FORENSIC SCIENCE FOR MARINE BIOLOGISTS:
BIOSM 445/VTMED 757
dates: AUGUST 18 - AUGUST 25, 2008
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of a year of college level biology, ecology or marine science.
*Credits are optional. For non-matriculating students cost = $1,707
Forensic Science represents the unique merging of scientific insight and the law. With increasing frequency, scientists from an ever-broadening spectrum of disciplines are being called upon to apply their knowledge, guidance and expertise to questions and issues arising within the criminal justice system and civil litigation arena. Marine biologists are no exception. Environmental catastrophes, marine mammal strandings, endangered/protected species issues, and maritime calamities are but a few of the types of incidents potentially requiring the forensic application of marine science.
Central to the sound
application of marine science to forensic issues is an understanding of
the unique procedures and requirements inherent in our legal system.
Forensic Science for Marine Biologists (FSMB) provides a field-oriented
introduction to the forensic science domain and the special rules and
practices governing the utilization of science within the justice
system. The unique teaching facilities of the Shoals Marine Laboratory
and the close proximity of the maritime surroundings of the Isles of
Shoals allow FSMB students to actively participate in classroom
lectures, practical field exercises, and hands-on laboratory sessions
all targeted at providing a realistic introduction to the world of the
forensic scientist. 
FSMB places a strong emphasis on functional learning. FMSB students
receive comprehensive instruction in the recognition, documentation,
collection, and preservation of physical evidence. FSMB participants
are also afforded the unique opportunity to develop practical incident
response, scene management, and forensic teamwork skills via
participation in realistic, marine-oriented crime scene exercises.
Additionally, FSMB students receive hands-on instruction in forensic
pathology procedures, forensic necropsy techniques and may participate
in the necropsy of a variety of marine vertebrates. FSMB participants
are encouraged to bring interesting, unique, and challenging cases for
inclusion in class discussions.
FSMB is primarily designed for practicing marine biologists, veterinarians/veterinary pathologists, wildlife conservation officers, and stranding network personnel desiring a practical introduction to forensic science. FSMB may also be appropriate for graduate and mature undergraduate students, majoring in the biologic, ecologic, environmental or marine sciences.
Faculty:
- Dr. Wayne D. Lord,
Forensic Science Institute, Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma
- Dr. Romona Haebler, United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Dr. Robert D. Kenney, Graduate School of Oceanography, URI
- Dr. William C. Rodriguez, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
- Dr. Inga F. Sidor, Veterinary Pathologist, Mystic Aquarium
