Forensic Science Course Syllabus
I. Course Information--Forensic Science
Mrs. Morris, Room 109
Office Hours--M-F, 7:30-8:45, and 3:35-4:00
Email: amorris@atlisd.net
Phone:903-796-4411
II. Summary: This course offers extensive laboratory experience that integrates the concepts learned in biology, chemistry and physics to strengthen individual skills in scientific reasoning and observation. Using inquiry based settings, students will learn basic scientific and mathematical methods and models required in forensic science. Representative skills are: the determination of the force and motion of a vehicular crash, or the logical sequence of events determined through blood spatter analysis. The course also includes examination of physical evidence, correct crime scene protection and investigation, forensic entomology, and forensic anthropology.
III.Course Goals:
1. Use previous knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics applied to pieces of physical evidence to properly identify and rebuild what occurred in a situation.
2. Understand and apply the scientific process skills to answer questions and solve problems within a forensic context.
3. To apply scientific skills and knowledge to solve unknown materials or situations.
4. Use collaborative groups to conduct scientific investigations, share ideas, and present research findings.
5. Use inquiry, reasoning, and critical thinking skills to assess and analyze forensics situations. 6. Gain a general understanding of how science, technology, and logical thought processes are applied in real situations and actual occupations.
7. Be able to see the functionality of scientific skills built up over the high school career and distinguish between popularized fiction of forensics and crime situations and reality.
8. Become familiar with multiple occupational applications of science and potential careers in the scientific fields using the skills and thinking processes covered in the course.
IV. Course Outline First Semester Units of Instruction:
1. Observation Skills and Forensic Lab Skills
2. Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection
3. Fingerprints
4. Study of Hair
5. Study of Fibers and Textiles
6. Blood and Blood Spatter
7. DNA Fingerprinting
8. Forensic Anthropology Second Semester Units of Instruction:
9. Handwriting Analysis, Forgery, and Counterfeiting,
10. Glass Evidence
11. Drug Identification and Toxicology
12. Death: Meaning, Manner, Mechanism, Cause, Time
13. Forensic Entomology
14. Ballistics
15. Arson
16. Final Project: Court Case
What you need…
Classroom Rules
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Be responsible.
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Be respectful.
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Cell phones will be turned off and put up at the start of class everyday. If caught not turning off your cell phone, I will keep it until the end of the next class period.
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Restroom passes are allowed during the last 5 minutes of class unless it is an emergency.
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No food or drinks allowed in class.
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Do not use computers unless you ask permission or it is needed for the assignment. Volume must be muted when using computers. No earphones are allowed.
Grading Policy…..Teachers will have a minimum of two grades per week. There will be a minimum of three major grades per six weeks.
Late work policy- student handbook policy-
1 day late -20 points
2 days late -30 points
3 days late -40 points
4 days late -50 points
5 days late -50 points
work not accepted after 5 days…grade goes in as a zero
Make-up work
You are responsible for make up work. Make-up assignments will be located in the make-up folder. You will have two days to do makeup work.
Retesting
Students will be allowed to retest one failing test every six weeks grading period. The student must approach the teacher for the retest and fill out a tutorial/retest form to schedule a time before or after school for both a tutorial session and the retest. From the time the test is graded the student will have five days to complete both the tutorial and the retest. The highest grade will be taken and will not exceed a 70.
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