Forensic Science Course overview

 Course Philosophy 

This course is a survey course which introduces students to a range of forensics topics. As in all fields of study, content knowledge is very important. However, application of that content is equally, if not more, important. Additionally, the development of skills necessary to allow an individual to continue to learn in life is essential. These skills include the ability to learn independently, to think critically, to explain thought processes and result in understanding with clarity, and to work with others toward a common goal. With these things in mind, this course has been developed in the style of ‘problem-based learning’ and will offer a significant challenge to the student as they ‘learn to learn’.

"Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more bear mute witness against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself; it cannot be wholly absent. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it can diminish its value."

Required Materials:  

Black pens, #2 pencils, colored pencils, 3-ring binder or folder, lined paper or spiral, graph paper, dividers