FRSC-160 Introduction to Forensic Pathology and the Morgue

Credits 3 / 3 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD-090, ACRD-091 or ACRD-092, completion of ELAP-110 with a minimum grade of 2.0, or successful completion of ACRD-080; Students must have successfully completed BIOL-151  with a minimum grade of 2.5 and ENGL-101  or ENGL-103  with a minimum grade of 2.0.
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the field of forensic pathology, which plays a critical role in the legal and medical investigation of death. This course introduces the history, principles, and processes used in
forensic medicine, the purpose of the autopsy and its process, examines the processes and findings used to determine cause and manner of death and the personnel involved in death investigations. Ethical considerations that guide forensic practice, and the relationship between forensic pathology and other fields, such as law enforcement and public health are also examined. During this course students will be required to observe one autopsy at an approved facility.
BILLABLE CONTACT HOURS: 3

Course Outcomes

1. Describe the History and Evolution of Forensic Pathology:

   • Identify key historical events and figures that shaped the development of forensic pathology as a discipline.

   • Understand the significant advancements in forensic techniques that have influenced modern death investigation

2. Explain the Role of Forensic Pathologists and Related Personnel:

   • Describe the responsibilities and duties of forensic pathologists, medical examiners, autopsy assistants, and law enforcement personnel in death investigations.

   • Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of forensic death investigations, including collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and public health officials.

3. Understand the Principles and Methodologies of Forensic Pathology:

   • Describe the key steps involved in a forensic autopsy, including external examination, internal examination, and evidence collection.

   • Discuss the role of toxicology, histopathology, and microbiology in determining cause and manner of death.

   • Explain differences between forensic and hospital autopsies.

4. Identify Ethical and Legal Considerations in Forensic Pathology:

   • Discuss cultural and religious perspectives regarding death and autopsy

   • Discuss the ethical challenges faced by forensic pathologists in performing autopsies and interpreting findings.

   • Understand the legal implications of forensic pathology in criminal investigations, including the role of the forensic pathologist as an expert witness.

5. Apply Scientific Principles in Determining Cause and Manner of Death:

   • Explain cause of death, manner of death, and death certificates

   • Explain and apply key findings that can be used to distinguish varying causes of death

   • Discuss the role of investigative techniques, including time of death estimation, injury pattern analysis, and forensic toxicology  in determining cause and manner of death

6. Examine the Interaction Between Forensic Pathology and Public Health:

   • Understand how forensic pathology contributes to public health initiatives, such as disease surveillance and epidemiological studies.

   • Explore the role of forensic pathology in mass casualty events and disaster response.

7. Evaluate the Importance of Documentation and Evidence in Forensic Investigations:

   • Recognize the critical importance of accurate documentation and evidence handling in forensic pathology.

   • Understand the procedures for maintaining chain of custody and the proper documentation required in death investigations.