SYLLABUS
(Revised September 2002)
COURSE CODE: CRJU –204-80 COURSE TITLE: FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
PREREQUISITE: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
ADDITIONAL TIME REQUIREMENTS: NONE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will serve as a bridge between CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION and what is
accomplished in a FORENSIC LABORATORY. It will concern the forensic evidence
aspect of criminal investigation, identifying evidence, collecting it, preserving it,
recording it, processing it, and brining it forward into the forensic science laboratory.
Demonstrations will give students some insight into what it is like to properly collect and
interpret evidence, and then to present that evidence in court.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Saferstein, Richard, Ph.D., Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Seventh
Edition. Prentiss Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2000. (ANY EDITION MAY BE
USED)
RECOMMENDED READINGS:
Moenssens, Andre A., Inbau, Fred E., and Starrs, James E., Scientific Evidence in
Criminal Cases. Foundation Press, Inc., Mineola, NY, 1986.
Levy, Harlan, And the Blood Cried Out. Harper Collins Publishers, NY, 1996.
Ashbaugh, David R., RCMP, Ridgeology: Modern Evaluative Friction Ridge
Identification, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada.
Ashbaugh, David R., RCMP, Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis.
Boca Raton, FL, 1999.
Clark, Marcia, Without a Doubt. Penguin-Putnam, NY, 1997.
Dershowitz, Alan M., Reasonable Doubt. Simon and Schuster, 1996.
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
SYLLABUS PAGE 2
OUTLINE OF COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
The goal of this course is NOT to make forensic experts or scientists out of students.
According to the author of the text, optimum performance of duty by present and future
members of the law enforcement community will depend, in large part, on their abilities
to interact with pertinent members of the scientific community. The course will give an
opportunity to emphasize those facets of criminal investigation that pertain to forensic
analysis, as well as demonstrating the workings and limitations of a crime laboratory, as
well as the importance of physical evidence.
(Please see specific objectives for each Unit of Instruction).
EVALUATION:
GRADING: Exams; three (explained below) = 70% of grade.
Project; one (explained below) = 10% of grade.
Paper; one (explained below) = 20% of grade.
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
below 60
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
TESTING: There will be a written examination every fifth Unit that is, on the 5th,
10th, and final session. It will consist of true-false and multiple choice questions. Each
exam will cover ONLY the material from the four preceding Units. Missed exams may
be made up; I reserve the right, however, to change the questions, retaining the same
degree of difficulty.
PROJECT:
OPTION ONE: Locate a homicide or other evidence-rich case in any newspaper.
Explore the case forensically using material from lectures or the text. Submit a copy of
the newspaper articles concerning the case, a concise and succinct typed paper as to what
you would do forensically, and what results you expect from the laboratory.
OPTION TWO: Find photographs in magazine advertisements which have been
obviously altered, such as a reversal of the negative. This will indicate the ability to
compare fingerprints. (An example will be shown by instructor).
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
SYLLABUS PAGE 3
TERM PAPER:
A standard college term paper, 8-10 page, typed, with references and bibliography.
Research does not have to be extensive, only that which would adequately cover the
subject and provide a learning experience for the student.
OPTION ONE: On some aspect of the Science of Fingerprints. Fingerprints have
a great history and some innovative and interesting findings during the past 100 years.
OPTION TWO: Examine the O.J. Simpson trial involving the homicides of
Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman from a strictly forensic point of view.
Conclude if O.J. Simpson committed the crimes or not from the published evidence.
OPTION THREE: Examine the Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Case from a
strictly forensic point of view. Conclude if Bruno Hauptmann committed the crime or not
from the published evidence.
ASSIGNMENTS: Specific chapters of the text are assigned for each subsequent Unit;
independent forensic reading is encouraged.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance will be taken at each Unit. It is highly
recommended that there be an adherence to Brookdale Community College policy.
DEPARTMENT POLICIES: The student is referred to the Answers Book for
Brookdale Community College Academic Integrity code, Student Conduct Code, and
Student Grade Appeal Process.
NOTIFICATION OF SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
If you have a documented disability and would like to request accommodations
and/or academic adjustments, contact the Disability Services Office 732-2242730. Brookdale provides support services for all students. In addition,
individual accommodations can be arranged for students with disabilities. Any
student with a disability can contact the Disability Services Office to make an
appointment to request accommodations.
(Additionally, please feel free to advise the Instructor, Mr. Ferguson, who
will make any accommodation possible).
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
SYLLABUS PAGE 4
Each student with a disability who has an Alert Form with accommodations lists
is encouraged to make an appointment with Elizabeth Twohy, Director of
Disability Services, as soon as possible. It is important that you, the student, work
with Ms. Twohy early in the semester to be sure that needed help is given before
problems arise. She will be available to discuss any arrangements that need to be
made for approved accommodations.
