Course Syllabus
Course: CHEM 1355
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Chemistry
Title: Forensic Science Lab
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This forensic science lab course is to be taken concurrently with CHECM 1350. This course is designed to give students experience with lab experiments related to evidence collection, serology, DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, and chemical analysis of physical evidence. (Lab fee required)
General Education Requirements: Physical Science Lab (LB)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Corequisites: Forensic Science (CHEM 1350)
Justification: Forensic scientists play a critical role in the criminal justice system. Forensic science involves training in multiple scientific disciplines, such as chemistry, biology, and physics. Interest in forensic science has increased dramatically in recent years and many students find the topic highly engaging. This course provides students with a solid introductory laboratory experience in the life and physical sciences as they apply to civil and criminal cases. Many universities in the state have similar courses (UVU, USU, WSU = Introduction to Forensic Science, CJ 1350). The field is expected to grow by 16% over the next decade, which is much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
General Education Outcomes:
1: A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will be required to apply the concepts that are covered in class to mock crime scenes. They are asked to think critically about the capabilities, use, potential, and limitations of forensic laboratory theory and techniques in respect to the analysis of evidence. A student will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on lab reports and/or exams.
2: A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Throughout the course students will be asked to assimilate data in various forms via reading in textbooks, case studies, and internet searches. They will also be asked to relate what they have learned via calculations and problem solving on lab reports and/or exams.
3: A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will be required to use writing and mathematics skills throughout the course. Connections will be made between the various scientific disciplines used in forensic science. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on lab reports and/or exams.
4: A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. This course incorporates critical thinking and mathematical computations. Most of these computational problems are story problems and require students to interpret the data in the problem via mathematical equations and will demonstrate this ability on lab reports and/or exams. In addition, students will need to think critically and creatively as they discover and analyze evidence in the lab.
General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes:
1: During the course of each laboratory experiment, students will discover evidence and analyze it using techniques and skills from the disciplines of chemistry, biology, and physics. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on lab reports and/or exams. During the course of each laboratory experiment, students will discover evidence and analyze it using techniques and skills from the disciplines of chemistry, biology, and physics. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on lab reports and/or exams.
Content:
In this course we will perform labs that correspond to the topics discussed during the lecture. These include: 1. Locard’s exchange principle. 2. Crime scene management. 3. Serology. 4. DNA analysis. 5. Fingerprint analysis. 6. Chemical analysis. 7. Forensic entomology. 8. Proper evidence collection.
Throughout the course real-world cases will be given with discussion as to how they apply to all, including underrepresented populations. Special consideration will be given to the discussion of bias in forensic science.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed on a weekly basis through laboratory reports and pre-labs. Homework in the form of pre-lab exercises assigned for each lab. Exams containing multiple choice, computational questions and essay questions may also be given.
Pre-labs and homework 20 to 40%
Lab reports and post lab assignments 40 to 60%
Final lab exam 20 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Saferstein, Richard, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (current edition). Prentice Hall.
Pedagogy Statement:
Students will engage in forensic science experiments. An inclusive classroom environment will be fostered by encouraging the exchange of ideas and learning techniques between students and between the instructor and students. Students will work through sample problems and cases on their own, with partners or small groups, and as a class. The instructor will encourage discussion and critical thinking about the course topics and will welcome questions from students.
Diversity in the classroom is a strength and we are committed to an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of the members of the classroom community. The instructor will strive to reach, support, and show respect to every person and it is expected that all members of the classroom community do the same. Our goal is to help each student be successful in learning the content of the course in an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, and/or intimidation.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 18
