Rivera Early College High School

Criminal Justice Department

Forensic Science
Ms. Anai Hernandez
Room: E205
Conference Period: 2nd & 4th period
Phone #: (956) 698-3147
E-mail: ahernandez2@bisd.us
Course Description
Forensic Science is a course that uses a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of
crimes of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the
psychology of criminal behavior.
Texas Education Agency
Overall Course Objectives
Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene,
questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific
procedures used to solve crimes.
Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and
simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis.
Students will learn the history, legal aspects, and career options for forensic science.
Textbook:
Bertino, Anthony J, and Patricia N. Bertino. Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations.
Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Note from the teacher:

We will be doing many different things in this class. Guest speakers will be coming and many
hands-on activities will be conducted. The goal is for you to feel comfortable with this subject;
comfortable enough to share your knowledge with others. I am here to help you in anything that you
need. Communication is very important; therefore, do not hesitate to ask. Not only is it important to
learn the content, but to be prepared for the life that comes after high school. My goal is to help you,
guide you, and prepare you. Whether you will be attending college or technical school there are
certain principles that are crucial in order to have a successful life. Respect, Honesty, Punctuality,
Responsibility, the Ability to Accept and Learn from our mistakes, and Taking Challenges are the key.
Lets put them into practice! Welcome to Forensic Science!
Classroom Rules/Expectations
1. Be prompt, prepared, and participate.
2. Stay on task at all times.
3. Keep your hands to yourself at all times.
4. No foul language.
5. No food in the classroom.
6. Dress appropriately.
7. Wait on your seat to be dismissed. Not by the door!
8. Obey all school rules (see Student Handbook)
9. Be polite. Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated.

Lab Rules/Expectations
1. Listen to all directions.
2. Stay at your assigned seat unless directed otherwise.
3. Prepare for lab by reading the pre-lab section beforehand.
4. Never eat or drink while conducting a lab.
5. Keep your area and lab equipment clean and organized.
6. Backpacks/belongings will be placed in the front of the classroom.
7. Stay safe. Wear appropriate lab gear.
8. Handle lab equipment with precaution.
Grading Procedures
A minimum of 5 minor and 3 major grades per six weeks will be posted. Grades will be
determined accordingly:
Average of Daily Work: 33.3%
Average of Tests: 66.7%
Make-Up Work
o Make-Up Work is allowed due to an excused absence only. Any lab, quiz, or test
missed due to an excused absence is to be made either before school or during
your lunch hour. It is strongly recommended that you make up tests and labs as
soon as possible after an excused absence. This is extremely critical for labs
since concepts learned from the laboratory experience are often tested on that
chapters test.
Retests
o You have 5 days (from the day the test was administered) to re-take a test. The
highest grade on re-tests will be no higher than a 70. You are responsible for
requesting to re-take a test.
Homework
o Homework will be assigned periodically. You should always have your homework
turned in at the beginning of class. If you turn it in later, even during the class
period, you will get a late deduction. This means you cant complete your late
homework during class UNLESS otherwise indicated.
o Late Work
5% penalty to work that is turned in late the first day, minus 10 from that
day on
o For the Early Birds
If you turn in a completed assignment/project three days early:
3 days early: 15% extra credit
2 days early: 10% extra credit
1 day early: 5% extra credit
o Bonus
Early birds will get extra point on the assignment. Assignment must be
completely finished in order to get the extra points.
Testing
o Six weeks exams will be administered at the end of every marking period. A
midterm Exam will be administered at the end of the first semester while a Final
Exam at the end of the second semester. Each exam counts as a six weeks
grade. Therefore, it is imperative that you study and take these exams.
o Backpacks/belongings will be placed in the front of the classroom.
Academic Dishonesty

