BIOL/CHEM 4900 Internship SyllabusSummer 2012
Topics in Forensic Research for Forensic Program Majors
CHEM 4900.725Research/Internship in Forensic Science
Instructor: Dr. Teresa D. Golden (Chemistry 279, x2888, )
Location: Wednesday 6:00-8:00 pm, Chemistry 253
Texts: Forensic Science Handbook Volumes I (2nd ed.), II (2nd ed.), and III, Richard Saferstein, editor.
Assignments:Weekly quizzes will be given over assigned reading topics. A short oral presentation (PowerPoint) over the student's research is required at the end of the semester.
A research paper in ACS format will be required, due finals week.
Grading:Quizzes, and assignments will each be given a total point value. The student’s final grade will be: (the total number of points received/total number of points possible) x 100.
*Absolutely no make-up exams will be given without a signed physician’s note.
(a) According to University policy, the grade of I (incomplete) cannot be given as a substitute for a failing grade in a course.
(b) Statement of ADA Compliance: The chemistry department cooperates with the Office of Disability Accommodations to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If applicable, please present your request along with an official written verification from the ODA before the end of the first week of classes.
Course Description:Students in the program are to complete a capstone experience for their degree. This includes a research/internship one-semester course that can only be taken towards the end of the student's degree. Students are required to fill out an application form and interview prior to registration for the semester of research (application forms can be picked up at the Forensic Science Program Office, Chemistry 207B). Note some research assignments require additional prerequisites, please check application form for more information. The student will complete a written 4900 report (in ACS format) over their research/internship for a grade as well as an oral presentation. In addition to research, the student is required to complete weekly reading assignments and quizzes as assigned by Dr. Golden. Note: If this course is taken during the summer, students are required to enroll in the 10 week session.
WeekClass Assignment
1Introduction.
Topic: Legal Issues relating to Forensic Science.
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol I. Chapter 1, Legal Aspects of Forensic Science. Forensic Science Handbook, Vol III. Chapter 1, Legal Standards for the Admissibility of Novel Scientific Evidence.
2Quiz 1: Vol I, Chapter 1 and Vol III, Chapter 1.
Topic: Criminalistic Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol I. Chapter 12, The Determination of Alcohol in Blood and Breath.
3Quiz 2: Vol I, Chapter 12.
Topic: Criminalistic Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol I. Chapter 13, Questioned Document Examination.
4Quiz 3: Vol I, Chapter 13.
Topic: Biological Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol I. Chapter 10, Modern Forensic Biology.
5Quiz 4: Vol I, Chapter 10.
Topic: Biological Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol III. Chapters 7 & 8, Forensic DNA Typing of Highly Polymorphic VNTR Loci and DNA Analysis in Biological Evidence: Applications of the Polymerase Chain Reaction.
6Quiz 5: Vol III, Chapter 7 & 8.
Topic: Chemistry/Toxicology Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol I. Chapter 9, Arson and Explosive Investigation.
7Quiz 6: Vol I., Chapter 9.
Topic: Chemistry/Toxicology Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol II. Chapter 4, Forensic Identification of Illicit Drugs.
8Quiz 7: Vol II, Chapter 4.
Topic: Chemistry/Toxicology Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol III. Chapter 5, Forensic Pharmacology.
9Quiz 8: Vol III, Chapter 5
Topic: Microscopy/Instrumental Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol I. Chapter 5, Foundations of Forensic Microscopy.
10Quiz 9: Vol I, Chapter 5.
Topic: Microscopy/Instrumental Issues relating to Forensic Science
Reading Assignment: Forensic Science Handbook, Vol III. Chapter 4, Infrared Microscopy and its Forensic Applications.
11Student Research Paper DueAugust 1st, 2012
Student Oral Presentations6:00 -8:00 p.m. August 8th, 2012