Course Syllabus
Course: CHEM 1350
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Chemistry
Title: Forensic Science
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This course will introduce students to modern criminal investigative techniques. Students will learn about the capabilities, use, potential, and limitations of forensic laboratory theory and techniques in respect to the analysis of evidence. Topics include evidence collection, serology, DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, and chemical analysis of physical evidence.
General Education Requirements: Physical Science (PS)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Justification: Forensic scientists play a critical role in the criminal justice system. Forensic science involves training in multiple scientific disciplines, such as chemistry, biology, and physics. Interest in forensic science has increased dramatically in recent years and many students find the topic highly engaging. This course provides students with a solid introductory education in the life and physical sciences as they apply to civil and criminal cases. Many universities in the state have similar courses (UVU, USU, WSU = Introduction to Forensic Science, CJ 1350). The field is expected to grow by 16% over the next decade, which is much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
General Education Outcomes:
1: A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will be required to apply the concepts that are covered in class to real-world cases. They are asked to think critically about the capabilities, use, potential, and limitations of forensic laboratory theory and techniques in respect to the analysis of evidence. A student will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on homework, tests, and case studies.
2: A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Throughout the course students will be asked to assimilate data in various forms via reading in textbooks, case studies, and internet searches. They will also be asked to relate what they have learned via essays, calculations, and problem solving on case studies, tests, and homework assignments as well as in class discussions.
3: A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will be required to use writing and mathematics skills throughout the course. Connections will be made between the various scientific disciplines used in forensic science. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on homework, tests, and quizzes.
4: A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. This course incorporates critical thinking and mathematical computations. Most of these computational problems are story problems and require students to interpret the data in the problem via mathematical equations and will demonstrate this ability on homework and tests. In addition, students will need to think critically and creatively as they analyze evidence in case studies.
General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes:
1: Students will learn of the various disciplines that combine to make up the field of forensic science (e.g. chemistry, biology, geology, physics). They will learn how the application of these scientific techniques allow us to understand what has happened at a crime scene. This will be assessed through exams, case studies, and homework assignments. Students will learn of the various disciplines that combine to make up the field of forensic science (e.g. chemistry, biology, geology, physics). They will learn how the application of these scientific techniques allow us to understand what has happened at a crime scene. This will be assessed through exams, case studies, and homework assignments.
2: Demonstrate understanding of forces in the physical world. Students will learn of the various disciplines that combine to make up the field of forensic science (e.g. chemistry, biology, geology, physics). They will learn how gravity and momentum affect a bullet or blood droplet. They will learn how electrostatic charges hold molecules together. This will be assessed through exams, case studies, and homework assignments.
3: Discuss the flow of matter and energy through systems (in large and small scales). Students will learn how matter and energy are conserved in a system and how energy can transfer from one object to another (such as when a bullet impacts a body or a blood droplet strikes a surface). This will be assessed through exams, case studies, and homework assignments.
4: Develop evidence-based arguments regarding the effect of human activity on the Earth. Forensic science deals with the application of science to the activities performed by humans. As such, students will learn how humans affect each other and their environment. This will be assessed through exams, case studies, and homework assignments.
5: Describe how the Physical Sciences have shaped and been shaped by historical, ethical, and social contexts. The history and development of forensic science will be discussed. This will include a discussion of the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists and how bias undermines the foundation of forensic science. This will be assessed through exams, case studies, and homework assignments.
Content:
This course will focus on the following topics: 1. Locard’s exchange principle. 2. Crime scene management. 3. Serology. 4. DNA analysis. 5. Fingerprint analysis. 6. Chemical analysis. 7. Forensic entomology. 8. Proper evidence collection.
Throughout the course real-world cases will be given with discussion as to how they apply to all, including underrepresented populations. Special consideration will be given to the discussion of bias in forensic science.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed in the following ways:
Case studies 5 to 20%
Homework 10 to 30%
Unit exams 20 to 50%
Final exam 20 to 40%
Quizzes 0 to 5%
Discussions 0 to 5%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Saferstein, Richard, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (current edition). Prentice Hall.
Pedagogy Statement:
Students will engage with challenging ideas through a combination of lecture and class discussions. An inclusive classroom environment will be fostered by encouraging the exchange of ideas and learning techniques between students and between the instructor and students. Students will work through sample problems and cases on their own, with partners or small groups, and as a class. The instructor will encourage discussion and critical thinking about the course topics and will welcome questions from students.
Diversity in the classroom is a strength and we are committed to an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of the members of the classroom community. The instructor will strive to reach, support, and show respect to every person and it is expected that all members of the classroom community do the same. Our goal is to help each student be successful in learning the content of the course in an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, and/or intimidation.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 18
