St. Cloud State University
General Education Goal Area 3
Natural & Physical Sciences
Academic Affairs Use Only:
Response Date:
Effective Date:
1.
Proposal Number:
Prepared by: Lakshmaiah Sreerama
Phone: 308-2080
Email: lsreerama@stcloudstate.edu
2.
Requesting Unit: Chemistry
3.
Department, Course Number, Title: CHEM 307, Advanced Forensic Science
4.
New Course
5.
Will this course be flagged as a diversity course?
Already Designated as Diversity
6.
Will this course also satisfy another General Education Goal Area?
If “Yes” specify which goal area.
7.
Course bulletin description, including credits and semesters to be offered:
Existing Course
No
Diversity Proposal Accompanying This Form
No
Yes
CHEM 307. Advanced Forensic Science (2, 2)
Analysis of physical evidence through the use of laboratory instrumentation. Sample collection and
preparation methods and techniques. Lab. Prereq.: 207. 3 Cr.
8.
Indicate the clientele for whom this course is designed. Is the course for general education only, or
does it fulfill general education and other program needs for this or another department? Obtain
signatures from any affected departments.
Students requiring general education science course with laboratory component, especially those
students transferring with an associate degree that may have taken a forensic science class that does not
transfer as CHEM 207. Required course for forensic science minors offered by chemistry department and
an elective for criminal justice majors.
9.
Indicate any changes that must be made in offerings or resources in your department or other
departments by offering this course.
None; An existing course and offered online every semester.
10.
For new courses or courses not yet approved for General Education, indicate any other SCSU departments
or units offering instruction that relates to the content of the proposed course.
This is a new course in the general education curriculum. The content and concepts covered in this
course are not covered elsewhere.
11.
Courses designated as General Education are included in the assessment plan for the Goal Area(s)
12/11/2009
for which they are approved. Courses for which assessment is not included in the annual GE
assessment report for two years will be removed from the General Education Program.
The Requesting Unit understands and recognizes the above conditions.
Provide a concise explanation of how the following goal is a “significant focus” of the proposed course.
Goal Area 3: Natural & Physical Sciences
Explore scientific knowledge of the natural world. Understand the central concepts and principles of
science; experience the process of scientific inquiry; comprehend science as a human endeavor and
understand the impact of science on individuals and on society.
The course has balanced perspective in which it allows the students pursue knowledge and skills of chemistry on its
own as well as its application to law enforcement and public safety. It further demonstrates the importance of
chemistry in a broader frame work of its application to analyze crime scene evidence. The course further offers
balanced perspective of basic concepts of chemistry in identification of individuals, both victims and suspects. It
also allows hands on experience of the application of chemistry concepts to analyze crime scene evidence via
laboratory exercises.
13.
14. In order for a course to be designated as fulfilling Goal Area 3, it must address at least 5 of the 6 student learning
outcomes (SLOs) below. Check the SLOs below that are focused on in the proposed general education course.
1. Demonstrate knowledge of concepts, principles, and theories in the physical or natural sciences.
2. Make observations and collect data, design and carry out experiments or other types of scientific investigations.
3. Formulate research questions and testable hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, draw inferences and
conclusions, and identify further questions for investigation.
4. Demonstrate awareness of the interdependent relationships of basic science, applied science, mathematics, and
technology.
5. Recognize the human nature of the scientific enterprise, including the importance of curiosity, creativity, and
imagination; the dual nature of scientific knowledge as changeable and durable; and the impact of a scientist's
personal identity on the scientific process.
6. Evaluate societal issues from a science perspective, question the evidence presented, and make informed
judgments about these issues.
15.
Discuss how each Student Learning Outcome checked above is achieved in this course. (Note: Although
descriptions of typical assignments or types of assignments may be part of this discussion, it is not
appropriate to submit copies of actual assignments.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge in advanced concepts of forensic chemistry, theories
and principles via quizzes, assignments, tests and a comprehensive final exam.
Students will carry out experiments, make observations, collect and analyze data and interpret the data to
support and/or disprove experimental hypothesis as related crime scene evidence analysis.
Students will formulate questions and test hypothesis via open ended laboratory exercises as applied to
reconstruction of how the crime may have been committed/occurred using advanced investigation
techniques.
The students will utilize computer and other pedagogical technologies, computer driven instrumentation,
etc., in this course. They will explore interdependence of chemistry concepts in criminology and
criminalistics.
Most of the issues covered in this course have a profound impact on humanity in that the students will
explore the advanced forensic science concepts involved in examination of crimes, law enforcement and
maintaining public safety.
