Course Description - Northeastern York School District



Forensic Science Investigations

Course Overview

Spring 2011

Mr. Zirkle

Course Description

This course is an introductory survey course in criminalistics. This course is designed to provide an overview of the basic science concepts and techniques used in a forensic laboratory. The nature and significance of physical evidence and the underlying chemical and biological principles of the scientific techniques employed for analysis and interpretation will be emphasized.

Students will learn about these topics through lecture, note-taking, discussions, labs, projects, tests and quizzes.

Course Materials

Introduction to Forensic Science & Criminalistics textbook (McGraw-Hill, 2008), spiral notebook, 3 ring binder, pen/pencil

Course Objectives

The following is a list of topics that may be studied in this course:

1. Scope and History of Forensic Science

2. The Crime Scene

3. Physical Evidence

4. Properties of Matter and the Analysis of Glass

5. Forensic Serology

6. DNA

7. Forensic Toxicology

8. Drugs

9. Trace Evidence: Hairs and Fibers

10. Fingerprints

11. Firearms, Tool Marks and Other Impressions

12. Document Examination

Evaluation and Assessment

The minimum cumulative average needed to pass this class is 70%. Your grade in this class will consist of the grade you earn each marking period (40% each) and a midterm and final exam (10% each).

Grades for each marking period will be determined by the total points that you accumulate when compared to the total points possible.

Grades for this course will be determined through:

Chapter or unit tests: (3 to 5 per marking period)

Homework assignments: (several times per week)

Classwork assignment: (activities completed during class, including labs and projects)

Quizzes: (several per week, some announced, others not)

Science notebook: (checked at least once per marking period)

Participation: (checked daily)

Chapter/Unit Tests: Chapter tests will be given at the conclusion of each chapter we cover. It is advised that you prepare accordingly for each test that is given. Chapter tests will include multiple choice, completion, matching and essay questions.

Homework/Classwork Policy: Homework and some selected classwork assignments will be graded according to their timely completion and correctness. Homework will be collected at the beginning of class. Any work turned in after this time will be assessed late points.

Lab report and lab participation Students will be required to keep pre-lab discussion notes, written procedures, data tables, sketches, data analysis in the form of graphs, and conclusion questions. Note that since this is a course based on investigations, the largest percentage of your grade is based on laboratory notes, lab work, participation and the write-ups.

Science Notebook: Students are required to keep a notebook for this course. Notebooks should be contained in a 3-ring binder and contain all classwork activities, handouts and notes given in class, as well as homework assignments. Notebooks will be checked at different times throughout the semester. All notebooks are expected to be kept up-to-date and neatly completed at all times. This is your responsibility!

Participation: Students will be graded on participation in class. Participation includes, but is not limited to: asking and answering questions, bringing required materials (pencils, books, etc) to class, acting appropriately, etc.

Student Responsibilities/Absence Policy

It is the responsibility of all students who are absent from class for any reason (illness, athletic, musical or otherwise) to make up all work or hand in any necessary back work due to their absence from class. Please see me immediately when you return to class about the assignments that need to be made up. You have a number of days equal to your absence to complete any make-up work or it will be counted as late.

In the event of an absence during a multi-day lab activity, returning students may NOT work with groups already in progress.

Late Policy

Any work (including labs) turned in late will be assessed a 3% penalty, per day.

Period 6

Period 6 is an extended academic time. During this time, students may be asked to return to the classroom. If you are asked to return, you are expected to bring materials for study and remain academically engaged throughout this time. Period 6 for this class will meet once per 6-day cycle. Students with any outstanding assignments or failing grades will remain in the classroom for the duration of the period. I will allow students in good standing to go to club or leave for incentive (if applicable). Students with unsatisfactory grades or without study materials may be assigned additional work to enhance class assignments.

Final Exam

The final for this class will include two parts: an objective final exam given during one of the two finals days, and a week-long lab practical. The lab practical will take place in the Crime Scene Room in the 9th grade academy and will involve students working in groups to solve a crime.

Student Expectations

1. Students are expected to bring all materials to class every day.

2. Students are expected to do their absolute best AT ALL TIMES!

3. Students are expected to see me if they are having difficulty with subject matter. Come see me during Period 6, before or after school, etc.

Classroom Policies

All students are required to follow District and School Policies. This includes, but is not limited to, the section on the District’s Network Acceptable Use policy, as well as the section on cheating.

1. Above all, respect your classmates, teacher, school rules and school property.

2. You are responsible for meeting all given deadlines.

3. You must have all of your materials and be inside the classroom when the tardy bell rings or you will be counted tardy. You will be given two (2) verbal warnings for being tardy. On the occurrence of the third tardy, a discipline referral will be issued.

4. Inappropriate language and/or gestures are not acceptable.

5. No food or beverages (except water) is allowed in the classroom or near the labs.

6. Academic dishonesty in any form, whether cheating or plagiarism is strictly prohibited. This applies to all work done in this class, including tests, quizzes, projects and homework!

7. Bathroom use is a privilege. Only in extreme emergencies or if there is a break in class procedure will students be allowed to use the bathroom. No bathroom use will be allowed during lecture.

Consequences:

1st offense- verbal warning

2nd offense- detention/parental contact

3rd offense- discipline referral

Forensic Science

Mr. Zirkle

Spring 2011

To the Parents:

I would like to thank you for playing an active role in your child’s education! If there is anything that I can do to help your child succeed in this course, please contact me using the information below.

Keeping in Contact

Parents may contact me at the high school: 266-3644

Parents and students may contact me via email at zirkleg@nesd.k12.pa.us

Important: when emailing, please type RE: “your child’s name” in the subject heading.

Emails that do not have this heading will be deleted.

Grades will be posted on . Please contact the high school if you wish to receive a password to access this account.

This syllabus is designed to provide a framework through which this course will be structured. Material and content may change according to class progress and student interest.

I have read and understand the expectations of myself, as a student, during this course.

Print Name: ____________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________

PARENTS, please read the syllabus above to help understand what is expected of your student. Please feel free to contact me at any time regarding your student’s progress or any concerns. You may provide contact information in the space provided below at your discretion.

Parent Contact Information: Phone:

Email:

Parent Signature: _________________________________________

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