FRNSC 485W (JALS) General Syllabus 1

FRNSC 485 W Coalescence of Forensic Science Concepts:

The Forensic Science Capstone Experience Course Goals & Objectives The primary goals & objectives of this course are to: 1) Provide a capstone opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery of forensic science skills and knowledge through laboratory exercises, a mock crime scene collection exercise, mock testimonies and knowledge assessments/examinations; 2) Understand: quality assurance and quality control practices; ASCLD-LAB accreditation programs and the relationship of national standards within forensic science. 3) Understand the recommendations from the National Academy of Science report: Strengthening Forensic Science in the U.S.: A Path Forward 4) Understand the concept of validation studies and protocol development 5) Assess the criminalistics and forensic science knowledge, skills, and abilities of each student, and; 6) Assess the written and oral communication skills and abilities of each student via laboratory exercises, reports, and mock testimony exercises. Graduating students should possess the requisite skills to effectively manage the various types of physical evidence encountered at the crime scene and in the laboratory. Students will be expected to build upon the knowledge and skills learned in previous courses. This course will emphasize and reinforce the importance of a holistic approach to the scientific investigation of

crimes and other incidents.

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor: Jenifer Smith 114 Whitmore Lab 814-867-4448 jas1110@psu.edu

LECTURE 302 Bouke Tu. & Th. 1800-2000

PREREQUISITES FRNSC 411, FRNSC 413, FRNSC 415W

CONCURRANT FRNSC 421W, FRNSC 427W

ANGEL

https://cms.psu.edu/default.asp

ANGEL will be used extensively for communication and posting course related material. Students are strongly advised to check ANGEL frequently for updates.

FRNSC 485W (JALS ) General Syllabus 2

Schedule The detailed 16 week schedule for each semester will be posted on ANGEL under the Lessons Tab in a folder entitled “Course Schedule”. Please refer to this schedule for the dates and times for lectures, assignments, assessments and project deadlines.

Textbooks All textbooks used in the Penn State Forensic Science Program courses including but not limited to, FRNSC 411, 413W, 415W, 400, 421W and 427W. Additional materials required by instructors will be placed on ANGEL prior to class. [1]  Principles  and  Practice  of  Criminalistics:  The  Profession  of  Forensic  Science,  by  Inman,K.,Rudin,  R.  (Boca  Raton:  CRC  Press,  2001).  [2]  Crime  Reconstruction,  by  Chisum,  W.  J.,  Turvey,  B.  E.  (Amsterdam:  Elsevier  Academic  Press,2007).  [3]  The  Practice  Of  Crime  Scene  Investigation,  edited  by  Horswell,  J.  (London:Taylor  &  Francis,2004).  [4]  Techniques  of  Crime  Scene  Investigation,  7th  Edition,  by  Fisher,  B.  A.  J.,  (Boca  Raton:  CRCPress,  2004).  [5]  Rules  of  Professional  Conduct,  by  American  Board  of  Criminalistics  (ABC  500,  12/07).    Available  at:  http://criminalistics.com/pdf/500e.pdf  and  http://criminalistics.com/ethics.cfm(accessed  09JUL2009).  [6]  Criminalistics:  An  Introduction  to  Forensic  Science,  9th  Edition,  by  Saferstein,  R.  (UpperSaddle  River,  NJ:  Prentice  Hall,  2007).  [7]  Forensic  Science  Handbook,  Volume  I,  2nd  Edition,  edited  by  Saferstein,  R.  (EnglewoodCliffs,  NJ:  Prentice  Hall,  2002).  [8]  Forensic  Science  Handbook,  Volume  II,  2nd  Edition,  edited  by  Saferstein,  R.  (EnglewoodCliffs,  NJ:  Prentice  Hall,  2005).  [9]  Forensic  Science  Handbook,  Volume  III,  edited  by  Saferstein,  R.  (Englewood  Cliffs,  NJ:Prentice  Hall,  1993).  [10]  Fundamentals  of  Forensic  Science,  by  Houck,  M.,  Siegel,  J.  (Burlington,  MA:  Elsevier  Academic  Press,  2006).  [11]  Forensic  Chemistry,  by  Bell,  S.,  (Upper  Saddle  River,  NJ:  Pearson  Prentice  Hall,  2006).  [12]  Forensic  DNA  Typing,  by  Butler,  J.  (San  Diego,  CA:  Academic  Press,  2001).  [13]  Strengthening  forensic  science  in  the  United  States:  a  path  forward,  by  Committee  on  Identifying  the  Needs  of  the  Forensic  Science  Community/National  Research  Council.(Washington,  D.C.:  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  2009).  [14]  Bloodsworth:  The  True  Story  of  the  First  Death  Row  Inmate  Exonerated  by  DNA  by  Junkin  T,  Bloodsworth  K.(Chapel  Hill,  NC:  Shannon  Ravenel  Books,  2004).      

Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

FRNSC 485W (JALS) General Syllabus 1

The assessment of the course will be based on the following assignments: • Mock Crime Scene Laboratory (175 pts). This laboratory

will involve processing of a mock crime scene, the analysis of data from evidence collected at the crime scene, generation of a final report and presentation of evidence at a mock trial

• Protocol Development & Admissibility Hearing Project (175 pts). This project involves the creation of a new protocol and presentation at a mock Admissibility Hearing

• Ethics Paper and Presentation (50 pts). A paper and presentation will be given concerning a recent violation of ethics in a modern forensic laboratory

• General knowledge test (100 pts). Students will also use unscheduled class hours to prepare for FSAT examination. The FSAT examination is mandatory. Scores will be maintained by the Forensic Science Program.

Expectations

Students will be expected to: - understand knowledge, skills, and abilities learned in previous courses - complete reading assignments before due dates - complete homework sets and/or other assigned work by due dates as assigned by instructors - utilize effective time management skills and proper study habits to keep current in class - attend every lecture session (refer to University Faculty Senate Policy 42-27: Class Attendance for further information). Attendance is at the sole responsibility of the students. Deadlines for projects will not be extended. - turn off cell phones, Blackberries and any other communication devices during lecture and testing phases of the course. Electronic devices such as laptop computers may be used during in-class exercises if allowed by instructors.

Academic Integrity All Penn State policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to this course and each student must abide by the Academic Integrity policies set forth by the University Faculty Senate (Policy 49-20: Academic Integrity) and the Eberly College of Science. It is your responsibility to be thoroughly familiar with all policies and sanctions. They can be accessed at:

http://www.psu.edu/ufs/policies/ http://www.science.psu.edu/current-students/integrity/policy.html

Discussion of course concepts and cooperative study are encouraged; however, collaboration, discussion, assistance, cheating, plagiarism, etc. are NOT permitted during examinations, completion of assigned homework, or preparation of reports and presentations.. This, or other dishonest behavior, will result in failure of the exam or assignment and may lead to failure of the course and University disciplinary action. Integrity and ethics are considered exceptionally important by the instructors.

GRADE %

A 93.00 ≤ x ≤ 100.0

A- 90.00 ≤ x < 93.00

B+ 87.00 ≤ x < 90.00

B 83.00 ≤ x < 87.00

B- 80.00 ≤ x < 83.00

C+ 77.00 ≤ x < 80.00

C 70.00 ≤ x < 77.00

D 60.00 ≤ x < 70.00

F x < 60.00

FRNSC 485W (JALS ) General Syllabus 4

Disability Policy “Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments in this course, contact the Office for Disability Services (ODS) at 814-863-1807 (V/TTY). For further information regarding ODS, please visit the Office for Disability Services Web site at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/. In order to receive consideration for course accommodations, you must contact ODS and provide documentation (see the documentation guidelines at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/guidelines/documentation-guidelines). If the documentation supports the need for academic adjustments, ODS will provide a letter identifying appropriate academic adjustments. Please share this letter and discuss the adjustments with your instructor as early in the course as possible. You must contact ODS and request academic adjustment letters at the beginning of each semester.”