AVAILABLE ACADEMIC SUPPORT:
Besides being a learning experience, it is hoped that this course will be an enjoyable
evolution. Any anxieties about the material presented or expected should immediately be
brought to the attention of the instructor for an amicable solution.
The Instructor of Forensic Investigation will be available for any additional academic
support. Appointments may be made to meet immediately before or after class. He may
also be reached during the day at 732-866-3523 or cell phone, 732-496-8852. You may
E-mail him with questions, comments, or concerns at :
rferguso@shore.co.monmouth.nj.us (or) navy1743@aol.com
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
UNIT ONE
SYLLABUS PAGE 5
OPENING NIGHT; INTRODUCTION TO COURSE
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
1. Introduction of instructor and students.
2. Discussion of course expectations and requirement.
3. General discussion of Forensic Science and its usefulness to basic criminal
investigation.
4. General discussion of crime scene management.
5. General discussion of the role of the forensic investigator.
6. General discussion of agencies and sub-groups which engage in Forensics.
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT TWO:
Criminalistics, Chapters 1 and 2
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
UNIT TWO
SYLLABUS PAGE 6
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE – THE CRIME
SCENE
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: (Be able to)
1. Define Forensic Science or Criminalistics.
2. Recall major contributors to the development of Forensic Science.
3. Describe the services performed by typical comprehensive crime laboratory.
4. Explain the different approaches espoused by the Frye and Daubert decisions to the
admissibility of scientific evidence in the courtroom.
5. Explain the role and responsibilities of the expert witness.
6. Define physical evidence.
7. Discuss the responsibilities of the first responding police officer.
8. Explain the steps to thoroughly record the crime scene.
9. Describe procedures for conducting a search for physical evidence at the crime scene.
10. Describe the proper techniques for packaging evidence and maintaining chain of
custody.
TEACHING AIDS
SLIDES
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT THREE:
Criminalistics, Chapter 3, 4, and 8.
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
UNIT THREE
SYLLABUS PAGE 7
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE-TRACE EVIDENCE
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: (Be able to)
1. List the common types of physical evidence encountered at a crime scene.
2. Explain the difference between the identification and comparison of physical
evidence.
3. Define individual and class characteristics and give examples of physical evidence
possessing these characteristics.
4. Explain the purpose physical evidence plays in reconstructing the events surrounding
the commission of a crime.
5. State how to examine glass fractures to determine the direction of impact for a
projectile.
6. Describe the cuticle, cortex and medulla of hair.
7. Describe the proper collection of soil evidence.
8. Describe the proper collection methods of paint evidence.
TEACHING AIDS
SLIDES
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT FOUR:
Criminalistics, Chapter 7. (Comparison Microscope),
Criminalistics, Chapter 17
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
UNIT FOUR:
COMPUTER CRIME
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES: (Be able to )
1.
Forensically disconnect computer for evidence.
2.
Collect computer related evidence.
3.
Uncover hidden text in file.
4.
Recover data from erased and unallocated area of hard drive.
TEACHING AIDS
Guest Lecturer, Power Point Presentation, Video Tape
REVIEW FOR TEST #1
RECOMMENDED READING FOR UNIT FIVE
Criminalistics, Chapters 1,2,3,4,7,and 8.
Class notes, Units 1,2,3,and 4.
SYLLABUS PAGE 8
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
UNIT FIVE:
SYLLABUS PAGE 9
EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION NUMBER 1:
Comprehensive examination on the material delivered in Units one through four,
including information from lectures and assigned readings of chapters 1,2,3,4,7, and 8 of
the text, Criminalistics.
The examination will consist primarily of true-false and multiple choice questions. One
essay question will be on the test. The score for the essay will be considered with a
borderline score, although a perfect score will be possible without the essay.
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT SIX:
Criminalistics, Chapters 9 and 10
CRJU-204-80
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
UNIT SIX
SYLLABUS PAGE 10
DRUGS-FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
(Be able to:)
1.
Define psychological and physical dependence.
2.
Name and classify the commonly abused drugs.
3.
Describe the Schedules of the Controlled Dangerous Substance Act.
4.
Explain the proper collection and preservation of drug evidence.
TEACHING AID
Guest Lecturer-Narcotic Expert
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT SEVEN:
Criminalistics, Chapter 11.
CRJU – 204-80 FORENSIC INVESITGATION
UNIT SEVEN
SYLLABUS PAGE 11
FORENSIC ARSON AND EXPLOSIVE INVESTIGATIONS
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Define oxidation.
2.
Define heat of combustion and ignition temperatures.
3.
Explain why the oxidation of iron to rust is not accompanied by a flaming fire.
4.
