Forensic Science Syllabus
Mrs. Bridges and Coach Thomas
Room 307
Contact Information:
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the scientific techniques used in analyzing and examining physical evidence as it relates to criminal investigations. It will involve information, presentations, and activities related to chemistry, biology and physics and will stress the scientific method and critical thinking. The major areas of study will be: Physical Evidence, Fingerprints, Impression Evidence, Trace and Transfer Evidence, Hair, Fibers, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Handwriting Analysis and Crime Scene Investigation. The class will also examine the historical and literary influences of the field of criminal investigations. The students will participate in readings, hands on activities and laboratory settings and will be required to complete research projects.
This course falls under present SLO guidelines.
Class Rules:All students are expected to follow the rules of the classroom. The rules are posted in the room as a gentle reminder of how you are expected to behave in the classroom. In the event that you decide not to follow the rules, corrective action will be taken.
- When the tardy bell rings you are expected to be in your seat – not on your way to it.
- Bring all materials needed to class- notebooks, pencils/pens, homework, etc.
- Take notes and participate in class activities.
- No grooming in class-brushing/combing hair, lotion, nails, applying makeup, etc.
- No sleeping in class.
- Respect other and other’s property- the school’s, student’s, and teacher’s
- Do not touch ANYTHING that does not belong to you (including other people).
- School policy states that there is to be no food or drink on the hallways.
This is a SLO course. You will be taking this test in the spring. It will count as a part of your overall grade in this class. All activities and assignments both in and out of school will prepare you for this test.
Supplies:
3-Ring Binder with paper
Dividers-5
Blue/black ink pen
Colored pencils (useful, but not required)
Homework: See my website for instructions on signing up for the remind app.
Makeup Policy: You will have however many days you were absent to make up the work you missed. It is your responsibility to get the work that you’ve missed. Make sure to check the ABSENT STUDENT FILES to retrieve your missing work. Please see me to get the expected due date of all missing work.
If you miss a test, then you havethree days to set up arrangements to set up a date and time to make up the test. All test will need to be made up after school (please see me for special arrangements). If the student does not make arrangements, then the test becomes an automatic (ZERO) 0. The exception to this policy is if you are habitually absent on test day. You will be informed of the habit and will make up the test the first day that you return to class. Any other exceptions will be handled on an individual basis.
Extra Credit: Any opportunities for extra credit will be posted on my web site. You may access this through the school’s media center before or after school and during lunch.
Textbook Information: Forensic Science for High School DeslichFunkhouser.
Grading Weights:
Each 9 Weeks is broken down as follows:
Summative Assessment40%
Formative Assessment60%
Tutorial Opportunities:
I am available for tutoring Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 7:00 to 7:30am. After school tutorials will be available, by appointment only, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Note to Parents
If you are concerned about your child’s grades please call me, e-mail me, or set a conference with me. Our job together is to see to it your child has the best opportunity to learn the information. When your child struggles with any information they should see me immediately for clarification and/or re-teaching. The only way I know a student is having difficulty before the test is if they let me know. If you know of a special need your child has (like sitting in the front due to poor vision, not sitting next to someone particular in class, etc) please let me know as soon as possible so that I may address the issue. Let’s all work together to have a successful year!!
Forensic Science—Material to be Covered
First Semester
SFS1. Students will recognize and classify various types of evidence in relation to the
definition and scope of Forensic Science.
a. Compare and contrast the history of scientific forensic techniques used in collecting and
submitting evidence for admissibility in court (e.g. Locard’s Exchange Principle, Frye
standard, Daubert ruling).
b. Distinguish and categorize physical and trace evidence (e.g. ballistics, drugs, fibers,
fingerprints, glass, hair, metal, lip prints, soil, and toxins).
c. Determine the proper techniques to search, isolate, collect, and record physical and trace
evidence.
d. Evaluate the relevance of possible evidence at the site of an investigation.
e. Organize relevant information to accurately develop and submit both scene and analysis
reports.
SFS2. Students will use various scientific techniques to analyze physical and trace evidence.
a. Identify and utilize appropriate techniques used to lift and evaluate readable, latent, plastic and
visible fingerprints.
b. Analyze the morphology and types of hair, fibers, soil and glass.
c. Evaluate how post mortem changes are used to determine probable time of death: Rigor mortis
Livor mortis Algor mortis Gastric contents
d. Identify methods used for the evaluation of handwriting and document evidence.
e. Determine the appropriate uses of chromatography and spectroscopy in evidence analysis.
Second Semester
SFS3. Students will analyze the use of toxicology, serology, and DNA technology in forensic
investigations.
a. Classify toxins and their effects on the body.
b. Compare the effects of alcohol on blood alcohol levels with regard to gender, and according to
the law.
c. Evaluate forensic techniques used to isolate toxins in the body.
d. Differentiate the forensic techniques used to distinguish human and animal blood
e. Analyze the physics of blood stain patterns.
f. Compare short tandem repeat patterns (STR) and relate to identifying the DNA of an
individual.
g. Explain the use of the DNA database for DNA profiling.
SFS4. Students will evaluate the role of ballistics, tool marks and evidence of arson in
forensic investigation.
a. Identify firearm lab tests used to distinguish the characteristics of ballistics and cartridge cases. b. Analyze the physics of ballistic trajectory to predict range of firing.
c. Recognize the forensic significance of tool marks, footwear and tire impressions in an
investigation.
d. Evaluate possible indicators of arson and criminal bombing.
SFS5. Students will evaluate the role of Forensics as it pertains to Medicolegal Death
Investigation.
a. Identify various causes of death (blunt force trauma, heart attack, bleeding, etc.).
b. Analyze evidence that pertains to the manner of death (natural, homicide, suicide, accidental, or undetermined).
Additional Information:
- Final Exam, BPA(Formerly SLO) or EOC will count 20% of the student FINAL average
- Science exams and Project dates will always be on Thursday in accordance with school policy
- There will be projects throughout the year and will count as test grades.
- Meaningful assignments will be given which will entail rigor and
- Due to the nature of the course, there will be adjustments in the above guidelines, as needed to best serve the student needs.
- Progress Reports in accordance with the school schedule.
- RTI (Remediation) will be an ongoing practice throughout the year and individualized for each student