MASTER SYLLABUS

2020-2021

A.	Academic Division: Liberal Arts

B.	Discipline: Criminal Justice

C.	Course Number and Title: CRMJ2150 Forensic Science/Criminalistics I

D.	Course Coordinator: Anne Strouth, Associate Professor, A.A.S., B.S., M.S.

Assistant Dean: Dr. Steve Haynes

Instructor Information:

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Office Location:	Click here to enter text.

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Phone Number:	Click here to enter text.

E-Mail Address	Click here to enter text.

E.	Credit Hours: 3

Lecture: 2 hours

Laboratory: 3 hours

F.	Prerequisites: None

G.	Syllabus Effective Date: Fall, 2020

H.	Textbook(s) Title:

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science

Author: Saferstein

Copyright Year: 2018

Edition: 12th

ISBN #: 9780134477596

Workbook(s) and/or Lab Manual: None

J.	Course Description: This is an introductory course to criminalistics which explores the history and scope of forensic science. Criminalistics is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. The scope of this course includes discovery at a crime scene, the most important location of evidence; physical evidence; analytical techniques for organic and inorganic materials, fingerprints, unique tool marks, trace evidence and various impressions (e.g., shoe prints, tire prints, etc.)

K.	College-Wide Learning Outcomes

College-Wide Learning Outcomes	Assessments - - How it is met & When it is met
Communication – Written
Communication – Speech
Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Critical Thinking
Information Literacy
Quantitative Literacy

L.	Course Outcomes and Assessment Methods:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student shall: (any or all assessments can be conducted)

Outcomes	Assessments – How it is met & When it is met
1. Describe in writing and by example, the proper procedures for collecting and packaging different types of evidence found at crime scenes, e.g., blood, hair, weapons.	Exam, research questions, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - weeks 1-2
2. Differentiate between class and individual characteristics of physical evidence and interpret the value of each.	Exam, research questions, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - weeks 2-3
3. Have a working knowledge of organic and inorganic evidence with reference to types of analysis for both, i.e., chromatography, mass spectrometry, AAS, NAA.	Exam, discussion question worksheet, hands on microscope lab, student demonstration – Weeks 6-7
4. Recognize & identify the more widely used microscopes in use today.	Exam, research questions, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - weeks 6-7
5. Analyze the scope of Forensic Science.	Case Scenario – Week 1
6. Identify the most common types of physical evidence found at crime scenes and analyze its’ value.	Exam, research questions, video assignment, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - weeks 1-2
7. Identify and recognize the various types of fingerprint patterns.	Exam, research questions, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - weeks 3-5
8. Identify and recognize the various types of impression evidence and tool mark patterns.	Exam, research questions, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - weeks 8,9,10,11,12,13
9. Determine the value of hair and fiber evidence.	Exam, research questions, discussion questions, labs, critical thinking exercise - week 12

M.	Topical Timeline (Subject to Change):

Introduction to Forensic Science

The Crime Scene

Physical Evidence

Physical Properties

Organic Analysis/Inorganic

The Microscope

Hairs & Fibers

Fingerprints

Impression Evidence

Course Calendar:

Week 1	Introduction to Forensic Science Identification and Interpretation of the Procedures for Evidence Collection and Packaging Physical Evidence
Week 2	Identification and Interpretation of the Procedures for Evidence Collection and Packaging Physical Evidence
Week 3	Physical Evidence – Types/Value
Week 4	Identification and Interpretation of Fingerprints
Week 5	Identification and Interpretation of Fingerprints
Week 6	Microscope
Week 7	Microscope
Week 8	Impression Evidence
Week 9	Impression Evidence
Week 10	Tool Marking Interpretation
Week 11	Tool Marking Interpretation
Week 12	Hair and Fiber Analysis
Week 13	Casting Impression/Interpretation
Week 14	Make up labs – additional labs
Week 15	Wrap Up
Week 16	Finals

N.	Course Assignments:

Student Demonstrations

Hands-on lab exercises/observations

Video Assignments

Critical Thinking Worksheets/Exercises/Case Scenarios

Chapter Discussion Questions

Research Questions

Progressive Exams

At a minimum the following labs will be conducted:

Identification and Interpretation of Fingerprints

Identification and Interpretation of the Procedures for Evidence Collection and Packaging

Casting Impression/Interpretation

Hair and Fibers

Impression Evidence

Tool Marking Interpretation

O.	Recommended Grading Scale:

NUMERIC	GRADE	POINTS	DEFINITION
93–100	A	4.00	Superior
90–92	A-	3.67	Superior
87–89	B+	3.33	Above Average
83–86	B	3.00	Above Average
80–82	B-	2.67	Above Average
77–79	C+	2.33	Average
73–76	C	2.00	Average
70-72	C-	1.67	Below Average
67–69	D+	1.33	Below Average
63-66	D	1.00	Below Average
60-62	D-	0.67	Poor
00-59	F	0.00	Failure

P.	Grading and Testing Guidelines:

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Q.	Examination Policy:

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R.	Class Attendance and Homework Make-Up Policy:

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S.	Classroom Expectations:

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T.	College Procedures/Policies:

Important information regarding College Procedures and Policies can be found on the syllabus supplement located at

http://catalog.ncstatecollege.edu/mime/download.pdf?catoid=5&ftype=2&foid=3