FORENSIC SCIENCE SYLLABUS 2013-2014
Instructor:Walker, Tasha Email:
Office Hours: 8:20 – 9:50 AM
Text: Bertino, Anthony J. (2012). Forensic Science, Fundamentals & Investigations. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning
FORENSIC SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Forensic science is a multidisciplinary applied science encompassing several sub-fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and crime science investigation (CSI). These sub-fields include genetics, toxicology, entomology, ballistics, pathology, computer forensics, fire debris and trace evidence. This course focuses on problem solving within an interdisciplinary scientific, relevant context.
The curriculum and course includes application scientific methodology, science content, and use of science technologies. The main topic of forensic science is to apply scientific methods to substantiate legal investigations. The course information will be taught using hands-on instruction such as examining mock crime scenes or analyzing evidence in laboratory activities.
Forensic Science can act as a college preparatory elective course that is taught and designed for students interested in learning more about forensics and/or pursuing a college degree and eventually working in a crime laboratory or for law enforcement.
GOALS
1. Students will be able to develop large-scale concepts through application of scientific inquiry.
2. The course will develop a student's ability to perform scientific inquiry within the interdisciplinary field of forensic science.
3. The content will be student-driven through inquiry and application of forensic science.
Evaluation GRADE SCALE
Tests/Quizzes: 50% 100---93% = A
Classwork (notes, participation, hw, etc): 25% 89---92% = B
Labs and Projects: 25% 79---70% = C
Final : 25% 69---70% = D
69---0% = F
ATTENDANCE POLICY & HOMEWORK POLICY:
Please follow the Student Handbook: In accordance to the Oneida Special Schools District Policy and as outlined.
No name or late work –Twenty points will be automatically deducted for work that is one day late, ineligible papers, papers missing a name, or if the student must go to the locker to retrieve work. Work turned in two or more days late will receive a zero. Certain assignments will NOT be allowed to be turned in late; I will make these known ahead of time. Students have three days to turn in missing work with an excused absence and still earn a 100% (after-school tutoring or the M.A.S.H. programs is preferred). Students with an unexcused absence will receive a zero for any missing work.
Attendance – Good attendance and punctuality are necessary for academic excellence. Students missing class due to school activities should give notice in advance. All work that is missed is the responsibility of the student, regardless of the reason.
Student Responsibilities When Absent:
- It is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor and/or other students to determine what work was missed while absent this includes class notes, homework assignments, tests, quizzes, labs, and projects.
EXAMINATIONS: A test and/or quiz may be given weekly. At the end of the semester, students will be given a semester final.
Class Expectations and Requirements:
1. Respect others and yourself, including keeping your hands to yourself.
2. Respect instructional time; do not pack up early…stay in seat until dismissed. PUT STOOLS ON TABLE WHEN BELL RINGS TO BE DISMISSED!!!
3. Come to class prepared to work and learn, have all homework complete.
4. Help each other to succeed – we’re all in this together.
5. Have a good attitude and an open mind; you will be working in teams frequently.
6. No excuses: take responsibility for your actions.
7. Don’t let anyone copy your work – if cheating or copying occurs, all students involved receive a zero.
8. You always have to try – even if you don’t particularly care for what we’re doing in class.
9. Adhere to all OHS school rules and policies and my class preferences.
10. Clean up work area and yourself before leaving class.
Materials Required:
- (1) 1.5 inch 3-ring binder with college-ruled paper
- 1 quad/grid ruled laboratory notebook (for crime scene sketches)
- Pen and Pencil
- Scientific calculator
- Jump-drive
Class Website: Access to my website will be essential to ensuring your success during the class. To access my site, either go to the Oneida Special Schools District web-site, click on schools, click on Oneida High School, click on School Staff (on your left), click on Tasha Walker, or to directly access my page, copy & paste the following address
Next, select File Manager/Syllabus, look for subject matter related to Forensic Science. Within in this tab (File Manager/Syllabus), you can find downloadable notes, homework, schedules/updates, help/solutions to assignments, and other useful resources and materials to assist you. Click on Presentations to view any power-points related to this class. It is crucial that you check this website frequently to be successful in forensic science.
Accessing Grades and Performance
Students and Parents can access grades, attendance, missing work and other class pertinent information thru Skyward. A link to Skyward is found on the school’s website at
COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK / TOPICS / WEEK / TOPICS1 /
- Observation Skills
- Handwriting Analysis, Forgery, and Counterfeiting
2 & 3 /
- Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection
- Art Fraud
4 /
- The Study of Hair
- Death: Meaning, Manner, Mechanism, Cause, and Time
5 /
- A Study of Fibers and Textiles
- Forensic Anthropology
6 /
- Fingerprints
- Glass Evidence
7 /
- DNA Fingerprinting
- Casts & Impressions
8 /
- Blood and Blood Spatter
Semester
Exam / • Finals Review
Possible FIELD TRIP!!!!!
9 /
- Drug Identification and Toxicology
The instructor retains the right to vary this syllabus due to school schedule changes or as the instructor deems necessary due to circumstances.
Mrs. Tasha Walker
Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in Biology, T.T.U. in Cookeville, TN
Masters Degree in Biology, University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT
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