Forensics
SCI 381-382 40.09300 Pre-requisite: Teacher Credit: 1
Forensic Science Recommendation Status: Core/Elective
Grade Level: 11-12
This lab-based course will focus on crime scene examination which includes analysis of fingerprints, hair, fiber, glass, soil and chemical evidence. Additionally, theory and laboratory skills of modern DNA, dentistry and serology forensics will be studied. Analytical thinking is an integral part of solving crimes. Consequently, other academic areas are also included in this class. The basis of many of the forensic units and labs includes Chemistry Applications, Pharmacology and Biotechnology. (Textbook: Forensic Science: An Introduction © 2016, 3rd Edition by R.Saferstein; Publisher: Pearson Education, Inc.; ISBN: 978-1-26-992520-4)
Please note that upon finalization of rosters, student course work and previous teacher recommendations will be considered before classes start.
First day of school, August 3rd, 2023.
Forenscis is 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th periods.
Class Supplies:
1 1/2 to 2 inch binder for organizing papers
Pencils, pen, ... something to write with
I have lab aprons, but we will use a variety of chemicals. You might want to keep an old jacket, your own lab coat, or something to protect your clothes in your locker.
We will probably do a project to recreate a crime scene on a small scale (think diorama, dollhouse sized). You can begin collecting items to use such as scrap cloth, glue, cardboard you could shape into furniture, a small/medium box for your scene. I don't want you to spend money on this, I like to recycle for this project.
I will allow your own laptop in class when the class assignment calls for them.
Just some pointers...
**Text will be assigned for reading. I will NOT be going over everything in the text, but there WILL be questions on the test from the reading. <-- THIS!!! You are required to read the chapter for each unit. I cannot go over everything in class, it is your responsibility to read the chapter.
Syllabus: Wow, this will change before 2020-2023... Same units, but probably different order.
Chapter Assignment Category
1 Introduction
A. Defining Forensics (first reading assignment) quiz
B. CSI 100 - Pilot quiz
C. NJ vs. Jascalevich – Case Study quiz
D. Chapter 1 review hw
E. Forensic Introduction – GBI Services test
2 The Crime Scene
A. CSI 101 – Cool Change quiz
B. Crime Scene Review hw
C. Capturing Crime Scenes test
D. Crime Scene Re-creation lab
E. Crossword Puzzles on Scene Presentations quiz
3,4 Physical Evidence & Death Investigation
A. CSI M 101 – Golden Parachute quiz
B. Physical Evidence Review hw
C. Wayne Williams vs. GA – Case Study quiz
D. Physical Evidence test
6 Drugs
A. CSI 105 Friends and Lovers quiz
B. Over the Counter Drug ID lab
C. Review of Drugs hw
D. Drugs and Drug Identification test
7 Toxicology
A. CSI 201 – Burked quiz
B. Narc Lab lab
C. Toxicology Review hw
D. Toxicology and Blood Alcohol test
8 The Microscope
A. CSI 217 - Felonious Monk qui
B. Knowing Your Microscope lab
C. Microscope Review hw
D. Microscopes test
First Semester Exam *****************************
12 Trace Evidence: Hairs and Fibers
A. CSI 117 - $35K OBO quiz
B. Microscopic Study of Hairs and Fibers lab
C. Hair and Fiber Review hw
D. Hair and Fiber Comparison test
9,11 Forensic Serology
A. CSI 107- Blood Drops quiz
B. Antigens and Antibodies – Pre Lab quiz
C. Immunochemical Characterization of Human Blood lab
D. Blood Typing – International ABO (NEW) lab
E. Serology Review hw
F. Biological Stains test
10 DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool
A. RFLP – DNA Fingerprinting lab
B. DNA Case Studies quiz
C. CSI XX – Prison Break quiz
D. DNA Review hw
E. DNA Fingerprinting Techniques: RFLP & PCR test
14 Forensic Aspects of Fire
A. CSI 111 - Fahrenheit 932 quiz
15 Forensic Investigations of Explosives
A. CSI 112 - Boom quiz
B. Arson and Explosions Review hw
C. Explosives and Arson Analysis test
16 Fingerprints
A. Collect and Determine Your Henry Classification lab
B. Fingerprint Review hw
C. Fingerprints: capture and use test
17 Firearms and Tool marks
A. CSI M - 100 Cross Jurisdictions quiz
B. Firearms Review hw
C. Firearms Comparisons test
18 Document Examinations
A. Handwriting lab
B. Questioned Document Review hw
C. Handwriting Analysis test
Final Exam *************************************************