470222 - Fundamentals of Aquatic Entomology
Course Description
This course is designed to explore the various ways that insects and related arthropods in aquatic environments can and have been used as evidence in a court of law, as well as how they can assist in solving crimes. In this course, participants will learn the basics of aquatic insect biology, succession and ecology, and learn the different stages of carrion decomposition in aquatic environments, concentrating on the independent variables of importance (e.g., factors relative to the environment and/or to the corpse itself) that affect the postmortem submerged interval (PMSI). A review of the major aquatic invertebrate players used in assisting with crime scene investigations will be discussed. The course will also cover several actual cases, photographs,and videos involved in aquatic forensic entomology.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Cost: $250
- Credits: 0.8 CEU's
- Time to Complete: 14 days from enrollment. If additional time is needed, please contact: maples-center@ahc.ufl.edu
- Instructors: Richard W. Merritt and Martin B. Berg
Objectives:
Objectives are to finish this course with a better understanding and knowledge of: 1) the scope of aquatic forensic entomology; 2) how aquatic insects and related arthropods can become valuable evidence in a court of law; 3) the biology and life histories of selected aquatic invertebrates of aquatic forensic importance; and 4) actual case histories that have involved the use of aquatic insects as evidence in a court of law as well as how they can assist in solving crimes.
Requirements for Course Completion:
In order to earn credit for this course, participants must complete a self-assessment evaluation at the end of each section and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Three chances to pass this course will be given. If a passing score is not earned by the third attempt, the participant must re-enroll in the course.
Questions
Please contact the Maples Center Administrative Team
Phone: (352) 265-9940
Email: maples-center@ahc.ufl.edu
Website: https://maples-center.ufl.edu/continuing-education/
Website to Access Course After Enrolled:
Click Blue "Log in to Continuing Education" button to log in.