Forensic Entomology: The Death of Dannie Bee
Started Aug 25, 2025
Spots remaining: 13
Full course description
Start Date
August 25, 2025
Price
$35.00
Credential
Non-Credit Badge
Length
1 semester
Commitment
2-4 Hour Weekly
Format
Asynchronous
Forensic Entomology
Insects Solve Crimes!
In this Forensic Entomology course, students will be participating in a unique learning experience, an Alternate Reality Game (ARG) called The Death of Dannie Bee. You will help fictional characters, Detective Bini Murthy and Forensic Entomologist Kyle Lawsen, with three case studies where insect evidence is crucial to helping solve the case. Students will interact with the professor and characters and collaborate with classmates throughout the course. You will participate in many activities, tasks, and puzzles that span across Canvas, websites, publications, videos, social media, etc. that will provide clues you can use to learn more about the entomological topics related to these cases. A virtual crime scene board and evidence discussion board will be available where you can post/share information you have discovered with fellow "detectives," or provide thoughts you have about the cases! Opt to receive an "Entomology Examiner" digital badge by completing all assignments in the course, or participate more casually without the badge option.
Learning Objectives
- Identification: Recognize and identify insects of forensic importance at crime scenes.
- Decomposition: Understand the stages and processes of decomposition and the succession of insect species on corpses.
- Evidence Collection: Describe the techniques for collecting, preserving, and rearing insects.
- PMI Calculation: Calculate the post-mortem interval (PMI) and determine if a body has been moved.
- Forensic Application: Explain the role and importance of insects in urban, stored-product, and medico-criminal entomology
- Case Studies: Apply forensic entomology techniques to fictional crime scene scenarios.
Target Learner
The target learner for this course is Public, Life Long Learners.
Policies
Refunds: Please note the course price does not include any credit card processing fees required by our vendor. Users shall submit refund requests via email to online@unl.edu within 48 hours of the course start date; no refunds will be given after the course has begun.
FAQ
