Course Syllabus
Course: CJ 1350
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Behavioral Science
Title: Introduction to Forensic Science
Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
End Semester: Fall 2029
Catalog Description: This course will explore the history, evolution and modern-day processes of the techniques employed in scientific criminal investigation. This course is offered as in-class and online.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Justification: This course is part of the Criminal Justice curriculum and similar courses are designed to transfer to all USHE institutions. CJ 1350 is part of the lower division course for a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Evaluate contemporary and/or historical problems using appropriate Criminal Justice Forensic Science research methodology. Instructors will measure this outcome through the research project submitted by the student and by the student’s participation in a final project or exam.
Describe and analytically compare Criminal Justice Forensic Science's different social, political, economic, cultural, geographical, or historical settings and processes. Students will complete critical thinking exercises in the chapter assignments, by taking the appropriate quiz or exam, and submit them for evaluation by the instructor and in their out of class assignments. The student will also complete a research project
Develop and communicate hypothetical explanations for individual human behavior within the large-scale historical or social context of the Criminal Justice field and Forensic Science. Students will demonstrate preparedness by delivering an in-class presentation.
Write and/or demonstrate effectively within the Criminal Justice discipline, using correct disciplinary guidelines, to analyze, interpret, and communicate about social science phenomena. Instructors will measure this metric through attendance, chapter assignments, and the final project.
Content:
This course will explore the history, evolution and modern-day processes of the techniques employed in scientific criminal investigation. Furthermore, it will explore the integration of forensic methods with criminal investigation. It seeks to understand the legal and scientific philosophies which provide the foundation for scientific criminal investigation. It is designed to understand the law as it applies to scientific criminal investigation. Moreover, students will become familiar with the procedures and protocols that guide the forensic investigator in the laboratory and in the field. Students must understand the dynamic nature of the crime scene and the identification, documentation, collection and preservation of physical evidence. Additionally, students will be instructed to understand the use of scientific/forensic investigative work product in the criminal prosecution process including trial. All of these varying methods of instruction will be looked at through a lens of assisting students from diverse backgrounds where they can flourish in a setting that is designed to assist them in their learning.
Key Performance Indicators:
Chapter Assignments 15 to 25%
In class presentation 20 to 40%
Final Project 25 to 40%
Attendance 10 to 25%
Exams and Quizzes 10 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
An Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation Aric W. Dutelle, Jones and Bartlett, Current Edition
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be taught by lecture, discussion, group work, written assignments and projects which required practical application. Students will be encouraged to share their analysis, and opinions, and efforts will be made to help students see the value of their contributions to increase inclusivity.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Online
Maximum Class Size: 40
Optimum Class Size: 40
