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Forensic science seminar — MALS — Summer 2005

Course identification

  • Course name: Seminar Forensic Science
  • Session: Second Summer Session
  • Department: NCSU - CHASS
  • Course number: MLS 501 Z, Section 1
  • Textbook: "Murder Two: The Second Casebook of Forensic Detection," by Colin Evans, ISBN: 0-471-21532-5, July 2004, 320p. Cost $27.95

Instructor and contact information

Class location and time information

  • Location — 218 Poe Hall
  • Days and Time — Monday - Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:20pm

Course overview

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

— Benjamin Franklin

Students will examine forensic sciences, criminal cases and the law from an interdisciplinary approach. Students will be exposed to tools and techniques employed by forensic science, expert witnesses, and the application of forensic science to the law. Example topics include: criminalistics, DNA and crime scene investigations; finding case law; expert witnesses; ballistics, firearms and tool marks; analytical tools; and rocks and soils, and bones and bugs as forensic evidence. Other topics include art forgeries and paint composition; teeth; poisons; and fraudulent document identification. An optional visit to the NC Museum of Art are planned; visits to several off site locations are planned and students will be provided directions as needed. There is an entomology exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural History running until 18 September.

A "case-based" approach will be supplemented by assigned readings and from LexusNexus in the NCSU on-line reference library. Multidisciplinary enrichment will involve presentations by outside experts (criminal psychologist, law officer, physical anthropologist, entomologist, fiber analyst, art conservator). Cases such as murders and fraud require multidisciplinary forensic tools and techniques including DNA, chemistry/explosives, weapon/bullet matching, poisoning/toxins, earth science materials, analytical tools (e.g., scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction and microscopes). Internet resources will be used extensively.

The interactive student - instructor format will include a weekly 'mock trial.' Some students will be the "prosecuting team, " others the "defense team" or "expert witnesses". Team composition will rotate weekly. The instructor will render a "verdict" and students will write written critiques of each 'trial.' Critical thinking and observation, and active student participation are encouraged.

Detailed syllabus

Day Date Theme / Test date Topic(s) Assignments / readings
Tu 7/5

First day of class / observation and critical thinking

Complete and return Introductory Questionaire (MS Word) before the first night of class -- e-mail to instructor and also bring a printed copy to class.

 Housekeeping, introductions, observations and critical thinking

Prepare detailed written description of a room at your home or workplace, or where you park your car - due Wednesday, 6 July at the beginning of class (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.

W 7/6 Physical anthropology and entomology

Presentations by Dr. Ann Ross (Physical Anthropology), and Dr. Beaulah Parker (Entomology) — "Bones and Bugs" (note exhibit below)

"CSI: Crime Scene Insects" — An exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences — Through 18 September, for more information call 733.7450 (Museum)

Read:

  • FBI crime scene items (see 'Links' page)
  • Murder 2 - crime scene passages (see 'Readings' page)
Th 7/7 Crime Scene Investigation SBI crime team (classroom presentation) and examination of crime scence vehicle (parking lot)

View DVD and prepare a report that lists detailed observations relevant to the crime. Written report due 7 July at the beginning of class (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.

  • Click here for MS Word template.
  • Click here for example of expected content level (MS Word)

No MOCK TRIAL this week but material from this week is to be part of MOCK TRIAL 1 in second week of class

Read again:

  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations)
F 7/8 No class    

Sa

 7/9      
Su 7/10      
M 7/11 Criminal psychology and crime scenes Dr. Michael Teague, Raleigh Police Department (classroom)

Read Murder 2 - criminal minds and crime scene passages (see 'Readings' page)

MOCK TRIAL 1 — The 'case' will be derived from one of the two unsolved cases from this week. Student role assignments will be distributed.
T 7/12 Criminal psychology and crime scenes Dr. Michael Teague, field trip to nearby unsolved crime scene one - dress accordingly

Read trial transcrips, prepare documents for mock trial 1

Prepare written notes from crime scene one

Read:

  • CASE (see 'Handbooks for judges and expert witnesses)
  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations)
W 7/13 Criminal psychology and crime scenes Dr. Michael Teague, field trip to nearby unsolved crime scene two - dress accordingly

Read trial transcrips, prepare documents for mock trial

Prepare written notes from crime scene two

Read:

  • CASE (see 'Handbooks for judges and expert witnesses)
  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations)
Th 7/14   MOCK TRIAL 1

Prepare written assessment of MOCK TRIAL 1. Written report due 18 July (Monday) at the beginning of class (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.

Use:

  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations

View crime pattern page

Read:

  • FBI hair and fiber analyses passages (see 'Links' page)
  • Murder 2 - hair and fiber, and analytical instruments passages (see 'Readings' page)
F 7/15 No class    
Sa 7/16      
Su 7/17      
M 7/18 Geographic information systems (GIS) and crime patterns, and analytical instruments

Cary crime analyst presentation at Cary Police Department (meet at that location to be announced). Use of GIS in determining crime patterns, apprehension and resource allocation to deter crime.

Meister case material

 

View analytical instrumentation, see also 'Links' page, and read chapters on analytical tools, in "Murder 2".

MOCK TRIAL 2 — The 'case' for this week will be The State of Idaho vs. David J. Meister. Student assignments (roles) will be distributed by e-mail.

