Advanced Forensic Science Course Notes

Course Overview

  • Introduction to Class Structure

    • Today's session will cover basic information and the syllabus.

    • Recording Policy:

    • Recording is only for today, not for future classes.

  • Course Title: Advanced Forensic Science (Course Code: FSC 306)

  • Target Audience:

    • Students majoring in forensic science (ILM major) or those minoring in forensic science.

    • Note on course renaming from FSC 406 to FSC 306 to allow for earlier entry into the program.

Course Content and Structure

  • The course serves as a foundational overview of forensic science.

    • It covers multiple areas in forensic science:

    • Crime Scene

    • Blood Stain Analysis

    • DNA Analysis

    • Trace Evidence

    • Footwear Analysis

    • Forensic Anthropology

    • Fingerprints

    • Each chapter in the textbook will cover a specialty area.

  • Expectation:

    • While labeled "advanced," the topics may start from a basic level, considering students may have varying prior knowledge.

Instructor Background

  • Instructor: Dr. Maria Panalita

    • Background:

    • Third year teaching full-time at Syracuse University.

    • Experience of over 15 years, including work in crime scene investigations and policy writing for criminal justice areas.

    • Educational Background:

    • Completed all education in Philadelphia.

    • Worked in North Carolina and Colorado.

    • Completed doctorate while working for the state of Colorado.

    • Courses Taught:

    • Crime Scene courses, Bloodstain, Crime Scene Research, and others.

    • Current role includes training coroners in New York as part of a university grant project.

Course Materials

  • Textbook Information:

    • A specific edition of the textbook is required—5th edition is mandatory.

    • Previous editions are not adequate due to significant differences in content.

  • Additional Resources:

    • Students are recommended to seek membership in forensic organizations for networking and educational purposes:

    • IAI (International Association for Identification): Provides practitioner-based certifications.

    • AAFS (American Academy of Forensic Sciences): Lab-based organization that also now includes crime scene investigators.

  • Syracuse Forensic Science Student Organization: Encouraged participation for networking and building a resume.

Course Objectives and Policies

  • The course operates as a seminar with no laboratory component.

  • Key assignments include:

    • A midterm and final exam.

    • Regular quizzes (total of 11 quizzes) based on weekly readings.

    • Case study assignment to be completed by the end of the semester.

  • Grading Criteria:

    • Midterm and final grades reflect performance on exams and participation.

    • Participation points can be added or lost depending on attendance and in-class engagement.

Course Participation and Communication

  • Office Hours:

    • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 PM to 3 PM in LSB (Life Sciences Building).

    • Additional availability for meetings can be arranged via email for personalized discussions.

  • Communication Protocol:

    • Students should email for clarifications or to schedule meetings.

    • Expect responses within 48 hours for emails.

Quiz Structure and Expectations

  • Quizzes:

    • Conducted in the last fifteen minutes of class, focusing on weekly readings.

    • Students can use handwritten notes (one page, front and back) for quizzes.

    • Notes are to be handwritten to practice practical forensic skills, as writing is standard in the field.

  • Content of Quizzes:

    • Quizzes will contain questions based on the specific chapters read prior to the quiz.

Assignments and Deadlines

  • Podcast Assignment:

    • Overview of a specific podcast related to forensic science themes, focusing on historical perspectives in forensic analysis, particularly serology.

    • Each student will select topics for discussion and post their reflections in a recorded format.

  • Case Study Assignment: Outline topics for case studies in forensic science, with a structured timeline for research, presentation, and interaction with classmates.

Important Notes on Attendance and Participation

  • Attendance is mandatory; unexcused absences could lead to point deductions.

  • Students will be granted participation points for attending classes but must inform the instructor to avoid penalties for excused absences (e.g., medical reasons).

  • Weather and transport issues may not suffice for excused absence status.

Conclusion and Course Expectations

  • The course aims to build a solid foundational understanding of forensic science for students, with applicability to their future careers in various forensic roles.

  • Students should engage actively in discussions, complete readings, and participate in assignments to succeed in this course.

  • Questions and Engagement:

    • Students encouraged to ask questions during class, ensuring a participatory learning environment.