o The penalty for cheating will be a zero for work involved. Cheating also involves
the use of electronic devices, books, or notes in any form being used during an
examination without my permission. Retesting will not be allowed in this situation.
So please, study and ask questions prior to the exams.
Projects
o Many of the assignments and projects in this class will be assigned as group
work and some will be individually completed. You are expected to do your share
of the work. If I observe that you are not doing your share, you may be removed
from your group and required to do the project by yourself. Team work is very
important!
Hall Passes
Passes will not be issued during the first and last 15 minutes of class.
Restroom Passes
Restroom passes will be limited. Please be considerate of the time you take, as only one
person can go at a time. No restroom passes will be issued during lecture. Anyone who is tardy loses
his/her restroom privileges.
You have a total of 3 passes and 1 emergency pass per Six Weeks. (4 passes)
They will be marked on a roster
At the end of the semester, those restroom passes that were not used will be bonus
points on your exam!
Each tardy will take one restroom pass.
Be on time!
Tardies
Please keep in mind that I do not tolerate tardies. An acceptable tardy must be accompanied
by a signed pass (i.e., teacher, administrator, or counselor). Only then will a tardy not be counted
against you. Tardies are cumulative.
Header
This is how you should complete any given assignment.
Example:

Ms. Hernandez
Forensic Science

Jennifer Rosales
18-August-2014
1st Period
Quiz #1: Chapter 1

Pocket Folder
Stay organized. You are expected to keep track of your own assignments, be prepared for tests, and
know important due dates. Maintain folder for reference throughout the course.
Your folder should include the following:
Title Sheet
o Students name
o Subject: Forensic Science
o Teachers Name
o Fall 2014/Spring 2015

Supplies
Pencils
Pens (only blue/black ink)
1 roll of napkins
1 box of Kleenex
1 pk Map Colors
1 box Crayons

1 pk markers
1 bottle dish soap
Pocket folder with
prongs
1 Composition
notebook

Be ready to
-work in pairs
-work in groups
-discuss in class
-present

Syllabus and Course Requirements Acknowledgment Page

STUDENTS (please initial each box):

_ I have carefully read and understand these course requirements for Ms. Hernandezs Forensics
class. I will honor them at all times. I understand the consequences for not doing so.
_ I am aware of the assignment make-up policy when absent.
_ I am aware of the re-test policy.
_ I am aware of the late work policy.
___________________________________
Student Name (please print)
__________________
Period

_____________________________
Student Signature
__________________
Date

PARENTS/GUARDIANS (please initial each box):

_ I have carefully read and discussed these course requirements with my child.
_ I am aware of the assignment make-up policy when absent.
_ I am aware of the re-test policy
_ I am aware of the late work policy.
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (please print)

______________________ ____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Home Phone #

____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Work or Cell Phone #

_________________________________
E-mail Address

FORENSIC SCIENCE CLASS

Ms. Hernandez

Cell Phone Policy

In an effort to promote use of technology while keeping the integrity of the classroom
instruction intact, the cell phone policy will allow students to use their phones only during designated
times throughout the 45 minute period.
Students may not use their phones during instruction time. This means cell phones must be
turned off or placed on silent and put away before entering the classroom. Headphones may not be
visible during instructional time, even if the device is off and not being used.
I may permit the use of cell phones for academic activities related to curriculum and will notify
you when it will be authorized.
When a device is in use in the classroom, students WILL NOT:
Answer an incoming SMS (text) message or phone call
Be on social media site (Facebook, Twitter, etc)
Access or play any game or access any entertainment site on their device
Take any picture or video that the instructor has not expressly asked you to take
Upload any picture or video taken in class to any social media site or website
Charge their device in the classroom
Electronic device/phones that are used, or are visible, will be confiscated and returned after the
period.

Cell Phone Contract

I __________________________ agree to follow the cell phone policy guidelines and rules,
and thus show my respect towards my instructor and peers to prevent any distractions that may
hinder the desired learning environment in the classroom. I will turn off/silent my phone and put my
electronic device(s) away upon entering the classroom. I will only use device when instructed by the
teacher. I agree that a violation of any of the rules in this policy may result in the confiscation of my
electronic device.

_______________________________

Students Signature

_______________

Date