COLLEGE OF APPLIED STUDIES PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

CJE 3762L Course Syllabus COURSE INFORMATION: Course Title: Forensic Science in Investigation Lab Course Number: CJE 3762L Credit Hours: 1 Course Delivery: Traditional

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Instructor: Office: Office Hours: Office Phone: E-Mail address: LIBERAL STUDIES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY: The Liberal Studies for the 21st Century Program at Florida State University builds an educational foundation that will enable FSU graduates to thrive both intellectually and materially and to support themselves, their families, and their communities through a broad and critical engagement with the world in which they live and work. Liberal Studies thus offers a transformative experience. This course has been approved as meeting the Liberal Studies requirements for Natural Sciences and thus is designed to help you become a critical appraiser of the theories of the natural sciences and the facts that support them.

In order to fulfill FSU's Natural Sciences Laboratory Requirement, the student must earn a “C–” or better in the course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This laboratory applies various techniques for the examination of physical materials generated during the commission of a crime in order to produce information required to detect and investigate criminal activity. This laboratory emphasizes the implementation of scientific protocols for collection and analysis of evidence and the calculation of associated error rates.

COREQUISITE: Lab component for CJE 3762

COURSE RATIONALE & SCOPE: This course focuses on the collection and analysis of evidence from objects. It provides labs that allow students to use the forensic disciplines so they are knowledgeable with the different lab procedures used in crime labs for criminal cases.

Physical evidence must be both legally relevant and reliable and scientifically relevant and reliable. The scientific method provides reliability while logical application of the evidence to the case provides the relevance. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method, reliability, reproducibility and the calculation of error rates, highlighting the prevention of cross contamination and the prevention of forensic mistakes.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

Pose questions or hypotheses based on scientific principles by collecting evidence at mock crime scenes then develop a working theory and defend conclusions in written lab reports.

Use appropriate scientific methods and evidence to evaluate claims or theoretical arguments about the natural world by using scientific equipment available in the crime lab to test evidence and reconstruct events using forensic laboratory techniques and protocols. Students will draw conclusions based on the results and create and defend in written lab reports.

Analyze and interpret research results using appropriate methods by evaluating the results of lab analysis and combining scientific information and circumstantial evidence to produce proof that meets legal requirements.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: This course emphasizes hands on labs providing practical application of those concepts outlined in the objectives.

COURSE TEXTBOOKS: Required

Saferstein, Richard (2015) Criminalistics, an Introduction to Forensic Science Pearson Education, Inc. 11th Edition Loose Leaf Textbook, EText and MyCJLab Access Code ISBN-13: 9780133458817 Saferstein, Richard (2015) Lab Manual for Criminalistics, an Introduction to Forensic Science. Pearson Education, Inc. 11th Edition ISBN-13 970133458893 COMPUTER REQUIREMENT: This course requires you to become adept in the following computer programs: Blackboard, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It is necessary that you have access to a computer with these programs in order to do your homework assignments. Certain assignments require that you conduct Internet searches for information and that you submit your work via the Blackboard system. Therefore you will need Internet access to complete your assignments.

EMAIL POLICY: You should forward your FSU email account to whatever email account you access most frequently. Course communications will be made via email. Check your email at least every 48 hours. Failing to check your email is not an excuse for not being aware of course changes.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & EVALUATION:

Assessment Possible Points

12 Lab Reports at 50 Points Each- The results of your lab will be combined with the case scenario to enable you to draw conclusions about the relevance of evidence and defend findings in written reports that are accurate representations for court purposes.

600

3 Exams at 100 Points Each- Three exams will be given. They will cover the material assigned to that point. Each is exam is 100 questions and will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer, numerical answer, ordering, matching or true/false questions. Tests are used to evaluate comprehension and application of the various forensic disciplines and protocols covered.

300

Total Possible Points Total points earned/ Total possible points (900)

GRADING: Grades will be posted on the Blackboard Grade Center. Points for each assignment will be posted individually. Please review the point totals for each assignment.

GRADE DETERMINATION: Grades will be based on the total points earned divided by the total possible points.

GRADE SCALE:

FSU Panama City Grading Scale: Grades will be based on the total points earned divided by the total possible points.