  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations

Read:

  • FBI hair and fiber items (see 'Links' page)
  • Murder 2 - hair and fiber passages (see 'Readings' page)
T 7/19 Case study

Dr. Billy Oliver, NC Department of Cultural Resources

Read:

  • FBI hair and fiber passages (see 'Links' page)
  • Murder 2 - hair and fiber passages (see 'Readings' page)
W 7/20 Mock trial prep. Mock trial preparation

Read:
Th 7/21   MOCK TRIAL 2

Prepare written assessment of MOCK TRIAL 2. Written report due 25 July (Monday) at the beginning of class (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.

  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations)

Midterm: Take home exam using DVD (observations and forensic techniques)

  • Exam due 25 July (Monday) at the beginning of class (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.
  • refer to example for level of detail expected (see first DVD assignment)
F 7/22 No class    
Sa 7/23      
Su 7/24      
M 7/25 Forensic geology / ballistics / firearms / toolmarks Dr. Reid - Rocks, soils, and earth materials in crime

Read chapters on ballistics, firearms, and earth materials in "Murder 2" and Aldo Moro and Iceman cases.

MOCK TRIAL 3 — The 'case' will be based on this week's topics and will also include crime scene concepts. The case likely to be used will be modified from a case in Austin, TX. Student assignments will be distributed.
T 7/26   Dr. Reid - Rocks, soils, and earth materials in crime

Read:
W 7/27  

Dr. Parker - Forensic Entomology (continued),

"CSI: Crime Scene Insects" — An exhibit at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences — Through 18 September, for more information call 733.7450 (Museum)

and

Dr. Reid - Firearms, toolmarks and ballistics

Read:
Th 7/28   MOCK TRIAL 3

Prepare written assessment of MOCK TRIAL 3. Written report due 1 August (Monday) at the beginning of class (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.

  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations
F 7/29 No class    
Sa 7/30      
Su 7/31      
M 8/1 Art and forgeries Mr. Perry Hurt — Mr. Hurt is an art conservator at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Click here for his actual presentation (note: large Powerpoint file - 180mb). Another of his presentations is paint composition and pigments through history. Note optional (but recommended visit to the N.C. Museum of Art — Blue Ridge Road on Friday of this week — see below)

MOCK TRIAL 4 — The 'case' will be based on this week's topics and will also include crime scene concepts. The case likely to be used will be announced. Student assignments will be announced.
T 8/2 Odontology (teeth), toxicology (poisons), and cosmetics Dr. Reid — Odontology (teeth), toxicology (poisons), and cosmetics

Read:
W 8/3 Preview final exam Dr. Reid — Preview final exam. The exam will likely take the student as a forensic investigator back to the 1800's in Dubuque, Iowa to apply modern forensic techniquest to a murder. There may also be short case histories on the exam.

 
Th 8/4   MOCK TRIAL 4

Prepare written assessment of MOCK TRIAL 4. Written report due 8 August (Monday) at the beginning of class (the final exam) (paper version), also send MS Word file by 17:00 hours EDT.

  • Mock trial guidance (especially pages 16-22 that describe process and assessment, also format to use for your mock trial evaluations
F 8/5   Optional (but recommended) visit to North Carolina Museum of Art for guided tour by Mr. Hurt  
Sa 8/6      
Su 8/7      
M 8/8 Final examination final date and time to be announced  
T 9/9      

Policies

  • Grading
    • DVD report (week one) — 10%
    • Mock trial reports — each are 10% of your final grade (total of 40%). Spelling and grammar will be considered in grading.
    • Class participation — especially in the Mock Trials — 20% (5% for each)
    • Mid-term (DVD) (take home) — 15%
    • Final exam (written in class) — 15%
  • Attendance — Owing to the short duration of the course and the diverse topics to be touched on in this seminar class, regular attendance is strongly encouraged.
  • Class locations — While most class meetings will be in the assigned building and room, some days the class will meet elsewhere on campus, or at an off campus location to be announced. Travel to these sites will be the responsibility of the students. Contact me if this is a problem for you.
  • Assignments — Assignments are due at the beginning of the indicated class period. Written assignments are expected to be double spaced (or 1.5 spacing), single sided on standard white 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Number each page beginning with page one. Click here for the form to use for all submittals. Your name and date must appear on each page along with your report title. Papers not in this format will receive a zero grade. Electronic submittals are required as indicated by e-mail using MS Word — see Dr. Reid if you do not have access to MS Word.
  • Grading will consider proper grammar, spelling and punctuation — as well as content (detail, logic, supporting evidence, and reasonable conclusions). Provide full citations, including Internet links and date viewed as needed.
  • The NCSU academic honor code is expected to be adhered to. The link for the honor code is: http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php
  • Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In
    order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with
    Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509,
    515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/provost/offices/affirm_action/dss/ For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation
    http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.1.php

Additional contact information and student submittals

Student e-mail submittals must have the e-mail subject line in the following format: '501Z Last name topic or question.' NCSU students should contact me by e-mail at jreid@jeffreycreid.com. Student e-mail submittals must have the e-mail subject line in the following format: '501Z Last name, plus topic or question.'

For additional information contact Dr. Jeff Reid, P.G., CPG, President, ForensicGeology, Inc., 8401 Summerspring Lane, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27615. His telephone number is 919.618.0810. His ForensicGeology, Inc. e-mail is jreid@forensicgeology.com.

ForensicGeology, Inc. . 8401 Summerspring Lane . Raleigh, NC 27615-3015 . 919.618.0810 . E-mail © 2005 ForensicGeology, Inc.