Instructor:            Dr. Kim Schrum

                               Office: Science 306

                               Phone: ext. 4451

Office Hours:       Tuesday 2-4

                                Wednesday 3:30-5:00

                                Other times by appointment or open door policy

Required Materials :

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science  7^th edition by Fred Saferstein

Course Meetings: Science 405 MW 1:30-3:30

Evaluation:

1. To gain a basic understanding of the common forensic methods of analysis
2. To develop an appreciation for the interface between science and the law
3. To understand the limitations of science and its uncertainties

The course will be organized around three crime scenes/ criminal cases. Each case will introduce us to different forensics methods of analysis. In addition to the forensics evidence, you will be allowed/required to submit questions to suspects and requests for additional evidence. We will due this via the course website. You will continue to investigate each crime until the exam for that portion of the course where you will be asked to explain your conclusion about the crime and support your conclusions logically.

Along with each case, you will be presented with a legal issue at the interface between science and the law. Based on a scenario, you will use assigned readings and your own library research to write a supported, well-reasoned 800-1200 word paper. The paper will generally be due 1-2 class periods before the exam on that section.

Attendance and Lateness Policy:

Your textbook and readings will not cover all the information which you are expected to learn in this class. You are therefore required to attend all classes. Excessive absences (more than 3 class periods) will reduce your participation and activities grade. Absences from more than ten (10) classes regardless of whether the absences are excused or not will result in an unauthorized withdrawal from the course. Activities and discussions are much more fun and productive when everyone arrives on time. Students who consistently arrive late are discourteous to the other students and to the instructor, and two tardies will be counted as an absence.

We will be conducting hands-on activities almost every class period. These will involve significant set-up and will therefore not be able to be made up. The grade will be pro-rated only for excused absences which can be supported with documentation and then only for the first three occasions.

Homework assignments will be posted on the course page, and solutions will be posted shortly after the due date. Homework is due 5 minutes before the scheduled start of class. You may email your assignments or turn them in to the instructor's office. Emailed assignments must be dated before the time they are due. No excuses for technological problems will be accepted. Remember that assignments may be turned in early. Late assignments will be accepted until the solutions are posted, but will be graded down 20% per day late (0 after 5 days, a weekend counts as one day). However, homework assignments that are to be used in a class activity and/or discussion will not be accepted after that class period. Turning in an assignment and then not attending class or having someone else turn in the assignment for you will result in a penalty of 20%. Any additional reading materials will be available in the library or from the instructor. You are responsible for obtaining the materials in a timely fashion.