Forensic Science R Syllabus 2014-2015
D.Sacco
Welcome to Forensic Science! I am very excited to engage my students in forensics—the application of
science for solving crimes. This is a course rich in exploration and lab investigation which applies many
disciplines of scientific study such as biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics to solving crimes.
Forensic Science Course Description:
Forensic Science is designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of criminal
investigation and how it is applied in a court of law. They will use scientific techniques and technology in
order to solve forensic investigations. Generally, the course integrates science, mathematics, and
writing skills by using real-life applications and case studies. Specific topics include crime-scene
investigation; the collection, handling, and examination of trace evidence such as hair, fibers, soil,
pollen, and glass; fingerprinting, blood and blood spatter examination; DNA, drug, handwriting, and tool
mark analysis; impressions; ballistics; forensic anthropology; and the determination of the cause and
time of death. Along the way, students will have the opportunity to apply the scientific method –
observation, collection and classification of data, examining relationships, forming and testing
hypotheses, and making conclusions based on evidence. Students will also be introduced to the wide
array of career choices in forensics.
ITEMS NEEDED FOR CLASS:
 Pens and pencils, paper
 Notebook with tabs/dividers
 Folder
 composition notebook for labs- thorough notation throughout labs is required
There will be approximately 16 chapters (listed below), each accompanied by summative assessments,
primarily consisting of various performance based assessments that require writing, research, wellexecuted lab protocol, and creativity. The number of formative and summative assignments such as
quizzes, homework, learning labs, etc. will be determined along the course of the semester as this is a
new curriculum at WHS.
TEXTBOOK/WEBSITE
 Forensic Science: Advanced Investigations, 1st Edition
Rhonda Brown; Jackie Davenport
 https://login.cengagebrain.com/cb/login.htm
 Visit our schools website to access my school wires page- which will be updated with class info.
TEXTBOOK CHAPTERS:
1. Overview of Forensics.
2. Interrogation and Forensic Science Reporting.
3. Forensic Laboratory Techniques.
4. Arson and Fire Investigations.
5. Explosions.
6. Body Systems.
7. Physical Trauma.
8. Autopsy and Truthful Reporting.
9. Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons
(Toxicology).
10. Advanced Studies of DNA.
11. Forensic Odontology.
12. Entomology.
13. Crime and Accident Reconstruction.
14. Cyber Crimes.
15. Criminal Profiling.
16. Capstone Crime Scene Project.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
ALL WHS SCHOOL RULES will be followed as stated in the student handbook.
The School-wide policy for ELECTRONIC DEVICES will be STICTLY enforced.
Students are expected to arrive on time and be PREPARED to work when the bell rings.
Students are expected to show respect for themselves, the instructor, their classmates,
school property and the property of others. (BULLYING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.)
NO FOOD OR DRINK is permitted in science classrooms. This includes WATER!
Raise your hand before speaking.
Listen to others and participate in class discussions.
Use the pencil sharpener during non-instructional time.
Stay on task and complete your assignments.
Listen to directions and cooperate with your group.
Pick up after yourself.
Do not interrupt other students' learning.
Remain in your seat until you are dismissed.
TRY YOUR BEST!
ASSESSMENT AND GRADES
Students will be assessed on tests, quizzes, individual class work, group class work, projects, and class
participation (which includes actively taking notes.)
Make Up Work
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All students are responsible for their own academic success.
This means if you miss class for any reason it is your responsibility to obtain make up work. This
includes class notes.
**Be forewarned: assignments have due dates and late work will be penalized.
 Due dates for all assignments will be given. If you do not have your work then, it is considered
late.
 Projects are not optional and are an important part of this class, any incomplete project will
result in a failing test grade.