Certificate in Forensics
(Autumn, UW Campus, Seattle)
Developed in partnership with the UW School of Law

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The Autumn 2009 program is no longer accepting applications

Next program starts: Autumn 2010

Details will be posted in Spring

Single courses may be available  
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Contact us:
206-685-8936
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Courses meet Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m., on the UW campus, Seattle.

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a Class is also available to professionals who do not intend to pursue the certificate, but wish to enroll in individual classes on a space available basis below) may be open on a space-available basis to professionals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

Autumn Course

Evidence

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, Sept. 30-Dec. 16, 2009, 6-9 p.m. (no class Nov. 11 or Nov. 25); $785; 3 CEUs
Instructor: Natasha Pranger

This course will introduce you to the identification, documentation, recovery and analysis of physical evidence. It includes a discussion of the quality standards and criteria for evidence handling both at the scene and in the laboratory. The following forensic disciplines will be covered during the quarter:

  • Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction
  • DNA and CODIS
  • Latent Print Examination
  • Chemical Analysis, Arson investigation, and Clandestine Laboratories
  • Firearms and Tool mark Identification
  • Microanalysis
  • Questioned Documents
  • Accident Reconstruction

Winter Course

Medico-Legal Investigation of DeathClass is also available to professionals who do not intend to pursue the certificate, but wish to enroll in individual classes on a space available basis

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, Jan. 6-March 10, 6-9 p.m., 2010 (no class May 25); $785; 3 CEUs
Instructor: William D. Haglund, Ph.D.

This course explains the basic scientific forensic procedures used in death investigations. Topics include::

  • Death investigation: history and roles of experts
  • Human identification and families
  • Postmortem changes and the autopsy
  • Postmortem trauma: blunt force, sharp force, gunshot wounds
  • Vehicular accident reconstruction and infant deaths
  • Forensic toxicology, entomology and anthropology
  • International forensic investigations

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Spring Course

Law and ForensicsClass is also available to professionals who do not intend to pursue the certificate, but wish to enroll in individual classes on a space available basis

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, March 31-June 2, 2010, 6-9 p.m.; $785; 3 CEUs
Instructor: Michael Schwartz, J.D.

This course explains how the evidence described in the previous courses is evaluated and admitted (or not) into the courtroom. It covers the history and basic principles of forensics as they relate to law, including:

  • Courts and the legal system
  • Admissibility of forensic evidence
  • Examination of fact and expert witnesses
  • Law and psychology
  • Criminal profiling
  • Forensic resources
  • Trial preparation
  • Ethical issues

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course