Description

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

Additional Materials Required

The following materials are needed to complete the Forensic Science coursework:

Forensic Science Lab Manual Second Edition
Forensic Science for High School 3rd edition by Ball Barbara. Kendall Hunt 2016
Forensic Science Lab Kit
Forensic Science Teacher Edition Second Edition (optional but recommended)
Scientific Calculator (optional but recommended)
60x Clip-On Microscope (optional but recommended)

Course Disclaimer:

Being taking this forensic science course 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 spatter 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.