A- = 90-93; A = 94-100 (806 points or more)

B- = 80-83; B = 84-86; B+ = 87-89 (716 points or more)

C- = 70-73; C = 74-76; C+ = 77-79 (630 points or more)

D- = 60-63; D = 64-66; D+ = 67-69 (539 points or more)

F = <60 (538 points or less)

University Attendance Policy: Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the family and other documented crises, call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holy days, and official University activities. These absences will be accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students who have a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious illness.

Course Attendance Policy: Due to the setup and materials/equipment involved in preparing labs they cannot be made up. If you have a University excused absence the missed lab report will be exempt, otherwise you should plan to attend so you can participate in the labs. If you are unexcused you will receive a zero on the lab report. No reports can be turned in by students who do not participate in the lab.

Academic Honor Policy: The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University’s expectations for the integrity of students’ academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to “. . . be honest and truthful and . . . [to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at Florida State University.” (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at http://fda.fsu.edu/Academics/Academic-Honor-Policy.)

Americans With Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should:

(1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; and (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation to a student until appropriate verification from the Student Disability Resource Center has been provided. This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request. For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the: Student Disability Resource Center 874 Traditions Way 108 Student Services Building Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167 (850) 644-9566 (voice) (850) 644-8504 (TDD) sdrc@admin.fsu.edu http://www.disabilitycenter.fsu.edu/

Free Tutoring from FSU: On-campus tutoring and writing assistance is available for many courses at Florida State University. For more information, visit the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Tutoring Services’ comprehensive list of on-campus tutoring options - see http://ace.fsu.edu/tutoring or contact tutor@fsu.edu. High-quality tutoring is available by appointment and on a walk-in basis. These services are offered by tutors trained to encourage the highest level of individual academic success while upholding personal academic integrity. Syllabus Change Policy: "Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.”

FSI LAB COURSE CALENDAR Traditional CJE 3762L

Week Lab/Assignment Due No Later Than Week 1

1st Day Attend., Create Cengage Account, Read Syllabus

Week 2

Evidence Collection, Lab Report

Week 3

Evidence Preservation, Lab Report

Week 4

Class or Individual Evidence, Lab Report

Week 5

Exam 1 Covers Chapters 1-3, 100 Questions-120 Minutes

Week 6

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Lab Report

Week 7

Forensic Pathology & Anthropology, Lab Report

Week 8

Fingerprints, Lab Report

Week 9

Ballistics, Lab Report

Week 10 Exam 2 Covers Chapters 4-6 & 8, 100 Questions-120 Minutes

Week 11

Hair Analysis & Fiber Analysis, Lab Report

Week 12

Forensic Toxicology, Lab Report

Week 13

Soil Analysis, Lab Report

Week 14

DNA & Serology, Lab Report

Week 15

Arson & Explosions, Lab Report

Week 16

Final Exam- Covers Chapters 10-15 & 17, 100 Questions-120 Minutes

***Blackboard is on Eastern Standard Time. All due dates and times are EST.

Crime Lab Student Safety Agreement

PURPOSE Forensic Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You may be doing laboratory activities that require the use of hazardous chemicals and potentially dangerous equipment. Safety in the Crime Lab/Classroom is the #1 priority for students and instructors. To ensure a safe working environment, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. Two copies of the contract are provided. One copy must be signed and returned to the instructor before you can participate in the laboratory. The second copy is to be kept in your lab notebook as a constant reminder of the safety rules. TOP TEN “COMMON SENSE” GUIDELINES 1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. 2. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit and eyewash station. Know where the nearest

bathroom, fire alarm, fire extinguisher and the exits are located 3. Perform only those experiments authorized by the instructor. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not called for in the laboratory procedures

or by your instructor. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are prohibited. 4. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before beginning labs. Never fool around in the laboratory.

Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited. 5. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages. 6. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets,

and/or reports to the work area. 7. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Do not wear items that you do not want to get dirty or possibly stained. 8. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles/ safety glasses. There will be no exceptions to this rule! 9. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the instructor immediately, no matter how trivial it may appear. 10. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ask the instructor for help. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES 11. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before

proceeding. 12. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the instructor immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe. 13. When first entering the lab, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so. 14. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without an instructor present. 15. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place your head

into the fume hood. 17. Dispose of all waste properly as described by the instructor. 18. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the prescribed apparatus as directed in the laboratory

instructions or by your instructor.

19. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. Clean (with detergent), rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink) and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.

20. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory

experiments of others. 21. Students are never permitted in the storage cabinets unless given specific permission by their instructor. 22. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, fume hoods turned off, and any electrical equipment

turned off.

23. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointing down and away from your body. Never cut towards your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES 26. If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately yell out to get the instructor's attention. 27. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water from the eye- wash station or sink for at least 20

minutes. Notify the instructor immediately. GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CHEMICALS 28. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Do not touch, taste, or smell any chemicals. 29. Check the label on chemical bottles twice before removing any of the contents. Take only as much chemical as you need. 30. Never remove chemicals or other materials from the laboratory area. GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENT 31. Never handle broken glass with your bare hands. Use a brush and dustpan to clean up broken glass. Place broken or waste glassware in the

designated glass disposal container as directed by the instructor. 32. When removing an electrical plug from its socket, grasp the plug, not the electrical cord. Hands must be completely dry before touching an

electrical switch, plug, or outlet.

Lab from Lab Manual for Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic Science, 11th Edition by Richard Saferstein Pearson (2015)

After completion of lab, information gathered is produced in the Forensic Lab Report.

Forensic Lab Reports- use the results and scientific data gathered during the lab to provide a forensic report that could be used in a court of law (valid, repeatable, and relevant). The report format is below. Hypothesis: This section should contain the following: 1. Background information consisting of a brief overview of the concepts behind the lab, 2. A statement of what general technique(s) were used and, 3. A statement of the purpose(s) or hypothesis of the lab. This should be written as a formal statement in the form of an “if……….then” statement. Example: If the suspect committed the assault, then the fingerprint should be a match with the print lifted from the baseball bat used in the attack. Use any lab handouts and your textbook as a source. You may conduct additional internet research but all sources must be legitimate and properly cited. Read your source materials well enough to clearly understand and restate in your own words. Application/Procedure: You should include the equipment used and any solutions (identity and concentration) used in the experiment. You should write your method in the past tense explaining what you actually did. The method should be presented as a list of numbered steps taken to complete the experiment. This report should be written so that a person with a basic knowledge of the subject could follow your method and repeat your experiment. You should NOT include results here! Experimentation/Results: If applicable, a graph(s) or table(s) of the data should be used to allow the reader to easily see the data. Any table or figure used to present the results MUST have an explicit title, table/figure number and a legend below the figure or table briefly describing what data is presented in the figure. The figure and table numbers allow you to refer the reader to the correct figure when explaining your results in the discussion section of your report. Always label and indicate what is measured and the units of measurement. Analysis/Discussion: In this section you should relate the results to the points you raised in your introduction. You must explain to the reader your data or results in your own words explaining the relationship between the testing and your findings. Explain how major findings support or refute your hypothesis. You should always indicate which table or figure you are referring to when discussing each section of your results (as mentioned above). Review your results part by part, making comments as to whether you expected that result or not. You should make comments about follow-up testing that needs to be done to support your findings. Finally, you should make comments about what you might have changed or done differently. What are the possible sources of error in your experiment? Conclusion: This should be a couple of sentences summarizing whether your findings support or refute your hypothesis. Was your testing successful? References: You must cite all sources used at the end of your laboratory report. All references should be listed correctly using APA format.

Rubric for Natural Sciences Competencies (Students will become: Critical Appraisers of Theories and the Facts that Support Them)

Competency 1 –

Pose Questions

Pose questions or hypotheses based on scientific principles. Total Score:

_____/10

Competency 3-

Analyze Results

Analyze and interpret research results using appropriate methods. Total Score:

_____/20

Full Credit- Lab report content must:

Points Possible

_____/50

Comments

Hypothesis-

Pose Questions

Clearly and accurately describes the topic of the experiment using if/then statement.

_____/10

Application/Procedure-

Steps Followed

Provides useful and accurate background information that sets the lab tasks in proper context and accurately identifies all the steps.

_____/10

Experimentation/Results-

Analyze Results

Clearly and completely describes the results shown in the data, avoids interpretation, contains just the facts Student systematically evaluates evidence for accuracy and creates a clear display for the reader.

_____/10

Analysis / Interpretation-

Analyze Results

Complete analysis of the test results with thorough and appropriate detail to support or refute hypothesis. Evaluates results and reports known error and rate.

_____/10

Conclusion/Reference-

Writing, format,

grammar &

professionalism

The conclusion properly summarizes results of the report. The report follows the rules or writing and APA formatting. It is grammatically correct and uses academic language appropriate for the field of study.

_____/10