List the requirements necessary to initiate and sustain combustion.
5.
Describe how physical evidence must be collected at the scene of a suspected
arson or explosion.
6.
List some common commercial, homemade, and military explosives.
7.
List some common laboratory tests employed for the detection of explosives.
TEACHING AID
Guest Lecturer-Forensic Arson Expert
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT EIGHT:
Criminalistics, Chapters 12 and 13
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
UNIT EIGHT
SYLLABUS PAGE 12
FORENSIC SEROLOGY, DNA: O.J. SIMPSON TRIAL
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Describe tests used to characterize a stain as blood.
2.
Define a secretor and explain the significance to forensic serology.
3.
List the necessary procedures to be taken for the proper preservation of
bloodstained evidence for laboratory analysis.
4.
Understand how DNA strands coil into a double helix.
5.
Describe how a double strand DNA replicates itself and the implications of this
process for forensic science.
6.
Describe RFLP and PCR and how it is applied to forensic investigation.
7.
Describe the collection of evidence in O.J. Simpson Case
8.
Describe the testing of evidence in the O.J. Simpson trial.
TEACHING AIDS
Slides
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT NINE:
None (Recommend a review of any readings in Lindbergh Kidnapping Case)
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
UNIT NINE
SYLLABUS PAGE 13
LINDBERGH KIDNAPPING CASE
SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER PROGRAM
(S.A.N.E.)
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Recognize the Forensic evidence in the Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Case
2.
Compare the Forensic testing and evidence of that case with todays standards.
3.
Recongize the evidence unique to sexual assualt.
4.
Describe the various components of the SANE program and how they relate to the
proper collection of evidence.
5.
Describe the contents and use of a sexual assualt evidence kit.
6.
Describe what evidence in a sexual assualt is to be submitted is to be submitted to
a forensic laboratory.
7.
Describe how DNA evidence relates to sexual assult examinations.
8.
Distinguish what evidence is useful and what may not be in a sexual assault.
TEACHING AIDS
SLIDES
Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit
RECOMMENDED EXAMINATION REVIEW FOR UNIT TEN:
Criminalistics, Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
Class notes from Units 6, 7, 8 and 9
Any handouts given in Unit 6, 7, 8, and 9.
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
UNIT TEN
SYLLABUS PAGE 14
EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION NUMBER 2
Comprehensive examination on the materials delivered in Unit six through nine,
including information from lectures and assigned readings of chapters nine through
thirteen of the text, Criminalistics.
The examination will consist primarily of true-false amd multiple choice questions. One
essay question will be on the test. The score on the essay will be given at the discretion
of the instructor. This may assist those with a borderline score, although a perfect score
will be possible without the essay.
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT ELEVEN:
Criminalistics, Chapter 14
PROJECT DUE FOR UNIT ELEVEN:
Project Options One or Two
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
SYLLABUS PAGE 15
UNIT ELEVEN
***PROJECT DUE***
FINGERPRINTS
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Trace the history of fingerprints.
2.
Trace the rise and fall of Bertillonage.
3.
Name those individuals who have made significant contributions to the
acceptance and development of fingerprint technology.
4.
Explain why a fingerprint is a permanent feature of the human anatomy.
5.
Explain ridgeology and the structure of friction skin.
6.
List the major fingerprint patterns.
7.
List the techniques for developing latent fingerprints.
8.
Describe the use of Automatied Fingerprint Identification Systems, (A.F.I.S.).
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT TWELVE:
Fingerprint handouts.
(Recommend review of Criminalistics, Chapter 14)
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
UNIT TWELVE
SYLLABUS PAGE 16
FINGERPRINTS (CONTINUED) *RETURN PROJECT*
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Recongize the various areas of a palm impression.
2.
Compare latent palm impression to known impression, using Standard
Fingerprint Identfication porcedures.
3.
Compare latent impressions to known impressions, using Standard
Fingerprint Identification procedures.
4.
Prepare a fingerprint chart for court purposes.
5.
Defend the comparison in a “mock trial.”
TEACHING AIDS
Latent prints, Known prints, Magnifyers
RECOMMENED READING FOR UNIT THIRTEEN:
Criminalistics, Chapter 18
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
UNIT THIRTEEN
SYLLABUS PAGE 17
THE ROLE OF THE FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST
(AUTOPSIES)
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Define the role of the Forensic Pathologist.
2.
Understand New Jersey’s system of Medical Examinor.
3.
Outline the role of the Forensic Detective at an autopsy.
4.
Outline what is to be collected at an autopsy.
5.
Outline how to package and treat collected evidence.
TEACHING AID
Autopsy MOVIE
REQUIRED READING FOR UNIT FOURTEEN:
Criminalistics, Chapter 15 and 16
TERM PAPER DUE FOR UNIT FOURTEEN:
Term paper on approved forensic topic due next class.
