Forensic Science is the study of the application of science to law. In criminal cases, forensic science is used to examine physical evidence that can be used to establish connections between suspects, events and circumstances. This course mirrors the forensic science course, but includes more in-depth topics of investigation, including forensic entomology, DNA analysis, arson and explosives, drugs & forensic toxicology, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, forensics and the human body, accident reconstruction and computer forensics. Throughout the course students will compile a personal evidence portfolio.
Students who successfully complete Forensic Science & Advanced Forensics can earn undergraduate credit at Roger Williams University.
Goals of the Course You will:
●Learn how to conduct a variety of experiments used by forensic scientists to analyze evidence collected from crime scene.
●Evaluate forensic evidence analysis techniques with appropriate regard to scientific, statistical, ethical and legal issues.
●Develop critical analytical skills and apply them in case-study situations relevant to current forensic science.
●Learn the techniques used by crime scene investigators to identify and collect evidence at a crime scene.
●Work collaboratively with other classmates to analyze and identify unknown sources of evidence.
●Use knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course to solve a mock crime.
Topics/Time Frames
1.Introduction to the Science of Forensics
2. Forensic Pathology
3.Forensic Anthropology
4.Forensics Entomology
5.Forensic Toxicology
6.Arson, Fire and Explosives
7.DNA Typing
8. Firearms & Ballistics
9.End of Course Practical Assessment: Mock Crime
Assessments
Both formative and summative assessments to include:
Lab Activities
Lab Reports
Case Analysis
Critical Thinking Exercises
Quizzes & End of Unit Assessments
Reading Analysis
Performance Tasks
Semester and End of Course Assessments
Materials
Binder, writing implement
Book:
Forensics An Introduction (3rd edition) by Richard Saferstein
Grading
Assessments 60%
Labs & Class Activities 25%
Homework 5%
Common Course Assessment 10%
**All grades are posted on Skyward and updated weekly.
**Remind: Students and parents can sign up to receive assignment reminders by
registering with my Remind account. The information will be posted on my
website and provided to all students. Reminders will be sent by text or email.
Classroom Policies
● It is very important that you are present, in class, on time, every day.
●Attendance is a critical factor for the success of students in this class
●Extra help is available everyday before and after school
●If you are late to class, you will be required to stay after school for teacher detention
●You must be prepared each day for class.
●Be attentive and open to learning.
●Be actively involved in your learning.
●Ask questions and be engaged in the class activities.
●You are responsible for all work missed during an absence from class.
●You must be aware of, and follow, all school rules.
●Please show respect in the class at all times.
Makeups:
●Students have 2 weeks to make up any class assessments.
●It is recommended that you make up missed work as soon as possible.
If you fail an end of unit assessment, you have 2 weeks to make up the assessment
Advanced Forensics Parent Consent Form
Throughout the course of the year students will be engaged in numerous hands activities in which they will analyze a variety of evidence types for the purpose of solving mock crimes. A major part of evidence analysis is the documentation through written description and photography. Pictures from the class may be posted on my website. Please indicate below
Check one of the following choices:
____ I/We GRANT permission for this student’s photo/image and name to be
published on the school and/or teacher public internet site.
____I/We DO NOT GRANT permission for photo/image that includes this student to
be published on the school and or teacher public internet site.
Students Name: (please print) _______________________________________________
Print name of Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________________
Relation to Student: _______________________________________________________