:Bio Methods in Forensic Sci

Taken spring 2012 Instructor: Jason Liville In this class you will learn everything from presumptive testing on biological stains, to DNA extraction and all the way to analyzing STRs. Dr. Linville takes you through every lab and asks you questions from lecture throughout to reiterate what you are doing at each step during the process. The midterm and final are long and challenging but as long as you pay attention in class and study the notes, you'll do fine. This class will definitely give you a good overview of everything you would do in an actual forensic DNA lab.

JS 672: Adv Conventional Criminalistics

Taken Spring 2012 Instructor: Mitch Rector This is a continuation of the first semester in criminalistics but focuses mostly on tool marks, firearms and tire tracks. This is definitely the area that Mitch shines the most, unfortunately, much of the information may go over your head. It was surprising how difficult learning about all the different kinds of firearms and bullets was. Just like the first class, the lab were challenging and time consuming, although Mitch is always willing to offer help. Mitch has great stories he will share throughout the semester which made the class more fun and interesting.

JS 679:Seminar in Forensic Science

Taken Fall 2011 Instructor: Jason Linville This class gives you the chance to get more experience and become somewhat more comfortable with public speaking in an slightly informal setting. First year students will have to present twice, once with alone and once with a second year student. The feedback I received on my first presentation was very helpful and getting to present twice throughout the semester made it less scary to present my project proposal the following spring.

JS 671: Conventional Criminalistics

Taken Fall 2011 Instructor: Mitch Rector This class involved lectures and lab work in the areas such as trace analysis and fingerprint analysis. This was definitely not my cup of tea, but Mitch is great and knowledgeable teacher (he's considered an expert in this field). He says to buy the book, but don't. I opened it literally once all semester. Generally, everything you need to study for the test are the notes he gives during class. Also, start the labs early enough so you can ask questions throughout since they must be done on your own time outside of class and can be time consuming and confusing.

JS 670: Elements of forensic science

Taken fall 2011 Instructor:Elizabeth Gardner During this class, you will be exposed to a variety of disciplines in forensic science such as drug chemistry, toxicology, forensic biology, fingerprints, etc. Each week, a new speaker will present information on their particular discipline and you will have to write a paper on each speaker, due before the next week of class. Although this class was informative and interesting, it was somewhat challenging to complete a 2 page single spaced paper each week on top of the workload from other classes. However, the papers did help prepare me for when I had to write my project proposal paper the following spring.