Forensic Science Syllabus

Forensic Science

Instructor: Mrs. Chris Chou

• Phone: 303.776.6014 (school)

• Email: chou_chris@svvsd.org

• Office Hours: TBD

Course Description

Forensic Science is a laboratory-based science class designed for students who are interested in forensic science. The purpose of this course is for students to gain experience in the major investigative techniques currently used by forensic scientists and crime scene investigators, and to develop an understanding of the scientific concepts which serve as the basis for these techniques.

Topics/Units

• • Observation Skills

  • Crime Scene Investigation

  • Evidence Collection

  • Hair Analysis

  • Fiber Analysis

  • Document Analysis

  • Handwriting Analysis

  • Fingerprint Analysis

  • Blood Evidence

  • Forensic Anthropology

  • Casts and Impressions

  • Ballistics

Standards

Colorado Academic Science Grade Level Expectations addressed in Forensic Science:

• • Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation describe the relationships among forces acting on and between objects, their masses, and changes in their motion – but have limitations

  • Matter has definite structure that determines characteristic physical and chemical properties

  • Matter can change form through chemical or nuclear reactions abiding by the laws of conservation of mass and energy

  • Atoms bond in different ways to form molecules and compounds that have definite properties

  • Physical and behavioral characteristics of an organism are influenced to varying degrees by heritable genes, many of which encode instructions for the production of proteins

  • Cellular metabolic activities are carried out by biomolecules produced by organisms

Assessments

• • Homework (15%): Crime article summaries, case studies, practice problems

  • Laboratory Work (40%): Participation, lab notebook, lab reports, article reviews

  • Projects (15%): Powerpoint presentations, mystery cases

  • Test/Quiz (15%)

  • Final Exam (15%)

    • Total = 100%

Course Grades

Grades will be updated regularly on Infinite Campus. The grading scale is as follows:

• • A = 90-100%

  • B = 80-89%

  • C = 70-79%

  • D = 60-69%

  • F = Below 60

General Classroom Guidelines

• 1. Give your best effort. Come to class prepared with all materials, pay attention and be involved in class activities, and complete all assignments on time.

  2. Be in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.

  3. Respect other people and their property. Listen when others are talking; no putdowns or profanity; be polite to teacher and students; do not write on desks or chairs; return borrowed property. Following this rule will help maintain a positive learning environment.

  4. Class disruptions will not be tolerated. (Examples: Talking, getting up out of your seat to throw away trash, throwing things across the room, or sharpening your pencil while I am talking.)

  5. Food and drinks are permitted in class, EXCEPT during labs. Gum is allowed, but I should not be able to see it or hear it. I expect you to clean up any messes you make.

  6. If it does not relate to science, leave it in your locker. This includes personal grooming items (comb, brush, makeup, etc.), MP3 players and homework from other classes.

  7. Follow all other school rules. Cell phones and mp3 players being used during class will be confiscated and returned at the end of class. If a 2nd offense occurs, the item will be taken away and turned in to an administrator.

• • Late work: Class or homework assignments will be given almost every day. Assignments must be turned in on time for full credit. Late work will be graded for half-credit.

  • Absences: If your absence is excused, you will be given 2 days to make up the assignment for full credit. If you have an unexcused absence or tardy, you will receive 50% credit for work completed for all class work missed and will be held responsible for knowledge of class work covered during your absence.

    • If you are absent on the day of a lab, you must complete an article summary as an alternate assignment. The make-up assignment must be turned in within 1 week.

  • Tardies: Students must serve a 5-minute detention after class for being tardy. Failure to stay for the 5-minute detention results in a 10-minute detention on the following class day. Any tardies after the first 10 minutes of class will count as an unexcused absence.

  • Cheating policy: Any copying or cheating will cause your grade to be recorded as a "0" for that assignment with no chance to make it up and your parent will be contacted. This includes daily assignments, labs, projects, quizzes and tests.

Course Materials

• • Supplies: Spiral Notebook (for notes and lab reports); Folder (for worksheets, homework, study guides, handouts), pencils and/or pens (blue or black ink only)

  • Textbook: Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Anthony J. Bertino

    • You may be assigned a textbook for this course. Please bring your book to class every day.

    • Replacement Cost: $90.00

  • Science Lab Fee: $10.00 – Required for lab participation