FORENSIC SCIENCE									Mr. Gable
Updated Fall 2017									jgable@cbsd.org

Introduction:

Forensic Science is a one-semester course designed to introduce the scientific and investigative techniques used to solve a crime.  The curriculum involves a strong understanding of the laboratory procedures taught and practiced in previous science courses.  The requirement to participate and succeed in this course includes a minimum grade of “C” in Academic Biology.  
Many techniques used to analytically evaluate evidence include detailed background knowledge previously covered in biology and chemistry, as well as, some previous knowledge in basic physics and earth science.

The course will involve the application of chemical, physical, and biological principles for the investigation of physical evidence in criminal cases.  It will entail analytical reasoning, laboratory testing, possible field trips, and provide expertise (qualified speakers who will present and help us to analyze evidence from criminal cases).  Students will be taught the fundamentals of a criminal investigation and how it is applied in a court of law.  The students will learn by doing – they will isolate and process crime scenes, analyze and interpret lab data, and problem solve.  Each student’s experience will culminate with the solving of a crime scene scenario.

While the majority of class time will be dedicated to the discussion and understanding of investigative techniques, outside-of-class time will be required to fully comprehend the topics and techniques being discussed.  Students should expect nightly homework assignments.  Homework assignments could include, but are not limited to, the following:  data analysis, practice worksheets, on-line research, case studies, personal reflection papers, and selected readings from the text.  While the assignments are not lengthy by any means, they are vital to your understanding of the curriculum and your eventual success within the course.

Course Materals:
•	Text ~ Forensic Science:  An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques
•	Lecture/Discussion Notebook ~ Spiral-bound or Loose Leaf-Binder
•	Folder ~ For handouts and reference material

Class Expectations:
1.	Show courtesy and respect for others in the classroom.
2.	Demonstrate self-responsibility and maturity at all times.
3.	Follow all attendance policies. This includes absences and cuts.
4.	Cell phones and i-pods may not be used or seen in class.  All school policies apply.
5.	Come to class prepared. You will need to bring your notebook, textbook, pen/pencil, and completed assignments each day.  You will lose 10% off of larger assignments for each day late.
6.	Show pride in your own work.  Copying will result in zeroes for both parties.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and all school and district policies will apply.
CB’s Academic Integrity Policy, as stated in your handbook, will be upheld to the utmost.
7.	Attendance is critical to your success. 
a.	It is your responsibility to get any missed notes, class work, or assignments.
b.	If absent, you will have the number of school days absent to make up any missed work.
8.	If you are absent from class (be in medical or school-sponsored trip) it is YOUR responsibility to retrieve any and all missed notes and assignments from someone else in the class.  Handouts will be held by the instructor and given to you the day you return.
9.	Extra credit will NOT be formally stated.  It will be administered as additional questions on quizzes/exams, and as activity preparation before and/or after school.  Also, extra credit will ONLY be awarded when offered to the entire class.  There will be NO individual extra credit assignments.

Grading and Evaluation:
There are many opportunities to accumulate grades/points during the marking periods. Grades are given for tests, quizzes, labs, research projects, classwork, and homework. All grades are posted on the parent portal site at:  https://campus.cbsd.org/campus/portal/cbsd.jsp.  

Grades per marking period will be calculated based on the following weighted groups:
	35% 	Primary assessments (Tests, Projects)
	50%	Secondary assessments (Quizzes, Labs)
	15%	Support (Homework, Classwork) 

At the end of each marking period, percents are converted to letter grades in accordance with the District’s guidelines.  The final exam will consist of a written test and solving a mock crime scene.  The final grade for the course is computed as follows:
	MP1	    45%
	MP2	    45%
   Final Exam	 10%
  
Extra credit may be offered as additional questions on quizzes/exams and will ONLY be awarded when available to the entire class.  There will be NO individual extra credit assignments.

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Course Outline

I	History of Forensics & First Responder Responsibilities
	Chpt 1:  What a Forensic Scientist Does
	Chpt. 10:  Crime Scene Investigation
Chpt.  12:  The Forensic Laboratory

II	Chpt. 17:  Fingerprinting

III	Handwriting Analysis
	Chpt. 21:  Questionable Documents

IV	Chpt. 16:  Trace Evidence (Micro-Fractures, Hair, Fibers, Glass)

V	Impression Evidence
	Chpt. 18:  Footwear Impressions
	Chpt. 20:  Firearm & Tool Impressions (Ballistics)
	Chpt. 6:  Forensic Odontology
Chpt. 19:  Tire & Tire Track Impressions

VI	Chpt. 11 & 13:  Forensic Serology
-Recognition, Identification, Characteristics of Blood & Bloodstain Patterns

VII	Forensic Application of the Social Sciences
	Chpt. 28-29:  Forensic Psychology / Psychiatry
	Chpt. 30-31:  Criminal Profiling
	Serial Killers

Optional
	Chpt. 22:  Analysis of Controlled Substances (Forensic Toxicology)
	Chpt. 24:  Basic Fire & Explosion Investigations (Arson Investigations)
Chpt. 32-34:  Legal & Ethical Issues in Forensic Science
	Chpt. 2-9:  Forensic Specialists	

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Class Policy ~ A simplified version … 

1.	YOU are responsible for all missed work if you are out for any reason (absence, trip, athletic contest, etc.).
2.	Hats are allowed in class … hoods are not.
3.	Cell phones and iPods (i.e. personal listening devices) are a no-no.  If I see it, hear it, touch it, smell it, taste it, I will take it!  THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!
4.	If you cut my class, you will get a zero for all work assigned/collected/missed on that day.
5.	You will be removed from class due to immaturity and disrespect to yourself and others.

REMEMBER, this class is not about blood and guts and gory pictures.  This is a science class and we will investigate and discuss grown-up situations in a mature and scientific manner.  While some things may make you a little queasy, the intention is not to ‘gross’ you out.  It is to peak your interest, educate yourself, and perhaps turn you on to a new and exciting branch of science in the world.