Course Syllabus s1

Course Syllabus

Forensic Investigation Chemistry 300 Summer 2012

Class Content: This class introduces the scientific techniques used in the investigation of crime with particular emphasis on analyzing physical evidence. The class will also address aspects of how crime and our attempt to combat crime have influenced the world in which we live.

Lecture: 12:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. MTWR

Instructor: Gregory Miller Office: Sc 262 Office Hours: MTWR 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or by appointment Phone: (541) 552-6408 E-mail: [email protected]

Text: None. However, if you are interested, I’d recommend Forensic Science. Second or Third Edition. James and Nordy. Another good choice would be any late edition of Forensic Science by Richard Saferstein.

Grading: Grades will be based on the total number of points accumulated during the term and will be determined as follows: 100%-90% A; 89%-80%,B; 79%-70%,C; 69%-60%,D.

There will be four 50-point quizzes and a 50-point comprehensive final quiz. The final score, if it is higher, will replace your lowest quiz score. In the event a test is missed, your final quiz score will doubled. The quizzes will be given every Thursday in the second half of the class period.

You will also be responsible for a summer term assignment, which will be turned in no the last day of class. This assignment is designed to enhance your grade and is an opportunity to investigate material or a case that we do not cover during the course of the summer term. I’d like you to pick a case where someone has been wrongly convicted of a crime and, at a minimum, spent time in prison. I would like your paper to highlight whatever evidence (forensic or otherwise) that led to this person being found innocent. You can start this project by looking at the Innocence Project website or looking for cases at www.crimelibrary.com. A Google search for wrongful convictions also is a good place to get an idea for potential cases.

The paper should be no less than 4 full typed pages (10-12 font, double- spaced). There is no maximum number of pages. The paper should make use of at least two or three sources and be appropriately referenced (in any style) including a bibliography. You must turn in a hard copy no later than the last day of class (Thursday August 16). You also must turn in an electronic copy by emailing it to me in Word or PDF format at [email protected] also by the last day of class. Please title your email the following way: “Your Name – CH300 Term Paper”

The assignment is worth 30 pts. Quiz Schedule: Quiz 1 Thursday July 26 Quiz 2 Thursday August 2 Quiz 3 Thursday August 9 Final Thursday August 16

Tentative Class Schedule: Week of:

July 23. Introduction to Forensic Science

Latent Fingerprinting Techniques

July 30. Forensic Pathology

Forensic Anthropology and Odontology

Aug 6. Begin Intro to Forensic Serology and DNA Techniques

Introduction to Basic Chemistry

Aug 13. Forensic Toxicology/Pharmacology

Arson/Explosive Investigations

Catch up (we will be behind)

Important Notes:

Please inform me if you know of any chemical allergies that you may have.

Attendance is not required but very highly encouraged.

A copy of this syllabus can be found, along with all PowerPoint presentations used in class, at the class website: http://webpages.sou.edu/~chapman/CH300S10/index.htm Academic Dishonesty Policy Because originality of thought and integrity of scientific data are central to the scientific enterprise, the SOU Chemistry Department has a zero-tolerance policy towards academic dishonesty in any form. Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to: plagiarism, deliberate falsification of scientific data, submitting or enabling the submission of identical lab reports or portions thereof, bringing unauthorized materials to examinations, looking at another student's work during an exam, or otherwise obtaining grades under false pretenses. Academic dishonesty will be addressed in accordance with the Academic Standards policy at SOU (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_500/OAR_573/573_095.html). All cases of academic dishonesty will be forwarded to the office of the Dean of Students for further review. The institution reserves the right to impose further sanctions in accordance with the SOU Student Code of Conduct (http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_500/OAR_573/573_075.html). Such sanctions may include suspension or expulsion from the institution depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. SOU Disability Services: If you are in need of academic support because of a documented disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations through Disability Services for Students. Contact the Academic Support Center at 541-552-6213, or schedule an appointment in person at the ASC, Stevenson Union, lower level.