Course Syllabus

 

Forensic Science

 

Teacher Name and Contact Information                                      

Mrs. Nicole Traylor                                                                           

Room G114                                                                                             

Email Address: nicole.traylor@ucps.k12.nc.us         

Google Classroom code: 5u4a6ze                     

 

Tutoring:

Morning sessions: Thursday (7:30-8) by appointment only. 

Afternoon sessions: Tuesday (3-3:45)

Warrior Block: If you have missing work or below a 90 you are required to attend.  There will be times that I have created mini lessons for areas of struggle, if you did not perform well on those sections, regardless of your overall average/missing work, I will require you to attend.

 

Course Description:

Forensic Science is a laboratory-based science class designed for students who are interested in forensic science. The purpose of this course is for students to gain experience in the major investigative techniques currently used by forensic scientists and crime scene investigators, and to develop an understanding of the scientific concepts which serve as the basis for these techniques. 

 

Topics (subject to change):

  • Observation Skills 
  • Crime Scene Investigation 
  • Evidence Collection 
  • Hair Analysis 
  • Fiber Analysis 
  • Document Analysis 
  • Handwriting Analysis 
  • Fingerprint Analysis 
  • Blood Evidence 
  • Forensic Anthropology 
  • Casts and Impressions 
  • Ballistics 

Materials Needed:

  1. One 2” Binder
  2. Pencils or pen
  3. College ruled paper

 

Classroom Expectations/Responsibilities:

There exists a very strong correlation between attendance and academic achievement, it is essential that the student attend class regularly and on time.  All students are expected to adhere to the behavior policies outlined in the school handbook.  Students’ conduct should be respectful, responsible, and safe at all times. 

 

 

 

 

 

Rules and Expectations:

In order for our class to run smoothly, there are certain behaviors and devices that will never be seen in our classroom:

  1. No musical devices or cell phones:  having such electronic devices out is a distraction and hinders learning time.  If you are caught using one of these in our class, you will be warned the first time and your parent or guardian will be contacted.  If you continue to disregard this rule your phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the period or you will be excused from class.
  2. No Sleeping: you cannot learn while you are sleeping.  If this becomes a constant problem your parent/guardian will be contacted and you seating will change.
  3. No obscene language:  it is important that you act professionally in class at all time.  There is NO TOLERANCE for foul language or ANY derogatory terms.  Any use of such language will result in an immediate phone call home and student teacher conference.
  4. No talking when the teacher or another student is talking: Again, this is an issue of respectful.  We all have a great deal to learn from one another so it is important that we listen when others have the floor.

 

Grading Policy:

A 90-100%                  40% - Tests/Labs/Projects

B 80-89%                    25% - Quizzes

C 70-79%                    20% - Labs

D 60-69%                    15% - Classwork/Homework

F Anything below a 60

 

Homework Policy:

Homework will be given on an ongoing basis.  You will be responsible for completing and submitting all assignments at the time designated by the teacher. 

 

Reoccurring Homework Assignments

  • Throughout the class you will be doing weekly text reading (the textbook is online and posted in google classroom), after the reading you will take a reading quiz in class and turn in the assignment that accompanies the chapter.

 

  • We will also be reading a book (The Forensic Casebook by N.E. Genge) in selected units and writing one page summaries for each section.  The book is on amazon, used copies are available.  If you are not able to purchase this book, please let me know.

 

  • Current Events/Case Studies – twice a month you will choose a current event or a case study that applies to the content we are studying to read and write about.

 

Late Work:

No late work unless you have a late work pass (there are ways to earn them in class).  The late work pass will allow you to turn in certain assignments in late for credit.

1 day = 100%

2 days = 80%

3 days = 60%

4 days = 40%

5 days or more = 20%

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due