Forensic Science 6 covers the latest discoveries and technological advancements in forensic science, as well as potential future avenues of innovation.  While some of the topics are set in advance, we will discuss developments that arise during the course of the class as well.  In addition to a discussion of the technical details and potential benefits of each development, we will also discuss limitations or concerns with each development, which may include practical difficulties implementing new technologies, legal challenges to using certain new techniques, and ethical considerations in broad and specific uses of certain technologies.  We will also discuss past cases to highlight the types of investigations where new technologies might be most useful.  

The topics and tentative schedule will include:
•	Session 1: DNA technologies: this session will include the most updated DNA collection, handling, and testing techniques.  In addition, we will discuss the “13 Core STR Loci” and the ways in which the determination of the most significant points to test is made, and how it differs in other countries and may change in the U.S.  We will also discuss the use of “ancestry” type DNA testing to find potential familial matches.
•	Session 2:  The idea of “Serial Killer” genes is controversial, but often discussed in forensic science settings.  We will also discuss the ethical issues associated with labelling any genetic variances in a way that suggests a propensity to commit crimes. 
•	Session 3:  Drones, high power / high resolution cameras, micro-recording devices, air sniffers, and other technologies that are making walls, fences, elevated windows, etc. obsolete in concealing evidence.  
•	Session 4:  Tracking technologies, including those focused on vehicle movements, cell phone usage, and ubiquitous security camera placement.  
•	Session 5:  Roundtable #1.  We will discuss all of the technologies previously discussed in a “seminar” manner.  We will look at ways these technologies might be combined together to become even stronger and possibly more worrisome.  
•	Session 6:  Biological evidence frontiers.  Skin oil testing, the exterior microbiome (particularly on hair), gait patterns based on health / physical constraints and the ways in which technology allows doctors to determine the parts of the feet where pressure is greatest in each person. 
•	Session 7:  Computer-based biometrics:  Facial recognition, estimates of height from security footage, fingerprint recognition software (the non-forensic type that may impact forensic investigations).
•	Session 8:  Medical advancements, including virtual autopsies, new or improved scanning techniques that may find evidence of unknown injury, and hair and fingernail analysis.
•	Session 9:  Portable technologies that can accomplish testing in the field, rather than in the lab.  These technologies have the potential to significantly speed up investigations, but also to increase the risk of contamination of samples.  
•	Session 10:  Roundtable #2.  We will discuss all of the technologies previously discussed (including those from the first half of the term) in a “seminar” manner, as mentioned above.

This class will be taught in a "Socratic" manner, where discussion will be encouraged.  There is no previous knowledge required for this class, and students do not have to have completed any of my other Forensic Science classes.