SYLLABUS FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE
Froemming
kfroemming@sdsm.k12.wi.us
I.
Course Description
There has been an explosion of interest in the fields of forensic science and
criminalistics due to the many television programs such as “CSI.” However, forensic
science goes beyond what people see on the screen. It uses knowledge and
technology from multiple fields and disciplines and applies them through hands-on
analysis and exploratory reasoning. This elective course is offered to upper classmen
who have an interest in a science career and have successfully passed chemistry. Just
like other science classes offered at SMHS, this course is laboratory based and uses
investigative thinking skills. Topics in forensics include: physical evidence, DNA,
toxicology, trace evidence and serology (blood evidence). Forensic science is an
excellent and challenging upper level class for students who love science!
II.
What to bring each day
 3-Ring Binder w/ Paper or Notebook
 Pencil or Pen
 Agenda
III.
General Rules
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IV.
Laboratory Rules
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V.
DO NOT talk while instructor or another student is talking!
Go to seat when bell rings and stay out of lab before class!
Treat others with respect!
You will be required to sign a safety contract before doing experiments.
Laboratory stations will be cleaned after each laboratory activity!
I CANNOT AND WILL NOT TOLERATE GOOFING OFF IN THE
LABORATORY. THIS IS FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF
OTHERS. THOSE WHO CANNOT ABIDE BY LABORATORY RULES
WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN EXPERIMENTS!
Grading Scale
A
92-100
B
83-91
C
74-82
D
65-73
F
<64
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Each grade is calculated as follows:
55% Tests
20% Labs/Homework
15% Quiz/Projects
10% Final
For this class homework will be assigned. Labs will be done in class. If you do
not finish the labs it is your responsibility to complete it on your own and turn in
the next day.
For this course you must have successfully completed chemistry with a C or
better.
There is a no retakes of tests policy in this course.
VI.
Absent Folders
When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to make up work. There are absent
folders for missing work. Pick up papers and then see instructor before or after class
for further instructions. Students who are absent on test days will have one week to
make it up. If absent on a quiz day students are expected to take the quiz on the day
they return.
VII.
Late Work
All work is due on the due date with a one day grace period. Late work within a unit
will be given 70% credit, and after a unit is completed, only 50% of credit will be
given.
VIII.
Units Covered
Unit 1 – Intro to Forensic Science
Unit 5 – Toxicology
 What is forensic science
 Drug Identification
 Types of Evidence
 Toxicology
 Locard’s Exchange Principle
 Drug Analysis
 Observation/Perception
 Alcohol and BAC
 Forensic Entomology (Fall Semester)
Unit 6 – Autopsy and Anthropology
 Crime Scene
 Manner, Mechanism, and
Cause of Death
Unit 2 – Glass, Soil, Hair, and Fibers
 Glass Evidence
 Calculation Time of
 Soil Evidence
Death
 Hair Evidence
 Forensic Entomology
(Spring Semester)
 Fiber Evidence
 Autopsy
 Microscopic Examination of Evidence
 Forensic Anthropology
Unit 3 – Fingerprints and Impressions
 Fingerprint Classification
Unit 7 – Blood and DNA
 What is Blood
 Fingerprint Dusting
 Blood Typing
 AFIS
 Forensic Blood Tests
 Latent Print Development
 Blood Spatter
 Tool Marks
 DNA Profiling
 Tire Marks
 Inheritance matches and
 Forensic Odontology
identification matches
Unit 4 – Organic Analysis
 DNA Gel
 Chromatography
Electrophoresis
 Spectrophotometry
 Henry’s Law
 Beer’s Law
 Electrophoresis
September 1, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Your student has been enrolled in Forensic Science at South Milwaukee High School. This is an
elective science course offered to upperclassmen that have successfully completed chemistry.
This class is designed to explore advanced science techniques through forensic methods and case
studies. Other components of the class include career exploration in law, law enforcement and
lab environments.
Forensic science will be dealing with some subjects that are not part of a traditional high school
experience. We will be looking at cases involving murder, rape, drowning, forgery,
impersonation, arson, kidnapping, drugs, ballistics, skeletons, etc. These subjects will be looked
at through a scientific point of view or as examples of scientific technology and advancement.
Some material may be graphic in nature, but it is intended to educate students to methods used in
forensic investigation, not to sensationalize the actions.
This class is restricted to science-orientated upperclassmen with the hope that they will approach
this class with the degree of maturity the subject matter requires. Because of the sensitive nature
of some of the topics and materials shown in this class, student and parent signatures are
required. Please sign and date so your student may experience the excitement of forensic
science. If you have any questions about the class, please feel free to contact me at the high
school at 414-766-5190 or e-mail me at kfroemming@sdsm.k12.wi.us.
Sincerely,
Kim Froemming
Science Teacher
South Milwaukee High School
801 15th Ave
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
414-766-5190
kfroemming@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Student Signature _________________________ Print Name _____________________
Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________________