Completion of a full year of Biology.
Students in 10th grade must be concurrently enrolled in a full year science course.
Forensic Science is the application of science to the investigation of crime. Emphasizing the development of problem-solving abilities, the curriculum involved in this subject exposes students to both relevant laboratory techniques and medical- legal developments. Students involved in this course will benefit from casework experience through practicing forensic laboratory techniques. It is essentially a laboratory based study and profession which puts into practice principles and practices of the three major fields of science; chemistry, biology, and physics, in conjunction with analytical reasoning skills necessary to incorporate the science into legal situations.
Students begin the term with a brief overview of the science involved in this field and then move into the following specific topics:
- Crime scene analysis: identification and collection of evidence.
- Trace evidence: collection techniques and analysis of evidence.
- Individualization techniques: fingerprinting, odontology, serology, hair and fibers, DNA.
- Scene reconstruction techniques: bloodstain patterns; track and trail patterns, ballistics, fire patterns and trajectories.
Students will participate in numerous laboratory investigations using contemporary equipment and techniques to explore and study hypothetical evidence. Lab work and projects make up the majority of assessments, with some summative concept assessments. The course will conclude with an integrated project that incorporate numerous topics from throughout the semester.
“This class is extremely fun and involves lots of experiments and hands-on work. You learn about blood, DNA, fingerprints, hair, and generally how people can use forensic science to solve crimes. I recommend this for anyone looking for a fun, science-based course.”
- Leah Gillette (Class of 2023)
“Forensics Science is a fun and incredibly cool science elective to take. Even though it was a little more rigorous than what was stated in the academic handbook (it says it's a 1 dragon course but I think it’s more of a 2 dragon course), the content was super fun to learn. You learn how to create+solve a crime scene, how to match fingerprints/hair samples, how to distinguish blood splatters, and more! There's also a little bit of biotech involved so if that also sparks you, take this course!”
- Anonymous