SCI 1901F - Forensic Science
Course Syllabus - Fall 2007

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

    Number and Title:

SCI1901F(CRN 85623)
Forensic Science

    Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

    Catalog Description:

Provides an introduction to the science of forensics.  Topics will include various scientific principles and techniques used in solving crimes.  Case studies will be presented.

    Course Prerequisite:

None

    Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the computer’s operation system (Windows®)
• Able to access and send e-mail (Outlook® or Outlook Express®)
• Able to use a Web browser (Internet Explorer®) and search engine
• Able to download files from a web site to your computer
• Able to use a word processor system (Word®)
• Able to use a spread sheet system (Excel®)

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Course Objectives:

• To learn the basic principles of chemistry, biology and physics used in collecting and analyzing
  physical evidence.
  
• To form conclusions from data obtained in simple scientific investigations of physical evidence.
  
• To understand the laws governing the collection and analysis of physical evidence.
  
• To learn the historical discoveries and ground breaking legal cases that have lead to modern forensic science.
  

Student Learning Outcomes:

        General education outcomes:

• Communication: knowledge base.  
          SCI 1901f will provide knowledge base information necessary for communication of information concerning forensics 
  investigations.
• Critical Thinking: 
  Question/Issue, Method, Evidence, Conclusion.  
          SCI 1901f will provide problem solving skills in the area of forensic science.  Students will analyze the results of scientific investigations of physical evidence and determine whether the information is pertinent to a particular case.

Instructor Information:

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:

Criminalistics by Richard Saferstein, 9th Edition

Text Coverage:

Chapters 1 - 15

Evaluation:

Your evaluation in SCI 1901F will be based upon the following components:  

Grading:

The grade you receive in SCI 1901F will be based upon the following distribution:

The mid-term grade in this course which will be issued on October 9th, reflects approximately 16% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on October 12th.

Tentative Course Schedule*:

 *The instructor reserves the right to alter the course schedule at any time during the semester.

**Assessments will be announced in class as least one week before each assessment.

Course Policies:

Homework:

This course demands and expects approximately one hours of work per night. Reading assignments are tentatively made on this syllabus. The student is expected to complete all chapter problems upon completion of each topic in class. However, these will not be collected or graded. Completion of homework is your responsibility. Supplementary problems may also be assigned.

Attendance:

Class roll will be taken, however, attendance is not required except for classroom assessments. You are responsible for all attendance requirements for external programs (i.e. financial aid). It is your responsibility to sign the roll sheet at every class meeting you attend. This roll sheet is the instructor's official record. You will be held responsible for all announcements and material covered in lecture in addition to text, references, hand-outs and study guides.  Note: Lectures will contain valuable explanations of content and thought processes which are difficult for most students to extract from the text book on their own. Therefore, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.

Academic Irregularity:

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Consequences may include a zero grade on the assessment instrument, or possible action by the College Judicial Board of Review.

Assessments:

There will be five (5) classroom assessments and one final exam for a total of six assessments. The assessments will be announced approximately one week in advance whenever possible and attendance is mandatory.  If a student has an excused absence on an exam day, the student's final exam percentage score will be used in place of the missed exam score.  No make-up exams will be given.

Grades will not be communicated via email or telephone.  Exams will be handed back in the next lecture period after an exam.  If absent, a student must come by during office hours to retrieve their exam.  Final exam papers may be viewed the following semester during office hours.

Other Class Policies:

"Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities."

• Arrive to class on time.
• Avoid disruptive behavior in class: talking, snoring, children, etc.
• Turn off beepers, phones, radios and other electronic devices.
• If you must leave early, leave quietly by a back door if possible.
• Use the pencil sharpener before class begins.
• No eating, smoking or drinking in the classrooms.
• No extra credit work will be assigned.

Last update: October 29, 2007