Forensics+Syllabus

** 2012-2013 Forensic **** Syllabus **
 * Frankel Jewish Academy **

Mr. Nicholas Mantas
 * Contact information/Office Hours **
 * //Email:// nmantas@frankelja.org I check my email frequently throughout the day and can usually respond promptly
 * //Phone:// If you wish to speak to me on the phone, please email me your phone number, the best times to call, and the context of the conversation.
 * I’m available during Wednesday and Thursday study halls most weeks for office house. Please email me and verbally let me know that you are coming in. If you don’t have a scheduled study hall then we can work out a time before/after school or during lunch. I can’t accommodate drop-ins. Supplemental videos will be posted at the course website at http://mantaschemistry.wikispaces.com/ Be sure to check to see if a supplement is posted before emailing me or setting up office hours. If a face-to-face session is available, (If I have a meeting during a Wednesday or Thursday then I will try to be available during another study hall that week).

Forensic science is an elective course for students who have completed or nearly completed the traditional science disciplines (physics, chemistry, and biology). Forensics is a science course and focuses on the concepts, processes, and thinking that are the basis of common forensic techniques. The course will draw upon your knowledge in physics, chemistry, and biology and will demonstrate how those disciplines serve as a basis for forensic applications.
 * C****OURSE DESCRIPTION**

As a result of completing forensic science you will:
 * C****OURSE OBJECTIVES**
 * Develop an appreciation and understanding of the differences between popular media versions of forensics and the actual scientific practice.
 * Strengthen your understanding of basic scientific principles.
 * Develop knowledge of the methods of observation and data collection used in criminalistics.
 * Learn and develop skills in fundamental forensic techniques.
 * Utilize critical thinking and rational problem solving techniques needed to solve ‘crimes’.

Throughout the year you will be assessed in many ways both formally and informally. Listed below are the various assessments that will be used:
 * Assessments **

Please see the separate document regarding participation point distribution.
 * 1) **Class Participation**


 * 1) **Homework/Class work**
 * Packets, worksheets, book problems, and/or Internet problems will form the bulk of the homework/class work category. Some assignments will be done in class and assessed together, some will be on the Internet and have instant feedback, some work will be checked by me and handed back, and some will be self-assessed.


 * 1) **Labs**
 * You will be given any necessary lab handouts at least one day prior to conducting the actual lab. You are expected to read the lab handout and complete any pre-lab assignments before class.
 * Lab data is to be written directly on the lab handouts that are provided or in a lab notebook as instructed. **//All lab data and results must be signed off by the instructor before leaving the lab. Unsigned data will not be accepted and points will be deducted from the lab grade.//**
 * If a serious problem should arise, and you will not be able to make a particular lab session, you should notify the instructor as soon as possible to make special arrangements.
 * During laboratories there is no time to waste. Therefore, it is important to remain “on task” and refrain from socializing during lab time. **//Roaming and socializing that is not lab-related will result in loss of participation credits and may also result in loss of credit for that lab.//**
 * Student safety is a priority. **//Any behavior that endangers you or other students will not be tolerated.//** This means that lab procedures must be followed as instructed, no eating or drinking in the lab, safety glasses/goggles must be worn at all times, and anyone engaging in unsafe behavior will be asked to leave the lab and will receive a zero for that lab. You are encouraged topolitely enforce these safety rules among yourselves.
 * Lab reports may consist of worksheet handouts that need to be completed or they may be full typed reports depending on the type and extent of the lab activity.


 * 1) **QUIZZES**
 * Quizzes will be given from time to time. This will help break the unit up and gives the students an idea of what will be on the exam.


 * 1) **EXAMS****/Practicals**
 * **//Unit/chapter exams//** – Unit/chapter exams will be given at regular intervals throughout the semester and their dates will be based on the speed with which we cover topic material. You will be notified of an exam date at least one week prior to the exam.
 * **//Practicals –//** Lab particles for each forensic technique introduced in class will be used to test your knowledge of the technique and your ability to use data collected to analyze crime scenarios.

** Grading scale **

|| ** Grade Weightings **

35% labs 35% quizzes/exams/practicles/projects 10% homework/class work 10% participation
 * ** Overall Semester Grade ** ||
 * 10% Final project

100% overall semester grade ||  ||   ||   ||   ||


 * Course Policies: **

 Student safety is nonnegotiable. Any behavior that endangers you or other students will not be tolerated. This means that lab procedures must be followed as instructed, no eating or drinking in the lab, safety glasses/goggles must be worn at all times, and anyone engaging in unsafe behavior will be asked to leave the lab and will receive a zero for that lab. The signed safety contract is required before any labs can be done.
 * Classroom Safety**

