Forensic Science 1

Take a new look at forensics through the lens of some of the world’s most famous and intriguing crime cases. This course examines the latest forensic techniques and innovations used to solve crimes. It also focuses on basic scientific principles and laboratory processes used in the field, such as DNA testing, presumptive tests, and material analysis. Investigative experiences for students include electrophoresis and evidence analysis techniques such as fingerprinting, blood typing, and fiber analysis. Students also study crime scene investigation (CSI) and evidence collection using mock crime scenes.  

 *Note that case studies in forensic science examine evidence that may be sensitive to some students.

Access the link below to view the standards from the Florida Department of Education:

https://www.cpalms.org/PreviewCourse/Preview/14687

Segment 1

• Study different types of evidence
• Learn the steps of processing a crime scene
• Examine documentary, demonstrative, and testimonial evidence
• Explain how a hypothesis about a crime can come from evidence
• Discuss the reliability of different types of evidence in court
• Learn about different cell components and their importance in forensics
• Identify the characteristics of fiber, hair, plant, soil, and insect evidence
• Learn how electromagnetic tools are used in forensic analysis
• Learn how genetic traits and inheritance can be helpful to an investigation
• Identify the tests used to find blood at a crime scene
• Learn how to find someone's blood type and its usefulness
• Discover the usefulness of blood as evidence
• Study the use of DNA fingerprinting, genealogy, and genetic profiling in forensics
• Conduct analysis of evidence samples
• Use evidence to support a claim about a crime

Segment 2

• Learn how tire tracks, footprints, and dental impressions are useful in forensics
• Identify types of weapons that could make tool marks at a crime scene
• Study the characteristics of fingerprints, blood spatter, glass, and paint evidence
• Discover the technologies and databases used to ID a fingerprint
• Learn the different methods of criminal profiling
• Learn how chemical reaction analysis is used in forensics
• Learn how to create a biological profile from skeletal remains
• Explain the manner, cause, and mechanism of death
• Study the timeline of human decomposition after a crime
• Identify the effects of drug and toxin exposure
• Understand how Newton's laws explain crimes with falls and collisions
• Understand the role of momentum during and after a collision
• Identify the different substances used to start a fire or build an explosive
• Learn the steps of fire and explosive evidence collection and investigation
• Study how accelerant and explosive residues are analyzed at a crime scene
• Learn the usefulness of sound in investigations of explosives
• Conduct analysis of evidence samples
• Use evidence to support a claim about a crime

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.