Forensics

Forensic Science Syllabus

2015 – 2016 School Year

Teacher: William S Brown Phd

Phone: 270-265-2506

Room: 206

Additional Information: I am in my classroom everyday afterschool and am available to answer questions and provide help during that time. Feel free to contact me at the above number and email address. I will be easier to reach via email but will return phone calls as quickly as possible.

I. Introduction

A. Course Description:

Forensic Science is the study of the crime lab, collection of evidence and analysis of evidence. Laboratory experiments that investigate and reinforce concepts will be conducted throughout the course.

B. Prerequisites: None

C. Materials: classroom set of texts; notebook/paper, pencils or pen

D. Course Policies:

a. Grading: There will be homework, laboratory assignments, reports, tests, quizzes and writing assignments. The grade for the course will be determined by the percentage of points earned from these activities out of the total number of points possible. The standard Todd County Central High School grading scale will be used.

b. Homework: Students will be given time in class on most days to begin assignments. Anything not completed is expected to be finished as homework. If a student is absent the day the assignment is due or the assignment is given, the student will not receive a zero for the assignment, but have 3 class period to make up the assignment. It is the students responsibility to obtain the assignment. Each day any assignment is late the student will lose 5% of the assignments value. Because homework is an important part of learning, students should complete assignments even if they are not turned in on time.

c. Absences/Makeup: Students are expected to make-up missed work due to excused absences. All Test, Quizzes, and exams must be made up. If a student knows ahead of time he/she will miss an exam or quiz they may work out a time in class to take it before the scheduled date otherwise the student must make arrangements to make up the quiz or test. Labs will not be able to be made up. If a student misses an alternate assignment will be given to the student.

d. Classroom Rules

1. Follow all instructions given by the teacher as soon as they are given.

2. Students are expected to treat the teacher, other students, the classroom, and property with respect.

3. Students are to be prepared for class each day. This includes their notebook, homework assignments, paper, and pencil.

4. Students are expected to complete all assigned work on time.

5. Students are expected to remain in their seats.

6. Students working in the lab are expected to follow all safety rules and instructions at all times. Failure to do so can result in the grade of a zero being given.

e. Classroom Expectations:

1. Students must be in the classroom before the tardy bell ends or they will be considered tardy. The schools’ policy for tardy students as described in the student handbook will be enforced.

2. Cheating or dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Students will receive a zero that cannot be dropped or made up, for any assignment or exam that in the opinion of the instructor, they obtained by dishonest means.

3. Students are expected to follow directions and classroom procedures. A warning will be given after the first infraction. Further infractions will result in a teacher – student conference, a parent contact, after school detention, and/or office referral.

4. Students are expected to take care of outside of class needs before class begins. This includes, but is not limited to, getting class materials, going to the restroom, and getting a drink.

f. Safety All students will receive a safety contract which must be signed by the student and their guardian and returned to the teacher prior to the first laboratory period. All students must pass a safety quiz with a 90% or better before being allowed to work in the allowed to work in the laboratory. The safety quiz may be taken multiple times till a passing score is received.

When performing an experiment in the laboratory all safety rules stated in the safety contract must be obeyed. The first violation of a safety rule can result in either a warning or removal from the laboratory area and a grade of zero for the experiment at the discretion of the teacher. A second violation during the same laboratory period will result in an automatic removal from the laboratory area and a grade of zero for the experiment.

Topics Covered:

Development of Forensics and the Crime Lab Forensic Toxicology

The Crime Scene and Evidence Forensic Serology (Blood and Blood Splatter)

Physical Evidence and its Analysis DNA

Trace Evidence and its Analysis Arson and Explosion Investigations

Fingerprints Firearms, Tool Marks, and Impressions

Drugs

Standards Covered: Chemistry I.A.1.a – I.A.1.g; I.A.2.b-I.A.2d; I.A.3.a – I.A.3f;

Biology C.1.a, C.1.i, C.1.k, C.1.l;

Please sign and return this page of the syllabus to acknowledge that you as a parents and students have received and read the syllabus for the Forensic Science class of Dr. Scott Brown.

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