Course Syllabus
Forensic Investigation
Chemistry 300
Summer 2011
Class Content:
This class introduces the scientific techniques used in the investigation
of crime with particular emphasis on analyzing physical evidence. The
class will also address aspects of how crime and our attempt to combat
crime has influenced the world in which we live.
Lecture:
12:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. MTWR
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Phone:
E-mail:
Gregory Miller
Sc 262
MTWR 2:30 -3:30 p.m. or by appointment
(541) 552-6408
millergr@sou.edu
Text:
None. However, if you are interested, I’d recommend Forensic
Science. Second edition. James and Nordy.
Grading:
Grades will be based on the total number of points accumulated during
the term and will be determined as follows: 100%-90%,A; 89%-80%,B;
79%-70%,C; 69%-60%,D.
There will be four 50-point quizzes and a 50-point comprehensive final
quiz. The final score, if it is higher, will replace your lowest test score.
In the event a test is missed, your final exam score will doubled. The
quizzes will be given every other Thursday starting in week 2.
You will also be responsible for a summer term assignment, which will
be turned in no the last day of class. This assignment is designed to
enhance your grade and is an opportunity to investigate material or a
case that we do not cover during the course of the summer term. I’d
like you to pick a case where someone has been wrongly convicted of
a crime and, at a minimum, spent time in prison. I would like your paper
to highlight whatever evidence (forensic or otherwise) that led to this
person being found innocent. You can start this project by looking at
the Innocence Project website or looking for cases at
www.crimelibrary.com. A Google search for wrongful convictions also
is a good place to get an idea for potential cases.
In either case, the paper should be no less than 4 full typed pages (1012 font). There is no maximum number of pages. The paper should be
appropriately referenced (in any style) and include a bibliography. It is
due no later than the last day of class (Thursday August 11).
The assignment is worth 30 pts.
Quiz Schedule:
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
Final
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
July 21
July 28
August 4
August 11
Tentative Class Schedule:
Week of:
July 18.
Introduction to Forensic Science
Forensic Pathology
July 25.
Finish Pathology
Forensic Anthropology and Odontology
Latent Fingerprinting Techniques
Aug 1.
Begin Intro to Forensic Serology and DNA
Techniques
Introduction to Basic Chemistry
Aug 8.
Forensic Toxicology/Pharmacology
Arson/Explosive Investigations
Catch up (we will be behind)
Important Notes:
Please inform me if you know of any chemical allergies that you may have.
Attendance is not required but very highly encouraged.
A copy of this syllabus can be found, along with all PowerPoint presentations used in class, at the class
website: http://webpages.sou.edu/~chapman/CH300S10/index.htm
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Because originality of thought and integrity of scientific data are central to the scientific enterprise, the SOU
Chemistry Department has a zero-tolerance policy towards academic dishonesty in any form. Acts of
academic dishonesty include but are not limited to: plagiarism, deliberate falsification of scientific data,
submitting or enabling the submission of identical lab reports or portions thereof, bringing unauthorized
materials to examinations, looking at another student's work during an exam, or otherwise obtaining grades
under false pretenses. Academic dishonesty will be addressed in accordance with the Academic Standards
policy at SOU (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_500/OAR_573/573_095.html). All cases of
academic dishonesty will be forwarded to the office of the Dean of Students for further review. The institution
reserves the right to impose further sanctions in accordance with the SOU Student Code of Conduct
(http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_500/OAR_573/573_075.html). Such sanctions may include
suspension or expulsion from the institution depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
SOU Disability Services:
If you are in need of academic support because of a documented disability, you may be eligible for
academic accommodations through Disability Services for Students. Contact the ACCESS Center at 5526213, or schedule an appointment in person at the Access Center, Stevenson Union, lower level.