NOTE: Prior to Fall 2008, the Core 279 offering entitled “Introduction to Forensic Biology” was
classified as a variation on Core 273 Contemporary Biology under our old Core curriculum
numbering system. The course is essentially the same. Dr. Boucher
Core 273 Contemporary Biology Syllabus
Introduction to Forensic Biology
Fall 2007
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
OFFICE HOURS:
TEXT:
Mary Sanders
P305
208-5900 ext. 5731
msanders@kings.edu
MWF 9 am -10 am WTh 1-2 pm, and by appointment.
Essential Forensic Biology. Alan Gunn. Wiley. 2006.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The diversity of the fields of study grouped under the umbrella of forensic
biology will be discussed. The education, training and specialization involved in actual forensic
science will be compared to the CSI-style misunderstanding of forensics. Topics include, but are
not limited to; sample collection, documentation, forensic anthropology, serology, DNA
analysis, and factors affecting decomposition.
Prerequisite: Core 270.
ATTENDANCE:
Active participation cannot occur when you are not in class. I expect you
to be present at each class. In the event that you have more than 2 unexcused absences, a report
will be made to the Registrar and will result in a 5% deduction from your final point total. I
recognize that there are unavoidable circumstances that can lead to an absences from class.
Should such an occasion arise, contact me immediately.
EVALUATION:
Your final grade will be determined according to the following:
Three exams
Final exam
Case Studies/ Projects
Participation/Attendance
300
100
200
50
Total
650
93-100%
83-86%
71-75%
below 60
A
B
C
F
90-92%
80-82%
67-70%
ABC-
87-89%
76-79%
60-66%
B+
C+
D
TENTATIVE LECTURE SCHEDULE
Week
Topic
Aug 27
Introduction /Real vs Media Portrayal of Forensics
Maintaining the Integrity of the Evidence
Sept 3
The Decay Process; Internal cellular processes; Environmental Factors
(Monday No Class)
Sept 10
The Decay Process cont’; Pre-mortem vs. Post mortem Injuries
Sept 17
Bodily Fluids (Serology); Presumptive vs Confirmatory tests
(Sept 21, Friday. Exam 1)
Sept 24
Serology Cont’.; Enzymatic testing & Immunology
Oct 1
DNA Structure & Analysis; RFLPs; PCR
Oct 8
DNA Analysis Continued; Mitochondrial DNA;
Y Chromosome Analysis
(Friday No Class)
Oct 15
DNA Fingerprinting Case Study
(Oct. 19, Friday. Exam 2)
Oct 22
Forensic Anthropology; Basic Human Anatomy; Anatomical & Positional
Terminology
Oct 29
Forensic Anthropology cont’.; Determination of Sex; Estimation of Age &
Height; Anthropology Case Study
Nov 5
Fingerprint Evidence; Detection & Classification
(Nov 9, Friday. Exam 3)
Nov 12
Fingerprint Lab Project; Introduction to Hair Analysis
Nov 19
Hair Analysis Cont’.
(Thanksgiving Break / Wed. & Fri. No Class)
Nov 26
Hair Lab Project; Introduction to Entomology
Dec 3
Entomology Cont’.
TBA
Final Exam