* Absences exceeding eight per semester will result in the reduction of one-half letter grade (ie- B+ to a B). * Tardies exceeding three per semester will be considered an absenc e. * Students arriving late from my class must receive a pass from the front desk. Wait patiently and quietly outside my class until you are allowed to enter; you will not be allowed to enter without a pass. * Students arriving more than 10 minutes late from the start of class will be considered absent. If you know you are going to be absent it is a good idea to let me know ahead of time so that I can give you your work. It is your responsibility to find out what was missed and to complete assignments. Students have as many **SCHOOL DAYS** as they were absent to complete the work missed.
 * Late Assignments**
 * The FJA Student Handbook states:
 * Every student is required to attend and be on time for classes and other activities, including Minyan, PALand Town Hall. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each period. Parents are asked to schedule appointments (e.g. medical, dental, etc.) outside of school hours.
 * Absences exceeding eight per semester will result in the reduction of one half grade (i.e. A- to B+). In P/F classes absences exceeding eight per semester will result in a failing grade.
 * Prolonged absences due to exceptional circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Deans. A prolonged absence is considered to be fourconsecutive school days or more and the student must provide a doctor’s note to be considered.
 * Every three tardies accumulated within a semester will be considered an absence.To avoid being considered absent, students arriving late for any class are required to receive a passfrom the front desk.
 * Students arriving later than 10 minutes from the start of class will be considered absent.
 * When students are absent it is their responsibility to make up the material they missed. When absent, students should consult the unit calendar and their online classroom to determine what they missed. Students have as many days as they were absent to make up their missing work.
 * There is a locked door policy. When the bell rings the classroom door will be shut and locked. Students who are tardy must go to the front desk and get a tardy pass and then wait at the door until the teacher is ready to let them in. Students will not be admitted not be into the classroom without a tardy pass.
 * Attendance Policy (the school’s attendance policy will be strictly followed)**

No food products are allowed in the room. Beverages are ok if they are in a sealable container (no cups or cans or anything glass).
 * Food/Beverage Policy:**

Ask if you have to leave the restroom. The restroom pass is for emergencies only. Leaving the room too often, roaming the halls, or talking with friends will result in the loss of this privilege. If you are gone for an excessive amount of time you will loose any participation points and can be marked absent.
 * Restroom passes**:

Tables must be cleared of **everything** but a pen/pencil and cell phones must be put in the basket in front of the room BEFORE exams are handed out.
 * Exam/Quiz Taking Procedure**

**1st Violation:** The cell phone is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day. **2nd Violation:** Same as above. The student is placed on probation and the parents are notified. **3rd Violation:** The cell phone must be picked up by a parent and the student will not be allowed to use a cell phone at all during the school day for the remainder of the semester. Students with a subsequent violation of the cell phone policy will be progressively suspended or expelled.
 * Cell phones**
 * The FJA Student Handbooks states:
 * The use of cell phones in school will be allowed as follows: before or after school hours, during lunch time and during passing time.
 * Students are encouraged to secure their cell phones in their lockers during class time. Students are not permitted to use cell phones during class time. Use is defined as a cell phone that is out, a cell phone that is on, a cell phone that rings or makes an audible noise or vibration, or a cell phone that causes any type of classroom disturbance. Prohibition during class time includes times when students may be out of the classroom itself (e.g. retrieving items from a locker, getting a drink, going to the restroom, etc.) Class time includes minyan, Town Hall, study hall and PAL.
 * A teacher may allow a student to use a cell phone during class time to fulfill a specific educational purpose.
 * Students may not use a cell phone in any area where other students or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This would include restrooms and locker rooms.
 * Students who violate the cell phone policy invite progressive discipline.

The Frankel Jewish Academy is dedicated to the highest moral and ethical standards. Students plagiarizing or cheating will automatically receive a failing grade for that assignment or exam and are subject to further disciplinary action as determined by the administration.
 * Cheating & Plagiarism:**

Consequences for Cheating and Plagiarism are:


 * **First offense:** Student will redo the assignment for credit to be determined by the teacher and the Dean.
 * **Second offense:** Student will receive a zero for the assignment and will be required to redo the assignment for no credit.
 * **Third offense:** Suspension or expulsion.

** Fingerprinting ** At some point in the semester we will be studying fingerprints. Due to Sate privacy laws, your permission is needed for your son/daughter to participate. Your son/daughter will be asked to create traditional fingerprints as part of our labs. These fingerprints will either be returned directly to the student or destroyed; I will not keep any representation of the fingerprint. We may also have the technology to make a paper-sized fingerprint scan from a fingerprint scanner, computer, and printer. It will be much easier for us to analyze the larger prints. For this exercise all forms of the fingerprints will be deleted from the hard drive.

* Portions of this syllabus were crafted from the collaborative efforts of the FJA science department as well as Mrs. Kegebien, and Mrs. Holodnick.

Concepts being to be covered during the class:

This list is not necessarily in order of completion. Some concepts will be covered only if time permits near the end of the semester.

History of forensics

Crime Labs

The Crime Scene

Dealing /Handling evidence

Serial Killers

Types of evidence


 * Fingerprints
 * Hair
 * Fibers
 * Firearms
 * Bullets
 * Bullet casings
 * Bite marks
 * Bones
 * DNA
 * Drugs
 * Soil
 * Paint
 * Glass
 * Fire
 * Explosives
 * Ballistics
 * Forgeries
 * Computer evidence
 * Network Evidence
 * Testimonials
 * Lying