CRJ 311: Forensic Science

Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. ~ AB213

Wintermester 2020

Instructor
Breanne N. Jones, M.S. If you have any problems or questions email me at [email protected]
Website: http://jonesintrotoforensics.weebly.com/

Recommended Text
Saferstein, Richard, Criminalistics – An Introduction to Forensic Science, 12th ed., Prentice Hall, 2018. ISBN #0134477596

Course Description
This course serves to familiarize students with the methods and techniques currently employed by forensic scientists to
identify and analyze evidence collected from a crime scene and presented at trial. Forensic science is a complex field of
study which incorporates the related scientific fields of biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics and earth sciences.
Students will demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge, complex reasoning and critical thinking in the classroom and
through the analysis of case studies. This course includes instruction in many areas of forensic science including crime
scene analysis, pathology, forensic laboratory technology, fingerprint and DNA technology, document analysis and
applicable law and regulations and professional standards of ethics. Concepts and doctrines in the areas of the law,
roles of the expert testimony, rules of evidence, ethics, professional practice and wrongful convictions will also be
covered.

WARNING: The subject matter of this course includes information, photographs, language and videos which is
graphic, sexual and violent, and which some people may find offensive. If you are offended by such material, you are
not advised to take this course.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Upon completing this course, the student will:
 know the historical developments and landmarks of forensic science, including how improvements in chemical
analysis and instrumentation impact our ability to solve crimes;
 be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze and critique case studies and make conclusions based on evidence
collected;
 be aware of the professional standards and ethics that guide the field of forensic science;
 be able to interpret key cases and case law regarding protocols for collecting, handling and use of evidence in
the preparation for trial;
 understand how forensic science can help to eliminate issues related to race, ethnicity and gender
 understand in more detail the main disciplines of forensic science; anthropology, ballistics, DNA fingerprinting,
entomology, hairs and fibers, fingerprints, odontology, pathology, questioned documents, toxicology and arson;
 be able to discuss the latest trends and future developments in the field of forensic science.

Teaching Methodology
Lecture, case studies, class participation, internet research, videos and movies

Course Requirements
 Attendance – Students are expected to attend class and actively participate in discussions. If you miss class,
please let me know beforehand. It is also your responsibility to obtain any notes, handouts or announcements
you miss while absent.

 Lecture Notes / Handouts – I will post all lecture notes and handouts on the website

 Case Studies – Students will work in groups to answer in-class discussion questions about four important
forensic cases. Students will not be allowed to make-up missed case study assignments.

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 Movie Assignments – There will be one Hollywood movie shown during the semester and accompanied by an
in-class graded assignment. Students will not be allowed to make-up the missed movie assignment.

 Article Review – Students will complete a one-page article review on physical evidence. Use the internet to find
an article where physical evidence was used to identify a suspect. The review must be 300 words (body of
review), double spaced and include the article citation. Reviews will be emailed to the instructor on the due
date listed below. Reviews turned in after the due date will be considered late and will be accepted up to one
week after the due date for up to half credit.

 Crime Scene Analysis Project – Students will complete an analysis of the forensic crime scene videos shown for
this class. The purpose of this assignment is to provide students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have
learned about various forensic crime scene techniques during this course. A copy of the instructions and
worksheet will be available on my website. Projects will be emailed to the instructor on the due date listed
below. Projects turned in after the due date will be considered late and will be accepted until the last day of
class for up to half credit.

 Exams – There will be two exams worth a total of 300 points and will consist of multiple choice and true/false.
You must take the exam on the day scheduled. However, if an emergency does arise and you contact me
beforehand, a makeup exam may be discussed but not guaranteed. *Please be aware you will need to provide
a Scantron for both exams.

 Grading – Final grades will be determined by total point accumulation using a modified
[90% A] [80% B] [70% C] [60% D] [below 60% F] method. This grade scale does not include pluses or minuses.
Class requirements are subject to modification by the instructor.
2 Exams (150 pts each) 300
Video Analysis Project (13 total videos) 100
Case Studies (5 pts each) 20
Movie Assignment 10
Article Review 20
450

 Missed Exam Policy – Please be aware the Criminal Justice (CJ) department does not provide ‘make-up’ exams
but recognizes excused absences. If an emergency does arise and you contact me beforehand, a makeup exam
may be discussed but not guaranteed.

 Department Policy on use of APA format – The CJ department has a policy requiring use of the APA citation
format for written assignments. All written assignments must be written using APA format.

 Academic Dishonesty Policy – Students are expected to demonstrate high standards of academic honesty in this
course. Compliance with all University & Department policies & rules regarding attendance, conduct, and
academic honesty is required. Academic dishonesty includes cheating in all forms as well as plagiarism. Students
are expected to personally write and complete all assignments/exams/papers which are attributed to them by
name. Any violation of university policy on academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Violations can and will
result in discipline which may range from a zero for the assignment to failing the course or other discipline as
provided under university policy and procedures. For more detail on the definition of academic dishonesty and
disciplinary policies and procedures, visit the Office of Student Conduct website.

 Use of electronic devices – The CJ department has a policy barring the videotaping of classes and requiring
instructor permission to audiotape a class. The Board of Regents has also adopted a policy addressing the use of
electronic devices which provides: “Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording
of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy: This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only
with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students
may be given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that
their comments during class may be recorded."
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  Disability Resource Center – Phone 784-6000

 Academic Success Services – Your student fees cover usage of the Math Center (784-4433 or
www.unr.edu/mathcenter), Tutoring Center (784-6801 or www.unr.edu/tutoring), and University Writing Center
(784-6030 or http://www.unr.edu/writing_center). These centers support your classroom learning; it is your
responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a
responsible and successful student.

 Special Accommodations – Please let me know as soon as possible if you need special accommodations for this
course so we may discuss arrangements.

 Obligatory Disclaimer – This syllabus will be followed as closely as possible. However, I reserve the right to
make adjustments and changes as needed.

Tentative Schedule
Week Reading/Videos Lecture Notes Case Studies, Handouts,
Study Guides
1/2 Review of Syllabus and Class Expectations Chapter 1 Enrique Camarena Case Study
Introduction to Criminalistics Chapter 2
The Crime Scene
(1) Video: Scene of the Crime
1/3 Physical Evidence Chapter 3 A Deadly Picnic
(2) CSI Episode: Unfriendly Skies Evaluating a Crime Scene
(3) Video: Richard Ramirez
1/6 Trace Evidence Chapters 10, 11, 14 Wayne Williams Case Study
(4) Video: OJ Simpson
(5) Forensic Files “Death by Poison”
1/7 Guest Speaker with Reno Police Department Chapters 12 & 13
Drugs and Forensic Toxicology
1/8 Movie: The Bone Collector Midterm Study Guide
Article Review Due (Emailed)
1/9 Midterm Exam (First Half)
1/10 Arson and Explosion Investigations Chapter 17 Clues to Arson
(6) Hunt for the Serial Arsonist
1/13 Forensic Serology & BPA Chapters 4 & 15 Blood Pattern Analysis
(7) CSI Episode: Blood Drops
(8) Forensic Files “Bad Blood”
1/14 DNA Chapter 16 September 11th Case Study
(9) Video: Brianna Denison
(10) Video: Sam Sheppard
1/15 Fingerprints and Ballistics Chapters 6 & 9 Computer Forensics Case Study
(11) Bullets and Blood
1/16 Document and Voice Examination Chapters 18-20 Final Study Guide
Technology and the Future of Forensic Science
(12) Forensic Files “Last Will”
(13) The FBI Crime Lab
1/17 Crime Scene Analysis Project DUE (Emailed)
Final Exam (Second Half)