Millersburg Area High School

Millersburg Area High School

SYLLABUS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE

Millersburg Area High School

(717) 692-2108 ext. 1137

COURSE TERM: School Year 2017-2018; 1st2nd Semester

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Leslie Hepler, Room 137

Email: WEBSITE:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws. This course will study relevantscientific and technological principles and techniques that are used to solve crimes. Topics in this courseare arranged to integrate scientific methodology with actual forensic application. The course will include awide variety of laboratory methods and forensic cases to give students valuable opportunities forinteractive hands-on experiences and to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

COURSE RATIONALE

The level of sophistication that science has brought to criminal investigations is tremendous. After all thedrama of a crime has been put aside, what remains is an academic subject emphasizing science andtechnology. Forensic science has become not only front-page news, but also a popular topic fortelevision shows. The intent of this course is to capture student interest in science and move it from its sometimes abstract domain into reality.It also includes showing the interrelationships between all scientific areas of study. It uses current events in the community, country, and the world as its classroom and lab. As the students improve on lab skills and procedures, they will exemplify what occurs in solving crimes. As they improve their deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills, they will develop a lifelong learning style.

AREAS OF STUDY

Unit 1—Crime Scene Basics & Testimonial Evidence

Unit 2—Introduction to Physical Evidence & the Crime Scene

Unit 3—Fingerprinting

Unit 4—Hair and Fiber Analysis

Unit 5—Blood Basics

Unit 6—DNA

Unit 7—Impression Evidence (if time allows)

TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES

  • Forensic Science: An Introduction, Saferstein, Richard;2nd edition, 2011
  • Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics, Gaensslen, R. E.; Harris, Howard A.; Lee, Henry C.; 1st edition, 2007
  • “The Forensics Teacher” magazine
  • Specific Internet Web Sites:

activities and information)

interactive activities)

(Forensics in the Classroom)

(Forensics Science Classroom)

GRADES

The grading scale used in this class is based on the school grading scale. Grades are based on a cumulative percentage from the following areas:

  • PROJECTS/LABS/ONLINE ACTIVITIES
  • HOMEWORK
  • DAILY NOTEBOOK OR BINDER
  • OPTIONAL CASE STUDIES
  • TESTS/QUIZZES

PROJECTS/LABS/ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Every effort will be made to make this a hands-on, activities-based course. Projects, labs, and online activities will be important components to this course and will be used to explain topics and concepts covered. These items will be assigned and given due dates that must be followed. Missed assignmentsdue to illness or excused absences are due within 5 days after the student comes back to class. Please make arrangements with the teacher if this deadline cannot be met.

HOMEWORK

Although most work will be completed during the class period, homework may be assigned throughout the course. Homework is due at the beginning of the period. Please turn into the homework tray. Missed assignmentsdue to illness or excused absences are due within 5 days after the student comes back to class. Please make arrangements with the teacher if this deadline cannot be met.

NOTEBOOK

Students are required to keep a three-ring binder for notes. All in-class activities, class discussion questions, and other assigned writings or notes should be kept in your binder or notebook. All writings should be properly dated.

INFAMOUS CASE STUDIES (OPTIONAL)

Each unit, students may be assigned a case study about a particular infamous crime. There will be questions accompanying each crime. Students are to complete the questions in their notebook or binder. After each unit, the daily notebook or binder and its degree of completion will be graded.

TESTS/QUIZZES

Tests will cover the chapter, labs, and notes. They will be given after each chapter, and will beannounced at least three days before the test date.Makeup tests not taken within 5 days of returning to school will receive a zero.Quizzes may be given at any time, so be prepared always. These may cover the previous lesson, notes, and/or assignments.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT/RULES

  1. Students are expected to show respect for themselves, the instructor, their classmates, school property, and the property of others.
  2. Since we will be situated in a laboratory classroom, the consumption of food and beverages will not be allowed. Bottled water and chewing gum will usually be permitted in the desk area, but not in the lab.
  3. Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared, notebook or binders ready and out! Please do not interrupt a lesson if you are late to class! Drop off your pass to my desk and quietly go to your seat and join the discussion. Consistent lateness to class will result in after-school detention.
  4. The teacher will counsel students who demonstrate unsatisfactory behavior. Repeated offenses may result in after school counseling, detention, parental conference, or referral to the office.
  5. Students will normally be given a pass upon request to go to the bathroom or to complete urgent business. Any student who abuses this policy may lose these privileges.

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PARENT RECORD/CONTACT INFORMATION:

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Student Name ______

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