VME 6570
CREDITS: 3
Students completing this course will have an understanding of the fundamental concepts of animal conservation and protection. The course will also address the applicability and importance of forensic science in wildlife investigations, including an introduction to the scientific and forensic method, crime scene analysis and processing, types of evidence, evidence collection, and field analyses.
Topics:
| Module | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Wildlife Conservation and Protection Conservation and Forensic Terminology Using Forensic Science in Cases of Wildlife Crime Introduction to Taxonomic Identification Introduction to Species Identification Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 2 | Wildlife Management Federal vs. State Law Division of Natural Resources Endangered Species Act Research Project Assigned Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 3 | International Law Endangered vs. Threatened Species CITES Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 4 | Conservation Organizations IUCN Interpol US Fish & Wildlife Service/SWIGWILD Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 5 | Current Wildlife Conservation Issues and Trends Animal “Ownership” International Trade Native vs. Non-native Species Habitat Loss Exotic Pet Trade Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 6 | Poaching Species of Concern Relevant Case Studies Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 7 | Social and Ethical Considerations The “Right” of Society to Govern Wildlife Societal Opinions Religious Beliefs and Practices Review Session Discussion Questions |
| Week 8 | Midterm Exam |
| Week 9 | Introduction to Wildlife Forensics What is Forensic Science? History of Forensic Science Branches of Forensic Science & Their Usefulness to Investigations of Wildlife Crime Relevant Case Studies Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 10 | Crime Scene Analysis Field Techniques Photographic Evidence Scene Documentation Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 11 | Physical Evidence Chain of Custody Evidence Analysis Live Animal Examinations Necropsy Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 12 | DNA and Molecular Analysis Genetic Methodologies Current Trends in Wildlife Evidence Analysis Ongoing Research DNA Case Studies Discussion Questions/Project |
| Week 13 | Prosecution Courtroom Considerations Strengths of and Challenges to Wildlife Forensics Looking to the Future Review Session Discussion Questions/Project (6 pts.) |
| Week 14 | Final Exam/Research Project Due |