Forensic Science I Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

FORS-2440-001 Forensic Science I

Prerequisites

Course Description

Introduction to crime scene investigation and evidence gathering. The methods, procedures, techniques and preservation of crime scene evidence will be presented as students learn "hands on" the proper procedures of evidence gathering and how scientific instrumentation has changed the courtroom. Specific labs include trace analysis of hair and fiber, dental analysis, stain analysis, epithelial cell analysis, latent fingerprint analysis, DNA sequencing and other basic lab analytical techniques.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Forensic Science, An Introduction toScientific and Investigative Techniques.  James, Nordby, & Bell 4th ed. 2014

Supplies

Calculator and a fine-point sharpie.  4 Mini Essay books (Scantron- Green)

Student Performance

\ STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

\ 1. Describe the term forensics.
\ 2. Describe the scientific method and be able to generate hypotheses.
\ 3. Describe the metric system and demonstrate conversions within the International System and conversion of Standard System measurements to SI.
\ 4. Discuss the techniques use to collect evidence, include proper procedure and documentation.
\ 5. Explain the proper use of the light microscope and compare it to different types of microscopy
\ 6. Discuss the chemical and physical properties of glass and explain how it is examined in forensics.
\ 7. Discuss the chemical and physical properties of soil and explain how it is used in forensics.
\ 8. Discuss the development of dermal ridges and how their characteristics are examined to determine individual identification.
\ 9. Discuss hair morphology and how it is used as trace evidence.
\ 10. Compare and contrast the different types of natural and synthetic fibers.
\ 11. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the human skeletal system.
\ 12. Identify all anthropological remains and be able to determine age, sex, race, and species from limited artifacts.
\ 13. Explain human dental anatomy and how it is used in bite-mark analysis.
\ 14. Describe the cardiovascular system and explain how hematology is used to explain the events at a crime scene.
\ 15. Explain the significance of the Daubert and Frye court cases to forensic science
\ 16. Demonstrate an understanding of and the use of the following equipment or techniques: calipers, osteometric boards, scales, and volume displacement.
\ 17. Discuss current research in Forensic Science.

\  

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved the student may proceed to the Department of Criminal Justice Chairman, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: "Material Safety Data Sheets" (MSDS) are stored in back room.
For any emergency contact Campus Police 371-5911

CELL PHONES/PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom and lab. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval by the instructor. Please be considerate to others.

FOOD/DRINK: Food and drink are allowed in the classroom and laboratory unless posted otherwise.

WITHDRAW: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date. (November 18, 2014)You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by all Forensic Instructors. Request must be submitted in writing.

TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating. Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero. Cell phones ringing during a major exam will result in a zero, regardless if you answer it or not. Once the exam has been started you may not leave the classroom for any reason. Use the facilities prior to starting the exam. When you turn your exam in, it is final. You can not get it back to make changes. If you believe that an exam has been graded incorrectly, please return it with a written explanation which must include: 1) your name, 2) the number of the question(s) you wish to have reconsidered, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer (include page numbers and source).
QUIZZES - You will get two attempts on online quizzes (AC Connect) and one attempt on in class quizzes and assignments. The best score on online quizzes will be recorded. If a problem occurs during a quiz (example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, accidentally open it prematurely, or you simply forgot to submit it) that will count as one attempt. Your instructor will make the final decision to resets the quiz or not. You will get only one reset on a quiz per semester for any reason. You must finish within the allotted time frame. -You must also finish before the due date and time or a grade of zero will be assigned. Extra time will not be given to an individual student.  PLEASE do not ask.

BAD WEATHER If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, you are responsible for reading and learning the material that would have been covered. If an exam was scheduled and classes are canceled, the exam will be given the next class meeting. (BE PREPARED) If class is canceled the last day of class and an exam was scheduled, then the exam will be added to the Final Exam and the questions will count as the exam and as the final exam. Cancellations will be announced on the Radio and on AC website by 6:30 AM or by 3:00 PM for evening classes.

Grading Criteria

\ EVALUATION: Lecture and lab will count for 80% of the course grade, and the final exam
\ will count for 20% of the course grade.

\ Lecture/Laboratory Exams    -      60%
\ Homework/Quizes                 -     20%
\ Final Exam                           -     20%
\                                                  100%

\ GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
\ 89.5 - 100 = A
\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B
\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C
\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D
\ 00.0 - 59.4 = F

\ LECTURE/LABORATORY EXAMS: 60% of the total grade for the semester.
\ Lecture and laboratory material will be combined into three (3). Approx. 60 questions scantron (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture and laboratory notes and assignments, but some material can come from the text book and other assigned material.  One major exam grade will be dropped.
\ If you MISS or COME IN LATE to an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any EXAM. A Mini Essay Book SCANTRON form (green) will be used for each exam.

\ QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
\ There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. In class quizzes will be unannounced and will range from 5-20 questions.  They will be given at the beginning or at the end of lecture and lab class.  Online quizzes will be assigned one week prior to the due date.  You will get two attemps on online quizzes and the best score will be recorded.  All quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. Homework assignments will be made one week prior to the due date.  If you miss a class, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be dropped.
\ If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY  to any quiz for any reason or you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any homework assignment or online quiz, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or homework assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.
\ NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any quiz or homework assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

\ FINAL EXAM: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
\  Comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester and some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text or other notes. 100-140 questions. 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ EMAIL The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 3:00 PM and Fridays by 11:00AM.  Emails after 3:00 PM will be checked the following day. I will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and weekends. Remember I teacher numerous other courses. Be patient. 

\ I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester

\