Forensic Science Syllabus 2011-2012
Ms. DiNonno : or 973-228-6981 ext. 4632
Email is the best way to contact me.
Website: cwcboe.org
Course Description / Forensic science is the study and application of science to matters of law. This lab based science course is designed to give the students both theory and hands-on experience in the skills and knowledge required of a forensic science technician. Students will be asked to collect, examine, test, interpret, and solve problems using a variety of crime scene related substances while also adhering to laboratory procedures and protocols. Communicating scientific information both orally and in written form will be stressed, as will complex reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Course Content / Topics May Include:
1. Intro to Forensic Science and the Law 6. Fiber Evidence
2. Types of Evidence 7. Serology
3. Crime Scene Investigation 8. Document Analysis
4. Fingerprints 9. Toxicology
5. Hair Evidence 10. Drugs and Poison
Lab Assignments / Lab assignments are an essential part of this course. In order to receive credit you must participate in the activity. You must complete a lab report for each lab. The due date for the report will be given the day of the lab.
Homework / All homework assignments will be on the class calendar and posted on my website. Assignments are due the day after it is assigned. Each assignment is worth 5 points. Credit will not be given to late assignments.
Project Guidelines / You will be assigned several projects during the course. All projects will be relevant to the current course of study. All projects are to be typed, double spaced, and font size 12. Due dates will be given when the project is assigned. Due dates will also be posted on the class calendar and on my website.
Assignment Due Dates / All late assignments will incur a 10% penalty for each day it is late. Assignments are due the period you are in class. After one week, the assignment will receive a score of a zero. If you are absent from class (due to a doctor’s appointment, or sports activity) but are in school the day an assignment is due, you are still responsible to hand in the assignment. You will incur the penalty. Extra help for the assignment will not be given on it’s due date. If you are absent due to illness, the assignment is due the day you return to class. If it is an extended absence we will discuss the new due date.
Grading Policy / Tests and Quizzes 50% Homework 15%
Lab 20% Projects 15%
Extra Help / Extra help is available in the morning (7:30-8:00) and after school. It is best to make an appointment guaranteeing our meeting.
Attendance & Make-Up Work / Attendance is crucial for success in Forensic Science as a lot of the work will be done in class and many of the activities are difficult to make-up.
It is the student’s responsibility to collect assignments that are missed during an absence from the website, another student, or by contacting the teacher. Students have the same number of days they were absent to make-up an assignment. Labs and other activities are made up by scheduling a time with the instructor within one week of the absence.
Behavior Expectations / Students will be exposed to disturbing pictures, readings, and discussions related to crime scene investigations. Students will never be forced to interact with material they find uncomfortable, however, alternative assignments will not be made available. It is expected for students to maintain an appropriate level of maturity.
It is expected that students act appropriately in class, follow all safety instructions and take responsibility for their actions. Failure to act in a sensible, responsible manner will result in appropriate disciplinary action as addressed in the JCHS handbook.
Forensic Science Contract
Forensic Science Contract
In signing this sheet, the student and parent/guardian agree to the following:
1) I have read the “Forensic Science Course Syllabus” and agree to the content.
2) Course Content/ Material-Students will be exposed to disturbing pictures, readings, and discussions related to crime scene investigations. Students will never be forced to interact with material they find uncomfortable.
Student Name: ______Signature: ______Date: _____
Parent/ Guardian’s Name: ______Signature: ______Date:____
(Please return entire sheet to teacher)
Forensic Science Contract
In signing this sheet, the student and parent/guardian agree to the following:
1) I have read the “Forensic Science Course Syllabus” and agree to the content.
2) Course Content/ Material-Students will be exposed to disturbing pictures, readings, and discussions related to crime scene investigations. Students will never be forced to interact with material they find uncomfortable.
Student Name: ______Signature: ______Date: _____
Parent/ Guardian’s Name: ______Signature: ______Date:____
(Please return entire sheet to teacher)