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
SYLLABUS PAGE 18
*** TERM PAPER DUE***
UNIT FOURTEEN
FIREARMS, TOOL MARKS, DOCUMENT
EXAMINATIONS
UNIT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
(Be able to:)
1.
Describe rifling of a barrel.
2.
List class and individual characteristics of bullets and cartridge cases.
3.
Explain the utilization of the comparison microscope for the comparison
of bullets and cartridges.
4.
Explain the technique for determing distance to target.
5.
Explain how a suspect tool is compared to a tool mark.
6.
Define questioned document.
7.
List some common individual characteristics associated with handwriting.
8.
List some class and individual characteristics of a typewriter.
9.
Discuss the forensic evidence in the Simpson-Goldman Case.
10.
Discuss the forensic evidence presentation at trail.
11.
Discuss the methods of collection.
12.
Discuss the future of forensic evidence and testimony.
RECOMMENDED EXAMINATION REVIEW FOR UNIT FIFTEEN:
Criminalistics, Chapters 14, 15, 16, and 18
Notes from Units 11, 12, 13, and 14
Handouts from Units 11, 12, 13, and 14
CRJU-204-80 FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
SYLLABUS PAGE 19
UNIT FIFTEEN
*RETURN TERM PAPER*
FINAL EXAMINATION
EXAMINATION NUMBER 3
Comprehensive examination on the material delivered in Unit eleven through fourteen,
including information from lectures and assigned readings of Chapter 14 through 18 of
the text, Criminalistics.
The examination will consist primarily of true-false and multiple choice questions. One
essay question may be on the test. The score on the essay will be given at the discretion
of the instructor. This may assist those with a borderline score, although a perfect score
will be possible without the essay.
INSTRUCTOR ADDENDUM
(Revised September 2002)
BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
INSTRUCTOR ADDENDUM
INSTRUCTOR: Robert Ferguson, Sr.
OFFICE: Criminal Justice
PHONE:
(732) 866-3523
MAIL: rferguso@shore.co.monmouth.nj.us (or) navy1743@aol.com
TERM:
COURSE:
Fall
CRJU-204 Forensic Investigation
Credits: 3.0
MEETING TMES: Tuesday, 7:00 PM – 9:40 PM
YEAR: 2002
SECTION: 80
ROOM: MAN-103
LAST DATE TO WITHDRAW FROM CLASS:
TBD (Students must file a
drop/add form in the Registration Office by midterm, if they wish to officially drop a
course and receive a WBP. See catalog for additional information.)
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: (Change will be made as appropriate)
Unit 1 MON
Unit 2 MON
Unit 3 MON
Unit 4 MON
Unit 5 MON, *EXAM#1
Unit 6 MON
Unit 7 MON
Unit 8 MON
Unit 9 MON
Unit 10 MON, *EXAM #2
Unit 11 MON, *PROJECT
Unit 12 MON
Unit 13 MON
Unit 14 MON, *PAPER
Unit 15 MON, EXAM #3
ATTENDENCE POLICY: In keeping with Brookdale Community College Policy.
(The Instructor, however, does take into consideration the attendance record of students
when there are borderline scores.)
COURSE STANDARDS:
In keeping with standards spelled out in the Student
Conduct Code and Academic Integrity Code.
METHODS OF EVALUATION: Evaluation will be made from a combination of
exams (3), project (1), term paper (1), attendance, and class participation.
COURSE GRADE: Course grade will be determined by the above evaluation.
Examinations will be 70 percent of the grade, the project will be 10 percent of the grade,
INSTRUCTOR ADDENDUM
FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
Robert Ferguson, Sr., Instructor
PAGE 2
and the term paper will be 20 percent of the grade. Attendance in accordance with
college policy and class participation will be considered.
COMMENTS: This course is intended to assist those students interested in Criminal
Justice in the proper methods of processing evidence at a crime scene. It is hoped that the
student will learn the proper collection, marking, packaging, and submission of physical
evidence to a crime laboratory. To do these things properly, one must also have concepts
of what the crime laboratory will do with evidence once submitted. We will, therefore,
explore the methods employed by the various federal and state laboratories, primarily the
New Jersey State Police Laboratory. The material will be presented in lectures, slides,
and other publications, but mostly from 18 years of forensic experience and over 41 years
of police experience. There will be nothing expected of the student that is not somehow
meaningful to Forensic Science. It is always hoped that students will be successful in any
given course. It is, therefore, my intent to assist each and every student to get out of this
course what you want to achieve. I will always be available for assistance, either in class,
at work, or on the E-mail system; please feel free to contact me whenever the need arises.
I am also open to any suggestions to improve the course or forensic information you
might be willing to share.