Forensic Science

This is a full-year online forensic science course designed for 10th-12th grade students who have completed a basic biology course. The course focuses on using scientific techniques and methods to collect, examine, and evaluate evidence related to criminal investigations, covering various disciplines such as anatomy, anthropology, biology, chemistry, entomology, geology, pathology, psychology, and physics. Students will learn the scientific protocol for analyzing crime scenes, chemical and physical separation methods, and the history of forensics, among other topics. The course covers twelve units with at least one formal lab per unit and includes weekly quizzes and tests at the end of each unit. Live classes are for demos, labs, and discussion sessions, while outside of class, work consists of case studies, video questions, notes from video lectures, online labs, and textbook readings. Mature behavior and a permission form signature from parents are required due to the sensitive and graphic nature of the material covered.

Required supplies include a scientific calculator, graph paper notebook, pen/pencils, colored pencils/markers, tape, scissors, index cards, post-it notes, and a list of supplies needed for lab materials. Technology requirements include high-speed internet, webcam, sound card, microphone, streaming video capabilities, computer access, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, printer, and a scanner, smartphone, or tablet with scanning ability.