Forensic Science (Honors)
Syllabus
Fall 2015 – Spring 2016
Instructor:
Mrs. Y. Jay Phillips
Room: S-231
Phone: (281) 920-8000
Ext. 6165
Email: [email protected]
Tutorials:
During Lunch DAILY because I don’t have any friends
Required Materials
• Laptop
• Three-ring binder with pockets
• Notebook Paper
• Pens/pencils
Grading Policy
• 70% (Major Grades): tests, major labs and projects
• 30% (Minor Grades): class work, quizzes, minor labs, etc.
Test Days
Science classes hold exams and tests on Mondays or Wednesday/Thursday block days.
Retake Policy
• Retakes are to be given approximately one week after the original test grade has been posted on
Gradespeed
• If a student scores higher on his/her retake, the retake grade will replace the original test grade (maximum
of 75 per Pre-AP grading policy).
• If a student scores lower on his/her retake, the average of the original test and the retake will be recorded
as the final average for that assignment.
In addition, retakes will be given only to those students who have emailed a retake request to the instructor on
time by designated date and time (as informed by the instructor during class and as posted in the classroom).
Electronic Policy
Students are expected to enter my classroom with no ear buds or head phones. ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LAPTOPS MUST BE SILENCED OR TURNED OFF AND PUT AWAY AT ALL
TIMES. The failure to comply with this policy/rule in my classroom will result in disciplinary action(s).
Course Policies
Attendance:
Many of the topics taught in Forensic Science build upon each other, so it is important that all students attend class regularly. It
is your responsibility to check on the HUB or the classroom board to keep up with our assignments if you are absent.
Absences on a test day:
You will take the quiz or test on the day you return. Also, you will turn in any assignments that were due on the day you return.
You will need to make arrangements with me for make-up labs. If you have been absent several days prior to a quiz or exam, it is
YOUR responsibility to come see me about a new test or quiz date/time on the day of your return. If no arrangements are made
to make up a test or a quiz within 3 business days of your return, you will receive a zero (0) for that assignment.
Late work:
Late work is not acceptable for Honors class students. If you are absent your work is due the day you return.
What is the best way to contact Mrs. Phillips?
Email is the BEST way to reach me and get a quick reply.
It is required that you log in to the HUB daily to receive important information about the course, reminders and copy
of assignments.
Student Learning Targets in Forensic Science (Honors)
Cycle 1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I can describe the “CSI effect,” its benefits and disadvantages.
I can describe the key roles and functions of the criminal justice system as it pertains to
forensic science.
I can describe the role of expert witness in criminal cases.
I can analyze and discuss the admissibility of scientific evidence.
I can describe the major events and people in the history of forensic science.
I can make detailed observations and produce records in collection of physical evidence.
I can describe Locard’s Exchange Principle and how it applies to every facet of forensic
science.
Cycle 2
•
•
•
I can describe and perform some basic characterization of glass evidence.
I can describe and perform microscopic hair analysis and comparisons.
I can describe and perform some basic characterization of fiber evidence.
Cycle 3
•
•
•
I can describe and perform some basic characterization of paint evidence.
I can describe and perform some basic comparisons of fractured evidence.
I can describe and perform some basic comparisons of impression evidence.
Cycle 4
•
•
•
•
•
•
I
I
I
I
I
I
can
can
can
can
can
can
describe the fundamental principles of fingerprints.
classify fingerprint patterns and identify minutiae points.
perform fingerprint comparisons using common minutiae points.
use appropriate procedures to develop or enhance latent prints.
describe the principles and analytical procedures used in forensic serology.
describe and perform some basic blood spatter analysis.
can
can
can
can
describe the principles and analytical procedures used in forensic DNA analysis.
describe the principles and analytical procedures used in forensic toxicology.
classify controlled substances and describe the laws pertaining to drug control.
describe the principles and analytical procedures used in forensic drug analysis.
Cycle 5
•
•
•
•
I
I
I
I
Cycle 6
•
•
•
I can describe and perform some basic questioned documents analysis.
I can describe the principles and analytical procedures used in forensic firearm examination.
I can describe and perform some basic forensic anthropology examination.