CRMJ 2150 - Forensic Science/Criminalistics I

Academic Division:

Liberal Arts

Academic Discipline:

Criminal Justice

Assistant Dean: Steve Haynes PhD

3 Credit(s)
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.) UG

3 Lab Hour(s)

2 Lecture Hour(s);

College Wide 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

Student Learning Outcomes for Course

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

Standard Grading Scale
93-100 A

90 - 92 A-

87- 89 B+

83 - 86 B

80 -82 B-

77- 79 C+

73 - 76 C

70 -72 C-

67- 69 D+

63 - 66 D

60 -62 D-

00- 59 F

Statement on Diversity
North Central State College believes that every student is a valued and equal member of the community.* Every student brings different experiences to the College, and all are important in enriching academic life and developing greater understanding and appreciation of one another. Therefore, NC State College creates an inclusive culture in which students feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Discrimination and prejudice have no place on the campus, and the College takes any complaint in this regard seriously. Students encountering aspects of the instruction that result in barriers to their sense of being included and respected should contact the instructor, assistant dean, or dean without fear of reprisal.

*Inclusive of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), disability, age (40 years or older), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, genetic information, or sexual orientation,

Standard NCSC Course Policies
Important information regarding College Procedures and Policies can be found on the syllabus supplement located at this link