Forensic Science Investigations
Course Overview
Spring 2011
Mr. Zirkle
Course Description
This course is an introductory survey course in criminalistics. This course is designed to provide
an overview of the basic science concepts and techniques used in a forensic laboratory. The
nature and significance of physical evidence and the underlying chemical and biological
principles of the scientific techniques employed for analysis and interpretation will be
emphasized.
Students will learn about these topics through lecture, note-taking, discussions, labs, projects,
tests and quizzes.
Course Materials
Introduction to Forensic Science & Criminalistics textbook (McGraw-Hill, 2008), spiral
notebook, 3 ring binder, pen/pencil
Course Objectives
The following is a list of topics that may be studied in this course:
1. Scope and History of Forensic Science
2. The Crime Scene
3. Physical Evidence
4. Properties of Matter and the Analysis of Glass
5. Forensic Serology
6. DNA
7. Forensic Toxicology
8. Drugs
9. Trace Evidence: Hairs and Fibers
10. Fingerprints
11. Firearms, Tool Marks and Other Impressions
12. Document Examination
Evaluation and Assessment
The minimum cumulative average needed to pass this class is 70%. Your grade in this class
will consist of the grade you earn each marking period (40% each) and a midterm and final
exam (10% each).
Grades for each marking period will be determined by the total points that you accumulate
when compared to the total points possible.
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Grades for this course will be determined through:
Chapter or unit tests:
(3 to 5 per marking period)
Homework assignments: (several times per week)
Classwork assignment: (activities completed during class, including labs and projects)
Quizzes:
(several per week, some announced, others not)
Science notebook:
(checked at least once per marking period)
Participation:
(checked daily)
Chapter/Unit Tests: Chapter tests will be given at the conclusion of each chapter we cover. It
is advised that you prepare accordingly for each test that is given. Chapter tests will include
multiple choice, completion, matching and essay questions.
Homework/Classwork Policy: Homework and some selected classwork assignments will be
graded according to their timely completion and correctness. Homework will be collected at
the beginning of class. Any work turned in after this time will be assessed late points.
Lab report and lab participation Students will be required to keep pre-lab discussion notes,
written procedures, data tables, sketches, data analysis in the form of graphs, and conclusion
questions. Note that since this is a course based on investigations, the largest percentage of
your grade is based on laboratory notes, lab work, participation and the write-ups.
Science Notebook: Students are required to keep a notebook for this course. Notebooks
should be contained in a 3-ring binder and contain all classwork activities, handouts and
notes given in class, as well as homework assignments. Notebooks will be checked at
different times throughout the semester. All notebooks are expected to be kept up-to-date
and neatly completed at all times. This is your responsibility!
Participation: Students will be graded on participation in class. Participation includes, but is
not limited to: asking and answering questions, bringing required materials (pencils, books,
etc) to class, acting appropriately, etc.
Student Responsibilities/Absence Policy
It is the responsibility of all students who are absent from class for any reason (illness,
athletic, musical or otherwise) to make up all work or hand in any necessary back work due
to their absence from class. Please see me immediately when you return to class about the
assignments that need to be made up. You have a number of days equal to your absence to
complete any make-up work or it will be counted as late.
In the event of an absence during a multi-day lab activity, returning students may NOT work
with groups already in progress.
Late Policy
Any work (including labs) turned in late will be assessed a 3% penalty, per day.
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Period 6
Period 6 is an extended academic time. During this time, students may be asked to return
to the classroom. If you are asked to return, you are expected to bring materials for study and
remain academically engaged throughout this time. Period 6 for this class will meet once per
6-day cycle. Students with any outstanding assignments or failing grades will remain in the
classroom for the duration of the period. I will allow students in good standing to go to club
or leave for incentive (if applicable). Students with unsatisfactory grades or without
study materials may be assigned additional work to enhance class assignments.
Final Exam
The final for this class will include two parts: an objective final exam given during one of the
two finals days, and a week-long lab practical. The lab practical will take place in the Crime
Scene Room in the 9th grade academy and will involve students working in groups to solve a
crime.
Student Expectations
1. Students are expected to bring all materials to class every day.
2. Students are expected to do their absolute best AT ALL TIMES!
3. Students are expected to see me if they are having difficulty with subject matter. Come
see me during Period 6, before or after school, etc.
Classroom Policies
All students are required to follow District and School Policies. This includes, but is not
limited to, the section on the District’s Network Acceptable Use policy, as well as the section
on cheating.
1. Above all, respect your classmates, teacher, school rules and school property.
2. You are responsible for meeting all given deadlines.
3. You must have all of your materials and be inside the classroom when the tardy bell rings
or you will be counted tardy. You will be given two (2) verbal warnings for being tardy.
On the occurrence of the third tardy, a discipline referral will be issued.
4. Inappropriate language and/or gestures are not acceptable.
5. No food or beverages (except water) is allowed in the classroom or near the labs.
6. Academic dishonesty in any form, whether cheating or plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
This applies to all work done in this class, including tests, quizzes, projects and
homework!
7. Bathroom use is a privilege. Only in extreme emergencies or if there is a break in class
procedure will students be allowed to use the bathroom. No bathroom use will be allowed
during lecture.
Consequences:
1st offense- verbal warning
2nd offense- detention/parental contact
3rd offense- discipline referral
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Forensic Science
Mr. Zirkle
Spring 2011
To the Parents:
I would like to thank you for playing an active role in your child’s education! If
there is anything that I can do to help your child succeed in this course, please
contact me using the information below.
Keeping in Contact
Parents may contact me at the high school: 266-3644
Parents and students may contact me via email at zirkleg@nesd.k12.pa.us
Important: when emailing, please type RE: “your child’s name” in the subject heading.
Emails that do not have this heading will be deleted.
Grades will be posted on http://sapphire.nesd.k12.pa.us. Please contact the high school if you
wish to receive a password to access this account.
This syllabus is designed to provide a framework through which this course will be structured.
Material and content may change according to class progress and student interest.
I have read and understand the expectations of myself, as a student, during this course.
Print Name: ____________________________________
Signature:
____________________________________
PARENTS, please read the syllabus above to help understand what is expected of your student.
Please feel free to contact me at any time regarding your student’s progress or any concerns.
You may provide contact information in the space provided below at your discretion.
Parent Contact Information: Phone:
Email:
Parent Signature: _________________________________________
Zirkle 2011