SUPA Forensics
Course Description
Forensics will explore the science behind criminal investigation; it is the application of science to
law. We will investigate actual case histories and, with an increasing background in the subject
area, come up with clues and answer questions presented by scientists and law enforcement
agencies. Topics covered will include forensics chemistry, biology, earth science, physics,
pathology, odontology, entomology, and anthropology to name a few. We will be following
cases and articles from news sources on a daily basis as well as individual projects each marking
period. This is a college level course. Minimum averages, as stated by MHS policy for honors
and advanced courses, will be required to remain in the class.
Procedure
Class meets one period daily. Some activities will require after school work.
Laboratory and case study requirements
We will be performing labs and case study investigations that will require write-ups and further
research. Procedures for each assignment will be explained in class. Successful completion of
each and every activity is a requirement for completion of the course. Access to the library and
computer labs will be done at first with teacher assistance to help with resource tools, then on
your own. Access to the S.U. library and database are also available.
Textbook
Criminalistics: an Introduction To Forensics Science. Seventh edition by Richard Saferstein.
College Credit
Since this is a Syracuse University sponsored course, all students are required to pay tuition
to S.U. as stated in the course guide. This course is taught under the same guidelines as the one
at S.U. Upon successful completion, students will receive a S.U. transcript for 4 credits that may
be transferred to most colleges and universities. In formation on registration and payment to S.U.
will be discussed in class and posted on our class web site (see #11 below).
Student expectations
1) Be in class by the late bell. Illegal absences and lateness’s will be dealt with in accordance
with the attendance policy.
2) Proper behavior is to be observed at all times
3) Assignments are to be completed in full by the date due. If you are having difficulty with an
assignment, be sure to ask questions before the due date.
4) A notebook or section of a loose leaf will be needed.
5) A folder is required to maintain your coursework portfolio.
6) Tests are announced at least 2 days ahead of time. Makeup tests are given during your free or
lunch period, or after school the day you return.
7) Quizzes are fair game at any point in time.
8) In case of absence from class for any reason, missed notes will be obtained by the next day
(copied or printed from the white board on the computer). No extensions will be provided for
tests or projects. In case of absence from school for more than one day, please contact me at
Revchem@comcast.net or Revensonm@mahopac.k12.ny.us to keep up on topics.
9) Extra help will be offered at least once a week. I am usually available whenever requested
though.
10) Grades can be accessed 24 / 7 by logging on to www.mygradebook.com . Log on info will be
provided during the first week of school.
11) A calendar of events, and links to websites of interest are available through our class website
at www.mahopac.k12.ny.us/mhs/teachers/revensonm
***The on-line grade book (www.mygradebook.com) will prevent any surprises at the end of the
marking periods. In order to access this service and communicate more effectively, I will need
student and parent e-mail addresses. I can store up to 3 addresses per student. Home and/or work
addresses are fine. Feel free to e-mail me at any point in time. I do try to check my e-mail often,
and will reply as soon as possible. If you do not have a computer at home, there are many
computers at the new Mahopac Public Library for public use. E-mail accounts can be set up free
of charge through services such as Yahoo.com or hotmail.com .
I have read and understand these expectations.
PARENTS:
Feel free to keep up on your child’s assignments (#11 above) and their grades (#10 above);
and e-mail whenever with questions, comments etc. or if you have a specialty that may be of
interest to the course. Thank you.
Student’s signature ____________________________ e-mail_____________________________
Parent’s signature _____________________________ e-mail_____________________________
Additional e-mail address ________________________________________
As always, you can contact me the old fashion way at 845-628-3256 x 502.