Course Syllabus
Forensic Science
2018-2019 Syllabus Ms. Mattison
Room: 738 Phone: (864) 355-6338
Email: Limattis@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/limattis/
Google Classroom: (class code will be announced and posted in class)
Remind: (class code will be announced and posted in class)
Course Information:
Forensic Science CP/Honors is a year-long course with biology and chemistry as prerequisites. The class is largely inquiry based with students often working in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge, reasoning, and experimentation. There will be an emphasis in complex reasoning and critical thinking with technology and communication skills incorporated. In addition to all areas of science including biology, chemistry, anatomy, physics, and earth science, other disciplines will also be addressed such as, language arts, creative writing, art, family and consumer science, math, and social studies. The intention of this class, therefore, includes showing the interrelationships between all areas of study by using what is actually happening in the community, country, and the world as its classroom and lab. As the student's improve on lab skills and procedures, they will exemplify what occurs in solving crimes.
For this class, you will need the following items:
Textbook (class set provided)
Three ring binder (1 - 1.5” suggested)
Loose leaf notebook paper, pencils, pens, and colored pencils (optional)
Science Donation: It would be sincerely appreciated if each science student would make a monetary and/or consumable supply donation such as hand sanitizer, hand soap, paper towels, disposable gloves, Kleenex, Ziploc bags, Lysol wipes, Etc.
We will be using the following textbook this year, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science by Richard Saferstein. I suggest a three ring binder to help you organize Notes & Handouts, Labs, Case Studies, Bellwork & Classwork, and Quizzes. You will be able to insert handouts, labs, and graded work as they are given to you. Often, labs and/or case studies may take a week or more to complete so it is a good idea to keep them organized in your notebook.
Course Goals:
The Forensic Science class is designed around the idea that in the real world all learning is interrelated and interdependent: All of the sciences are integrated with the core subject areas. Students will be expected to read, design case studies, respond to case studies, research, hypothesize, interview, compute, and use deductive reasoning to propose crime solutions. With an ever increasing use of technology, the students will record data, draw conclusions, and formulate the best method for communicating results; thus, finding value and relevance in what they study as they interact with others. As students improve their deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills through inquiry, they will develop a life long learning style.
Students will:
- Critically think through and formulate problems.
- Identify and investigate probable solutions.
- Properly collect and scientifically evaluate data.
- Record results and draw logical conclusions based on the evidence.
- Apply data to the given authentic situations.
- Evaluate the most effective means of delivering the information.
- Communicate the results of the work.
We will be covering the following topics this year:
Chapter 1:
Schedule: 12 days
Unit Concept: Introduction to Forensic Science
Chapter 2:
Schedule: 12 days
Unit Concept: The Crime Scene & Physical Evidence
Chapters 9 & 10:
Schedule: 30 days
Unit Concept: Drugs/Forensic Toxicology
Chapter 14:
Schedule: 15 days
Unit Concept: Fingerprints
Chapter 3:
Schedule: 20 days
Unit Concept: Forensic Anthropology/Entomology
Chapters 7 & 8:
Schedule: 20 days
Unit Concept: The Microscope, Hairs, Fibers, and Paint
Chapter 15:
Schedule: 20 days
Unit Concept: Tool Marks, Other Impressions, and Ballistics
Chapter 13:
Schedule: 10 days
Unit Concept: DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool
Chapter 12:
Schedule: 10 days
Unit Concept: Forensic Serology
Chapter 11:
Schedule: 10 days
Unit Concept: Forensic Aspects of Arson and Explosive Investigations
Final Exam
Grading:
1. The grading scale is the same throughout the school.
100 – 90 = A 69 – 60 = D
89 – 80 = B 59 – 50 = F (partial GPA point credit)
79 – 70 = C Below 49 (no GPA point credit)
2. The following percentages show the distribution of the class grading scale:
60% - Major Tests/Projects
26.6% - Lab Reports/Quizzes/Case Studies
13.3% - Daily (Classwork/Participation)
3. Grades will come from:
Tests/Projects
Lab Reports/Handouts/Case Studies
Quizzes/Interviews
Classroom Participation
Classwork/Homework
Journal Entries
Midterm and Final Exam
*Refer to the student handbook for final grade percentages.
*To receive credit for this course, you must have earned a 60% average for the entire year.
*Tests will be announced 2-3 days in advance. Keep up with your studying and do not wait until the last minute to cram.
*Projects will be assigned with at least a weekend or two for them to be completed. I encourage you to begin on the project as soon as directions and rubrics have been handed out. More time will be allotted for in-depth projects.
*Lab reports and/or handouts will be due the day after the lab is completed.
4. If your work is late, it will be (-10) points per day that it is late. After 5 days, late work can be turned in for a minimum grade of 50. If you forget to put your name on your work, it is (-5) points.
5. If you have an excused absence, you are responsible for all make-up work. It is your responsibility to ask a classmate, lab group member, and/or meet with me before or after school to discuss assignments. I encourage you to find a buddy in class to record assignments and collect handouts for you if you are absent. You will have one week to turn in make-up work. There will be an alternative assignment for some missed labs; however, by being in class/lab you will have a better educational experience. Remember that any absence over ten is only excused with a medical note, principal approval, fieldtrip, or suspension.
6. If you have a special need, please contact me so I can make sure I am doing what is necessary to provide a positive and effective learning environment for you.
Classroom Policies & Procedures:
1. I expect you to be in class on time with all of your materials so that we can get started with class. You will be instructed to begin an assignment when the bell rings (bellwork). If you are not on your way to your desk when the bell rings, you will be marked tardy. Please be reminded to familiarize yourself with the unexcused tardy policy. It is new this year.
2. If you need to go to the bathroom, you must write the date, time, and destination, and I will provide my signature before you leave the classroom. Only one student will be allowed out of the classroom at a time. Unless there is an emergency, please limit your trips to the restroom to 4 per month. I will note abuse of this policy which will result in loss of the privilege.
3. When you receive graded work, you should organize it in your notebook. If there is a question about if you turned in an assignment or what a grade was on an assignment, you will be expected to have it.
4. If you are present the day before a test but absent on test day, you will be expected to make the test up on the day that you return to class. If you miss a test due to illness, it is your responsibility to schedule a time to make it up within a week. You can not take time out of class to make up a test. School is your job and I expect you to be here so you can do your job. You will only have one week to make up a missed test before a zero is entered.
5. You are expected to follow all rules in order for class to run smoothly. Consequences will be enforced. I do not want one student to disrupt and distract from the class. If you have a problem or concern that needs to be addressed, please come talk to me and we will take care of it. Do not let it disturb the class. Students are responsible for their behavior and choices they make in regard to rules.
6. If you are caught cheating on an assessment, you will receive a 0. If you are caught with someone else’s work or copying someone else’s work, both of you will receive a 0. Everyone needs to do his/her own work because this is how you learn the material. Take pride in your work!
7. You are expected to keep your head up and pay attention during class. Many of the lab exercises that we will do will involve chemicals and/or objects that could cause injury if you are not paying attention during class and do not follow lab rules. We will go over a separate lab safety contract and it will be posted.
8. You are to remain at your seat until the bell rings. No one is to pack up early and wait at the door! The doorway must stay clear in case of an emergency.
I want you to succeed in my class. If you have any problems or feel like you need extra help, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to help you. I am here for you to learn and serve as a resource to ask questions. If you feel like you do not have time in class, you can contact me via email.
Additional Information:
Hours for Extra Help: Thursday afternoons and Available by appointment
Planning Periods: 1st and 6th