12/11/2009
6. Students will learn scientific methods, collect evidence and analyze crime scene evidence, will analyze
issues related to environmental issues in crime scenes and safety.
Courses satisfying Goal Area 3: Natural & Physical Sciences must have either a “traditional lab course or a lab-like
experience”. Check which of these apply and supply a brief explanation of how the course is either a laboratory
course or incorporates a “lab-like experience”.
Course includes:
Laboratory
Lab-like experience
16.
The following quote from a National Research Council subcommittee report may help to identify a course with a
laboratory. ”Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for students to interact directly with the material world
(or with data drawn from the material world), using the tools, data collection techniques, models, and theories of
science.” America's Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science (Free Executive Summary)
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11311.html
17.
List or attach the Course Outline (adequately described and including percentage of time to be allocated
to each topic). Curriculum Committees may request additional information. Topics larger than 20% need
to be broken down further. Indicate in your course outline where the Student Learning Outcomes
checked above are being met.
1
Crime scene Investigation (10%): SLOs; 1, 2, 4-6.
 Crime scene investigation and evidence collection techniques and Case readings associated with crime
scene investigations; Case readings that demonstrate evidence identification, evidence collection
methods used and evidence analysis; Forensic entomology: Introduction, Procedure, Collecting,
Preserving and Packing Specimens, Other Uses for Insects in Forensic Science.
2
Evidence collection procedures (10%); SLOs: 1, 2, 4.
 FBI guidelines for collection of physical evidence.
3
Advanced fingerprinting techniques (8%); SLOs: 1, 2, 4-6.
 Fundamental principles of fingerprints. Classification of fingerprints, Automated fingerprint identification
systems, Methods of detecting fingerprints. Preservation of developed prints.
4
Biometrics in Forensic science (2%); SLOs: 4-6.
 Various biometric tools used in identification of individuals, Digital Image fingerprint systems Principles
and practice.
5
Drugs of abuse and their analysis (7.5%); SLOs: 1, 2, 4-6.
 Narcotic drugs and their classification, Collection and preservation of drug evidence, and Drug
identification methods (field and laboratory).
6
Clandestine Methamphetamine and Other Drug Labs (7.5%); SLOs: 1-6.
 Crystal Meth, consumption patterns, toxicology and its effects, Common methods used in production of
Meth, detection and types of clandestine labs, Types of chemical used in clandestine labs, dangers and
hazards associated with clandestine labs.
7
Forensic Toxicology (15%): SLOs; 1, 2, 4, 5.
 Toxicology of ethanol, toxicology of narcotics, techniques used in toxicology, significance of toxicological
findings and Drug recognition expert.
8
Arson and Explosives (10%); SLOs: 1, 2, 4, 5.
 Chemistry of fire, searching a fire scene, collection and preservation of arson evidence, flammable
residues, classification of explosives and collection and analysis of explosives
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9
Firearms, Tool Marks and Other Impressions (10%); SLOs: 1-6.
 Bullet impressions, cartridge cases, firearm search systems, gunpowder residues on hands and cloths,
serial number restoration collection and preservation of firearm evidence.
10 Document and voice examination (5%); SLOs: 2-6.
 Identification of fraudulent documents and their analysis using chemical methods.
11 Forensic science on the internet (5%); SLOs: 2-6.
 Internet tools and investigation techniques.
12 Advanced DNA analysis techniques (15%); SLOs: 1-6.
 DNA as an indispensable forensic science tool; DNA and its manipulations, DNA typing and its
significance in Forensic Science; STR analysis: PCR, DNA sequencing and STR analysis.
12/11/2009
St. Cloud State University
General Education Transmittal Form
Academic Affairs Use Only:
Response Date:
Effective Date:
Proposal Number
Department: Chemistry
Course or Course(s): CHEM 307, Advanced Forensic Science
Jack F. McKenna
Department or Unit Chair Signature
1/21/10
Date
Department forward to Academic Affairs for publication and electronically to Chair of General Education Committee, Chair
of College Curriculum Committee, College Dean
Recommendation of General Education Committee:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
Chairperson
Committee
Signature
Date
Recommendation of University Curriculum Committee:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
Chairperson
Committee
Signature
Date
Recommendation of Faculty Association:
Approve
Remarks:
Disapprove
FA Senate
Signature
Date
Action of Academic Vice President:
Approve
Disapprove
Signature
Entered in Curriculum Data File
12/11/2009
Remarks:
Date