Download Forensic Science Syllabus – 2016-17

August 8, 2016
Dear Parent
I am happy to have your student in my Forensic Science class this year.
Below are the course objectives and grading procedures. Please take a moment to look at them.
Grades are available through the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus. If there is a question with grades, please email me
at [email protected] or call the school (706-748-2766). Leave a message and I will call you back.
The class website can be found at www.sciencestephenson.com. The schedule and assignments will be posted on a weekly
basis.
I am looking forward to a good school year. I am also looking forward to working with you in order to ensure that your
student has a successful high school experience. Thank you so much for your support.
Sincerely,
Karen Stephenson
Science Teacher
Hardaway High School
Forensic Science Syllabus (2016-17)
Instructor: Mrs. Stephenson
1. Course Description
The Forensic Science curriculum is designed to build upon science concepts and to apply science to the
investigation of crime scenes. Students will learn the scientific protocols for analyzing a crime scene, how to use
chemical and physical separation methods to isolate and identify materials, how to analyze biological evidence
and the criminal use of tools, including impressions from firearms, tool marks, arson, and explosive evidence.
2. State of Georgia Performance Standards for Forensic Science
SFS1. Recognize and classify various types of evidence in relation to the definition and scope of Forensic Science
SFS2. Use various scientific techniques to analyze physical and trace evidence
SFS3. Assess how the analysis of DNA, toxicology, serology, and illicit drugs are used for forensic
investigations
SFS4. Evaluate the role of ballistics, tool marks, and arson in forensic investigation
SFS5. Evaluate the role of Forensics as it pertains to Medicolegal Death Investigation
3. Course Topics
I.
Crime Scene Investigation (25%)
A. History of Forensic Science (SFS1)
B. Understand how to process a crime scene (SFS1)
1.) Understand how to collect and package evidence at a crime scene
2.) Applying fingerprinting techniques
3.) Understand the value of physical evidence
II.
Death Investigation (25%)
A. Understand the role a medical examiner plays in the investigation of a death (SFS5)
1.) Understand the process of an autopsy
2.) Understand the classification of manners of death and cause of death
3.) Understand the process of estimating time since death (PMI)
B. Understand the role a forensic anthropologist plays in the investigation of a death (SFS5)
1.) Apply the techniques used to process a clandestine grave
2.) Apply anthropology techniques to identify skeletal remains
3.) Understand forensic odontology
C. Understand the role a forensic entomologist plays in the investigation of a death (SFS5)
1.) Understand how life cycles of insects are used to determine time since death
2.) Apply forensic entomology techniques to determine time since death
Forensic Science Syllabus (2015-16)
Instructor: Mrs. Stephenson
III.
Forensic Science in the Laboratory (50%)
A. Understand the forensic science behind toxicology and drug identification (SFS3)
1.) Understand the classification of illicit drugs
2.) Understand the process of toxicology in crime investigations
B. Understand the forensic science behind blood evidence (SFS3)
1.) Understand the composition of blood
2.) Analyze blood spatter
3.) Understand DNA typing
C. Understand the forensic science behind trace evidence (SFS2)
1.) Apply forensic techniques to identify hair and fibers
2.) Apply techniques to distinguish types of glass and soil
3.) Apply techniques to collect impressions left at a crime scene
D. Understand the forensic science behind ballistics and firearms (SFS4)
1.) Understand how firearms can be identified
2.) Understand how ballistics is used to identify flight of bullet
E. Understand the forensic science behind document examination (SFS2)
1.) Understand the evidence found in handwriting samples
2.) Understand the evidence found in examining documents
F. Understand the role other forensic professionals play in the investigation of a crime (SFS2)
1.) Understand the field of digital forensics
G. Understand the field of forensic psychology and psychiatry (SFS2)
1.) Clinical vs. forensic
Class Expectations:
Preparation: Students are expected to be on time for class and prepared to learn. They need to bring these items
to class each day: pen and pencil, journal for note taking (loose leaf binder preferred)
Conduct:
1. Attend class on time every day.
2. Complete all assignments to the best of the student’s ability.
3. Be able to work in cooperation with other students, to keep accurate records for scientific inquiry, and to
work within a laboratory setting observing all safety practices.
4. Be able to work independently to solve a problem or conduct research.
5. Follow all rules outlined in Hardaway High School and Muscogee County Handbooks.
Hall passes are limited to three per student per term.
Grading:
45% - Unit Formative Assessments:
- Class work/homework used to prepare student for summative
assessments
- Includes journal entries, practice problems, cooperative assignments,
labs, etc.
45% - Unit Summative Assessments
- Quizzes, Unit Tests, Midterm, Final, and projects where quality work
indicates that the student has met the Georgia Performance Standards
associated with that unit.
10% - Technical Reading & Writing
Grading Scale
A = 90-100 (Excellent)
B = 80-90 (Good Progress)
C = 70-80 (Needs Improvement)
F = 69 and below (Not Passing)
As a student, I have read all of the information on the Forensic Science syllabus. I will adhere to the rules of Hardaway
High School and the policies of the science department and Mrs. Stephenson’s classroom. I know that I can and should
ask for extra help when needed.
___________________________________________
Student’s Name (print)
_____________________________________________
Student’s Signature
As a parent, I have read, and I understand the policies and procedures outlined above. If at any time I have any concerns
about my child’s performance in environmental science, I know that I can contact Mrs. Stephenson by email at
[email protected] or by phone at (706) 748-2766.
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Name (print)
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
_____________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Email
As a student, I have read all of the information on the Forensic Science syllabus. I will adhere to the rules of Hardaway
High School and the policies of the science department and Mrs. Stephenson’s classroom. I know that I can and should
ask for extra help when needed.
___________________________________________
Student’s Name (print)
_____________________________________________
Student’s Signature
As a parent, I have read, and I understand the policies and procedures outlined above. If at any time I have any concerns
about my child’s performance in environmental science, I know that I can contact Mrs. Stephenson by email at
[email protected] or by phone at (706) 748-2766.
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Name (print)
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
_____________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Email
As a student, I have read all of the information on the Forensic Science syllabus. I will adhere to the rules of Hardaway
High School and the policies of the science department and Mrs. Stephenson’s classroom. I know that I can and should
ask for extra help when needed.
___________________________________________
Student’s Name (print)
_____________________________________________
Student’s Signature
As a parent, I have read, and I understand the policies and procedures outlined above. If at any time I have any concerns
about my child’s performance in environmental science, I know that I can contact Mrs. Stephenson by email at
[email protected] or by phone at (706) 748-2766.
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Name (print)
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
_____________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s Email