FORENSIC SCIENCE

I. INFORMATION

Department: Science
Course Title: Forensic Science
Level: H Forensic Science 4701
Level: Honors

 

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Prerequisite:
Open to: All Length: Year
Credit: 1

 

III. TEXTBOOKS and MATERIALS

BOOK – Forensic Science, Fundamentals & Investigations, Anthony J. Bertino.

Calculator (T-30 scientific or better). 

Notebook, preferably two. A lecture book and a lab book.  It will make organization easier for you especially since lab work will be a MAJOR component of this course.

Folder or binder

Pen and Pencil

 

IV. ABBREVIATED COURSE OUTLINE

Observation Skills, Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection, Study of Hair, Study of Fibers and Textiles, Pollen and Spore Examination, Fingerprints, DNA Fingerprinting, Blood and Blood Spatter, Drug Identification and Toxicology, Handwriting Analysis, Forgery, and Counterfeiting, Death: Meaning, Manner, Mechanism, Cause, Time, Soil Examination, Anthropology, Glass Evidence,            

Casts and Impressions, Tool Marks, Ballistics and Entymology.  Further investigations into the biology, chemistry and physics of many of these topics will also be covered.

           

V. HOMEWORK

Homework is a daily event and may take several forms. Students may be required to complete problems from the book, laboratory analyses, classroom activities, or other various assignments as they come up. There will be some days where tangible homework is not assigned however students should use those days to continue studying for upcoming exams. This can be done by reviewing previous homework solutions, classroom notes, or by investigating physics on the web. Homework may be for practice, it may be just checked in, or it may be collected.

 

VI. GRADING

Philosophy

Grading is done by looking for straight factual information and problem solving abilities as well as for looking for student understanding and comprehension of the materials.  Grading looks for understanding of concepts above and beyond simple factual memorization.  Integration of multiple topics, applications of knowledge, use of problem solving skills and multiple facets of higher level thought will be heavy components of this course.  Students should be able to leave the school year understanding how to think problems through scientifically.  Your grade will be a combination of homework, lab work, practicums, and exams.  This class follows a double F policy which means you must pass at least one quarter to not fail the course.  Furthermore as an honors class you will be held to honors standards and expectations.  APATHY and LAZINESS ARE NOT AN OPTION.

Criteria and Scale

Students in forensics are expected to continue their education at a higher learning institution; therefore the expectations for their completed work are set at a high level. Students are expected to produce work and thought that is characteristic of an aspiring, successful member of the community.  Grading will be fair and will reflect student work, understanding, and actions.

Scale:

100% - 90% A

89.4% - 80% B

79.4% - 70% C

69.4% - 60% D

less than 60% F

 

VI. A WORD FROM THE INSTRUCTOR

Due to the high level and frequency of laboratory and ‘on-site’ investigation within this course attendance, participation, and attentiveness are necessities in this course.  Not being present in body OR mind will place you at an extreme disadvantage.  If you are up for the challenge this course will prove to be fun, enjoyable and rewarding.  If you are hoping to sit back, relax, let other people do the work, or coast by you will find this class less than enjoyable and a passing grade far from attainable.  I look forward to a great year of investigation with you!

 

(Parents and students: please consult individual teachers for grading policies, extra credit info, class procedures, etc.)