COURSE DOCUMENTATION

SCHOOL: Business, Biosciences and CODE: BIOS 2009

Justice Studies
COURSE TITLE: Forensics ACADEMIC YEAR: 2008/2009

PROGRAM(S): Biotechnology PROG YR: 2 PROG SEM: 3

PREREQUISITE(S): Biology I , General CO-REQUISITES: None

Chemistry I

CREDITS: 2 TOTAL SCHEDULED STUDENT HOURS: 30

FACULTY: Nathan Manion TOTAL SCHEDULED LAB HOURS 0

DEAN/CHAIR’S APPROVAL/DATE: Dan Holland

September 2008

1. Calendar Description

This course provides an overview of the nature and scope of forensic science, the ethical and
legal considerations associated with forensic work, and it emphasizes the theory and practice
of applying principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and genetics to forensic science.
Students will be introduced to techniques for the examination of physical evidence for the
presence of organic and inorganic materials, molecular analysis of bio-molecules, and
interpretation and presentation of results. Students will also learn about the range of
techniques available for analyzing questioned documents, fingerprints, firearms, fires,
explosives, the importance of mining appropriate population databases, and the scientific
principles underlying each of these techniques.

2. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

The learner will be able to:
i. discuss the role of forensic science in the Canadian justice system;
ii. recognize that forensics is built on principles of biology, chemistry, physics and the scientific
method;
iii. explain the fundamental importance of the “chain of custody” in forensics;
iv. apply field techniques and principles necessary to properly process crime scenes;
v. identify appropriate lab techniques necessary to analyze organic or inorganic materials;
vi. identify appropriate techniques necessary to analyze questioned documents;
vii. interpret forensic evidence and communicate conclusions to a public audience;
 viii.critique forensic evidence and conclusions presented by others.
3. Generic Skills Outcomes

Based on Ministry of Education College Guidelines for Biotechnology Technician Program Standard (1999):

Personal Communication Research Application

Manage time X Scientific X Evaluation X Maths
X Responsibility X Interpersonal X Organization X Computers
X Adaptability X Critique
X Collaboration Innovation
X Problem-solving

4. Texts/Materials/Resources
Required
a) Jackson ARW, Jackson JM. 2004. Forensic Science. Pearson Prentice Hall, Toronto.
395 pp.
b) Ring-binder to collect class notes and handouts, and research materials

5. Evaluation Process/Grading System

Description Evaluation Methodology Calculation / Value Total When due

By attendance and participation

Class (Attendance / total End of
in class discussions / and self 5%
participation/attendance classes) Semester
evaluation

~Every 4
Assignments (3) Professor-assessed by rubric ~7% per assignment 20%
weeks
Applied Exercises (5) Professor-assessed by rubric 5 % per paper 25% ~ Bi-weekly

Professor-assessed covering 20% test 1 Every 7

Tests (2) 50%
class material 30 % test 2 weeks

Plagiarism is not acceptable, and evidence of plagiarism in an assignment will result in a

grade of zero for that assignment. Each student must submit assignments that are their own
work, and not the intellectual property of any other person, company or organization.

Late assignments are worth 50% of the original report, and assignments handed in later than
one (1) week, zero (0). Students are advised to inform the professor, in advance, in the case
of extenuating circumstances to avoid penalties for lack of attendance, or for any assignment
or test.

6. Other Information

Office: 2L25a; Email: [email protected]; Phone: 969-1913 ext. 2384

Lab: 2L43
7. Curriculum Delivery, Learning Plan and Objectives
COURSE LEARNING
WEEK LEARNING ACTIVITIES
COURSE CONTENT OUTCOMES (CLOs) &
(of) & RESOURCES
EVALUATION CRITERIA
1 Course and text outline; Overview; Introductory
CLO (i-ii)
7 Sept Introduction to forensics Lecture, Readings, Ch. 1
2 Introduction to forensics; Lecture, Readings, Ch. 1;
14 Sept Scientific evaluation & quality CLO (i-iii) Assignment 1: “CSI Meets
assurance Reality”
3 Lectures, Readings, Ch. 2;
The Fundamental Importance of CLO (iii-v)
21 Sept Applied Exercise 1:
Processing Crime Scenes
“Comparing Matches”
4 The Fundamental Importance of CLO (iii-v) Ass’t #1 due Lectures, Readings, Ch. 2;
28 Sept Processing Crime Scenes
5 Trace & Contact Evidence: Lectures; Readings, Ch. 3-4;
5 Oct Recoverable Materials, Marks & CLO (iii-v); Applied Exercise 2:
Impressions “Impressions and Marks”
6 Lecture; Readings, Ch. 5;
12 Oct CLO (ii, v, vii, viii); Test #1 Test #1
Examination of Body Fluids
Assignment 2: “Blood Spatter
Analysis”
7 Lecture, Readings, Ch. 6;
Analysis of DNA & Applications CLO (ii, v, vii, viii)
19 Oct Applied exercise 3:
(e.g., Paternity, Individuals)
“Fingerprint Analysis”
8 Lectures, Readings, Ch. 6;
Analysis of DNA & Applications CLO (ii, v, vii, viii)
26 Oct Case Study: “Cipriano’s
(e.g., Individuals, Populations)
Japanese Whale Meat”
9 Analysis of DNA & Applications CLO (i, vi-viii); Ass’t # 2 due Lectures, Readings, Ch. 6;
2 Nov (e.g., Individuals, Populations)
10
Toxicology & Illicit Drugs CLO (ii, v, vii, viii) Lecture, Readings, Ch. 7;
9 Nov
11 Readings, Ch. 8
Documents & Forensic CLO (ii, v, vii, viii)
16 Nov Applied exercise 4: “Hair
Accounting
Analysis”
12 Lecture, Readings, Ch. 12;
Examination of Human Remains CLO (ii, v, vii, viii)
23 Nov Assignment #3: “Forensic
Entomology & Anthropology
entomology”
13 Lectures, Readings, Ch. 9-11;
Firearms, Fires, Explosions & CLO (ii, v, vii, viii)
30 Nov Applied exercise 5: “Fiber
Explosives
Analysis”
14
Forensic Science in Court CLO (i, vii-viii); Ass’t # 3 due Lecture, Readings, Ch. 13
7 Dec
15
Review Test #2 Review Class; Test #2
14 Dec
8. CHALLENGE PROCESS ACADEMIC YEAR: 2008/2009

Course Title/Code: Forensic Biotechnology, BIOS 2009

Program(s): Biotechnology, Biofood

Individuals may be eligible for assessment of their existing skills and knowledge against the
learning outcomes in this course through a challenge process without enrolment in the course. A
graded credit is issued for successful completion of the required challenge. A non-refundable
challenge fee is payable in advance. Further information is available from the Registrar, Prior
Learning Assessment (PLA) Office or the academic program. Further course documentation is
also available (outcomes, objectives, etc.).

CHALLENGE INSTRUMENT(S) TO BE AVAILABLE

There are two (2) challenge instruments available: an exam based on the material for the entire
course, or a written critique of scientific evidence on a topic of the professor’s choice.

SUPPORTS/RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION

The following resources will be made available for anyone who challenges the above course:
• course reading materials, course outline

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF GRADED CREDIT (Assessment

process and required standard)

Successful completion of the above-noted challenge instrument is required to obtain a graded

credit.