Course Description
Forensic entomology is the application of insect science in a manner applicable as evidence in civil or criminal proceedings. Topics will include collection and analysis of entomologic data and presentation in a courtroom setting. Some class material deals with death, and some may find the images and content presented disturbing.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to answer additional questions
on exams, summarize and present additional forensic entomology
research publications, and identify forensically important
insects in their collections to the genus level (undergraduates
identify to the family level). Graduate students will also create
a case study and generate a Post Mortem Interval for
undergraduates to solve.
Athena Title
Forensic Entomology
Prerequisite
BIOL 1108 or ENTO 4000/6000-4000L/6000L
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of this field of study involving the intersection of insect science and the legal system. The lecture portion of the class will provide students with: 1) A broad understanding of the biology and ecology of specific insects and other arthropod groups that are most commonly involved in forensic investigations; 2) Methodology relative to collecting, analyzing, preserving, and using entomological information in forensic investigations; 3) Insight into the presentation and use of entomologic information of a forensic nature in formal court proceedings. In the laboratory section, students will witness and document insect succession on carrion, and will gain hands-on experience in collection, preservation, and identification of various life stages of insects and other arthropods of forensic importance. Additionally, students will get practical experience in analysis of climatologic data and insect development.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to Forensics and Forensic Entomology a. Medicocriminal Forensic Entomology b. Forensic Entomology and Civil law 2. Collection, Identification, and Preservation of Arthropods 3. Insect Basics: Structure, Function, and Classification 4. Structural Entomology 5. Forensic Entomology at the Ag/Urban interface 6. Food Contamination 7. Decomposition and Insect Succession 8. Carrion Insects a. Flies b. Beetles and others 9. Determination of Post Mortem Interval 10. Unusual Circumstances a. Drugs b. Toxins c. Body movement 11. Forensic Entomology and the Law 12. Application of Entomology in the Courtroom 13. Case Histories 14. Wider Application of Forensic Entomology a. Bioterrorism