Bio-Chemistry (Forensics)
Bio-Chemistry (Forensics)
Instructor: Mrs. Leslie McGowan
Email: lesliemcgowan44@gmail.com
Grade: 10th – 12th
Monthly cost: $33/month
Material fee: $33 (lab supplies)
Textbook: 1st edition of Anthony Bertino’s Forensic Science Fundamentals and Investigations or you can download a pdf (PDF textbook is available when you Google: Forensic-Science-Fundamentals-Investigations-book pdf)
Supplies: 3 ring binder with at least one pocket divider, writing utensils, ruler, calculator, composition notebook for labs
Prerequisite: algebra 1 and biology or chemistry Accepted as a l credit for high school
Course Description: This course focuses on the standard topics of forensics, including but not limited to: crime scene investigation, hair and fiber analysis, fingerprinting, DNA, blood splatter, toxicology, forgery, soil analysis, ballistics, anthropology. This is a science class with a lab component. You will need to check with your accountability group as to whether it counts as a lab science for graduation. You may also want to check with the college of interest about whether this class will count as a lab science. Students will be required to do reading and research outside of class. The following components will make up their grade: 20%labs, 10%quizzes, 25%tests, 15% cases, 10% midterm, 20% final(which will be comprehensive).
Students will be required to do presentations in front of the class. These presentations will require visual aids in the form of a slide show or pictures as well as a written report. A knowledge of how to cite sources is required.
This is a fun class but it will also require the students to study and come to class on time prepared to learn. We have a very limited amount of time for each class, and I cannot spend that time waiting on students to arrive or disciplining students. Students will be required to behave respectfully to each other and the teacher. If a student is disruptive or does not participate fully in the activities of the class their grade will reflect it. If a student’s behavior becomes a continual distraction, measures will be taken to address and hopefully change the behavior. If nothing works, the student will be asked to drop the class.
