What's Included:
The following materials are included in the Forensic Science course package:
- Forensic Science Coursebook Second Edition
- Forensic Science Lab Manual Second Edition
- Forensic Science for High School 3rd edition by Ball Barbara. Kendall Hunt 2016
- Forensic Science Lab Kit
Additional Materials Recommended:
These materials are suggested for this course but are NOT included in this course package and must be purchased separately.
Course Overview
Course Length: One Semester
Suggested Grade Level(s): 11 12
View samples of our high school curriculum here.
Forensic Science is a hands-on laboratory and project-based learning course that will lead the student through a foundation of law and criminal justice history of forensics and modern scientific advances in the field. Hair fibers DNA ballistics serology poisons drugs arson explosions fingerprinting forgery and entomology are studied in detail. The scientific method data analysis and powers of observation and critical thinking to solve a problem are addressed in all aspects of the course.
This course recognizes the growing interest in jobs within the sciences medical field engineering and law enforcement. These fields all overlap within the study of forensic science. In addition the foundational aspect of this course will prepare students to then take college-level courses in physical sciences.
Suggested prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Course Disclaimer:
Being enrolled in forensic science it is important that both you and your parent/guardian are aware of the topics covered as part of this course. In this course you will study several controversial topics which include the following:
- Crime scene situations and evidence
- Fingerprint analysis
- Hair and fiber analysis
- Blood splatter evidence
- Handgun and bullet analysis
- The effects of a fired bullet on objects and people
- Detection of alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal) associated with a criminal/crime scene
- Detection of poisons in blood
- Impressions from weapons footprints and bitemarks
- Handwriting analysis as it relates to the forgery of documents
- Arson explosives and hazardous materials
- Decomposition of a body and forensic entomology
- Cyber crime and the use of mobile devices by criminals and detectives
- Case studies on infamous crimes and serial killers
It is important that you are comfortable with these topics and understand that at several points during our study of these topics you may encounter graphic images videos and illustrations in order to further your understanding of certain topics. It is important to note that to convict criminals one must first understand the circumstances of criminals the crimes they commit and the tools they use to commit them. This course is not a criminal’s “how-to” guide but the science behind how criminals are caught; and they are almost always caught!
Should you or your parent have any questions or concerns regarding the materials being used in this course please contact your teacher. Make a note in your course doc that you have read this course disclaimer and shared it with your parent/guardian.
