Forensic Science Syllabus

2023-2024 School Year

Mrs. Amy Duvall

This course includes laboratory work, study of specimens, projects, and a thorough understanding of scientific inquiry. Forensic Science is the study of science used for the purposes of the law is a forensic science. The forensic sciences are used around the world to resolve civil disputes, to justly enforce criminal laws and government regulations, and to protect public health. Forensic scientists may be involved anytime an objective, scientific analysis is needed to find the truth and to seek justice in a legal proceeding.

Students should be prepared to conduct projects and write a formal lab report. Instruction centers around inquiry based learning that is incorporated into class activities. Learning activities include teacher-lead instruction, group work, student seatwork, project-based learning, and lab exercises with both student-choice and teacher-choice grouping. Students can expect to start each day with a bell ringer assignment followed by learning activities and/or lecture. At times students will work independently from the teacher in order to achieve student autonomy expected of upper school students. Classes are structured to utilize every minute for learning and assessing understanding. Real world application is a daily objective. Higher-level thinking will be incorporated into each lesson as well as use of technology when applicable to increase student achievement. Students are expected to participate in all activities and actively engage and ask questions during teacher-led lecture. Students are also expected to review and study the content covered in class outside of school daily.

II. Class Expectations

Students are expected to be present and active members of the classroom each and every day. Students are expected to come to class prepared with all necessary materials and completed assignments to learn and participate in all lectures and activities.

Students are expected to be respectful of the teacher, the classroom, and their peers.

III. Class Discipline

Students who are not acting present, coming prepared, and being respectful will earn one of the following

consequences:

• Warning in class

• Removal from class activity AND parent contact

• Teacher/Student conference during or after class AND parent contact

• After school detention AND parent contact

• Written referral and removal from class AND parent contact

Any student caught cheating on an assignment will receive a zero and referred to the Principal.

IV. Required Materials

All students must come to class each day with the following materials:

• A 2-inch three-ringed binder with dividers, paper and EACH UNIT PACKET!!!

• Pencil

• Lined paper

• Colored pencils

• One ream of computer paper

• A roll of paper towels

• One canister of Clorox wipes

V. Assessment and Grading Plan

We will cover multiple units over the course of the year. Each unit consists of 1-4 major assessments. The amount of minor assessments varies per unit. Students will have a daily open-note quiz each day that will add up to a weekly minor grade. All unit tests are cumulative and include both multiple choice and open response questions. Note: Assignments checked for completion will not be accepted late. Assignments collected and graded for accuracy will be accepted late with a penalty of 10% off every day late.

**Under absolutely NO circumstances will late work be accepted after the completion of the unit the work is from, unless the student had an excused absence in which case they receive only 5 days to turn in the work.

Minor Assessments - 40%

Classwork/Informal labs: Each unit is packed with engaging activities and practice to help master the content. These assignments range from 15-100 points, depending on the length and depth of the material.

Daily quizzes: At the start of each day the students will complete a small quiz over content covered during the previous class period. Students who were absent the previous class period will not be expected to complete the Prime Time the day they return if it is over content they missed. Their grade on each day’s quiz will be added up for one weekly Prime Time grade of 25 points at the end of each week.

Study guides: Students will be required to make study guides for each test to help them review the material each day and prepare for the unit tests. Study guides will be made off of the first sheet of each packet by answering the objectives and defining the vocabulary for each concept. Every concept study guide is worth 10 points. Students who make A’s on two tests in a row are exempt from completing study guides if they continue to maintain A’s on the unit tests.

Major Assessments – 60%



1st Semester

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 The Crime Scene

Chapter 3 Physical Evidence

Chapter 4 Death Investigation

Chapter 5 Properties of Matter and the Analysis of Glass Chapter 6 Drugs

Chapter 7 Forensic Toxicology

Chapter 8 The Microscope

Chapter 9 Forensic Serology

Chapter 10 DNA

Chapter 11 Crime Scene Reconstruction

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2nd Semester

Chapter 12 Trace Evidence

Chapter 13 Trace Evidence II

Chapter 14 Forensic Aspects of Fire and Explosions Chapter 15 Forensic Investigation of Explosions

Chapter 16 Forensic Biometrics

Chapter 17 Firearms, Tool Markers, and other Impressions Chapter 18 Document Examination

Chapter 19 Computer Forensics

Chapter 20 Mobile Device Forensics

Chapter 21 Careers in Forensic Science



Students wishing to exempt a midterm or final exam must have a semester average of an A and meet the attendance requirements.

VI. Communication

I will regularly post on my google classroom updates, announcements, lecture notes, and assignments for students and parents to access. If you ever want to know something, check the classroom first! Students and parents are also encouraged to contact me via email. I will respond to all emails within 24 hours during the school week, and can respond in much more detail and speed than if you attempt to call.

Email: aduvall@midway.k12.ok.us