Buford High School Course Syllabus
Course Title...........Forensics Term............... 2018-2019
Teacher...............Mrs. Edwards Room #.............302
Email Address [email protected]
Teacher Web Page http://bhsedwards.weebly.com/
Teacher Support (Help sessions etc.)
Help sessions are available before school on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 – 7:40 am and after school on Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 – 4:00 pm in room 302.
Course Description: Forensic Science is the study of the application of science to the law. This integrated science course is designed to explore the scientific and technological aspects of criminal investigations. Topics will include the study of DNA, glass, blood, fingerprinting, chemical residues, and evidence collection as it relates to forensic issues. Applications to court cases, literature, psychology, and criminology also will be examined. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry Course Curriculum Content The Georgia Performance Standards for this course can be accessed online at georgiastandards.org.
Georgia performance standards
SFS1 Recognize and classify various types of evidence in relation to the definition and scope of Forensic Science.
SFS2 Use various scientific techniques to analyze physical and trace evidence.
SFS3 Analyze the use of toxicology, serology and DNA technology in forensic investigations.
SFS4 Evaluate the role of ballistics, tool marks and evidence of arson in forensic investigation.
SFS5 Evaluate the role of Forensics as it pertains to Mediolegal Death Investigation. Units/Topics
Instructional Materials and Supplies Published Materials
PEARSON Forensic Science Saferstein
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008
Cost of Replacement $ 72.50
Instructional Supplies
1) 1½ Binder/Paper
2) Pen/Pencils
3) Highlighter
Evaluation and Grading
Assignment Categories Grade Weights
Benchmark Assessments Benchmarks/Final Exam (30%)
Unit Tests Unit Tests (30%)
Labs/Quizzes Labs/Quizzes (20%)
Daily Assignments DailyAssignments (10%)
Writing Assignments Writing Assignments (10%)
Grading Scale
A: 90 and above
B: 80 - 89
C: 70 - 79
F: 69 or below
NOTE: Assignments may be turned in within one day of the announced due date but are worth only 70% of the grade earned.
Other Information
Expectations for Academic Success
1) Review notes daily
2) Ask questions
3) Actively participate in class
4) Complete homework assignments
5) Challenge yourself to continuously improve
Additional Requirements/Resources
Students are required to read the rules of conduct in the laboratory sheet before participation in lab activities can occur. Failure to follow the laboratory safety rules may result in removal from the laboratory area. This safety information can be accessed on the Flinn website (please click the provided link).
The syllabus may be updated as needed throughout the semester.
Honor Code Policy:
All BHS students will strictly adhere to the BHS Honor Code which is posted on the BHS website.
For any violation of the BHS Honor Code, students will receive a 0 and be referred to the administration.
Attendance Excused Absence Policy:
Students who are granted Excused Absent status for days missed will be subject to the following:
· All pre-assigned work will be due on the day of a student’s return from an absence.
· For assignments which did not have a pre-assigned due date during the time of the student’s absence, students will be given five days to arrange for makeup work or follow other arrangements granted by the teacher. All incomplete work carried over into a new marking period should be completed no later than the tenth day of the following period.
Upon returning to school, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements Within 5 days to make up work.
All policies outlined in the BCSS student CODE OF CONDUCT and the BHS student handbook will be followed in this classroom.
Teacher consequences for Minor Classroom Disruptions
1st - Penalty assigned at teacher’s discretion – Parent Contact
2nd - 30 minute faculty detention and parent contact
3rd - 1 hour faculty detention and parent contact
4th - Administrative Referral
Course Title...........Forensics Term............... 2018-2019
Teacher...............Mrs. Edwards Room #.............302
Email Address [email protected]
Teacher Web Page http://bhsedwards.weebly.com/
Teacher Support (Help sessions etc.)
Help sessions are available before school on Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 – 7:40 am and after school on Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 – 4:00 pm in room 302.
Course Description: Forensic Science is the study of the application of science to the law. This integrated science course is designed to explore the scientific and technological aspects of criminal investigations. Topics will include the study of DNA, glass, blood, fingerprinting, chemical residues, and evidence collection as it relates to forensic issues. Applications to court cases, literature, psychology, and criminology also will be examined. Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry Course Curriculum Content The Georgia Performance Standards for this course can be accessed online at georgiastandards.org.
Georgia performance standards
SFS1 Recognize and classify various types of evidence in relation to the definition and scope of Forensic Science.
SFS2 Use various scientific techniques to analyze physical and trace evidence.
SFS3 Analyze the use of toxicology, serology and DNA technology in forensic investigations.
SFS4 Evaluate the role of ballistics, tool marks and evidence of arson in forensic investigation.
SFS5 Evaluate the role of Forensics as it pertains to Mediolegal Death Investigation. Units/Topics
- Introduction to Forensics
- History of Forensics
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Entomology
- The Body as Evidence
- Anthropology & Odontology
- Sand and Soil
- Hair and Fibers
- Document Examination
- Serology
- DNA
- Toxicology
- Ballistics & Arson
- Wildlife Forensics
Instructional Materials and Supplies Published Materials
PEARSON Forensic Science Saferstein
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008
Cost of Replacement $ 72.50
Instructional Supplies
1) 1½ Binder/Paper
2) Pen/Pencils
3) Highlighter
Evaluation and Grading
Assignment Categories Grade Weights
Benchmark Assessments Benchmarks/Final Exam (30%)
Unit Tests Unit Tests (30%)
Labs/Quizzes Labs/Quizzes (20%)
Daily Assignments DailyAssignments (10%)
Writing Assignments Writing Assignments (10%)
Grading Scale
A: 90 and above
B: 80 - 89
C: 70 - 79
F: 69 or below
NOTE: Assignments may be turned in within one day of the announced due date but are worth only 70% of the grade earned.
Other Information
Expectations for Academic Success
1) Review notes daily
2) Ask questions
3) Actively participate in class
4) Complete homework assignments
5) Challenge yourself to continuously improve
Additional Requirements/Resources
Students are required to read the rules of conduct in the laboratory sheet before participation in lab activities can occur. Failure to follow the laboratory safety rules may result in removal from the laboratory area. This safety information can be accessed on the Flinn website (please click the provided link).
The syllabus may be updated as needed throughout the semester.
Honor Code Policy:
All BHS students will strictly adhere to the BHS Honor Code which is posted on the BHS website.
For any violation of the BHS Honor Code, students will receive a 0 and be referred to the administration.
Attendance Excused Absence Policy:
Students who are granted Excused Absent status for days missed will be subject to the following:
· All pre-assigned work will be due on the day of a student’s return from an absence.
· For assignments which did not have a pre-assigned due date during the time of the student’s absence, students will be given five days to arrange for makeup work or follow other arrangements granted by the teacher. All incomplete work carried over into a new marking period should be completed no later than the tenth day of the following period.
Upon returning to school, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements Within 5 days to make up work.
All policies outlined in the BCSS student CODE OF CONDUCT and the BHS student handbook will be followed in this classroom.
Teacher consequences for Minor Classroom Disruptions
1st - Penalty assigned at teacher’s discretion – Parent Contact
2nd - 30 minute faculty detention and parent contact
3rd - 1 hour faculty detention and parent contact
4th - Administrative Referral