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Forensic Science
Thomas Jones
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,178)
This class provides an introduction to the field of forensic science, the collection and analysis of various types of evidence, and case studies, including an in-depth examination of the Zodiac (my specialty area). #academic
Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner Level
This class is a full introduction to forensic science. The first session will be a discussion of what we mean by the term "forensic science" and how evidence is collected and used in legal cases. Then, the remaining sessions will focus on specific areas of forensic science or types of evidence as follows: 1. Fingerprints 2. Blood and DNA 3. Handwriting and questioned documents 4. Fire analysis 5. Forensic Glass Analysis 6. Forensic Toxicology We will cover a variety of cases which may...
10 lessons//10 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Overview of Forensic ScienceCore concepts of forensic science, including identifying and exclusionary evidence, planned crimes vs. crimes of opportunity, scene preservation, collection of evidence, chain of custody, and Locard's Exchange Principle.Week 2Lesson 2Fingerprints 1History of fingerprints in investigations, formation of fingerprints before birth, classification of fingerprints, factors that affect the types of fingerprints we have.Week 3Lesson 3Fingerprints 2Matching fingerprints using comparator programs and databases, methods of developing latent prints, including powders, liquids, and high tech methods, and two case studies.Week 4Lesson 4Blood 1Discussion of the "Visual" period of blood evidence (pre-1900), blood types, blood presence tests, luminol, and case studies.Week 5Lesson 5Blood, DNA, and Written EvidenceBlueStar, DNA testing, and introduction to questioned document analysis.Week 6Lesson 6Written Evidence 2Case studies involving written evidence.Week 7Lesson 7Zodiac 1Discussion of the crimes of the Zodiac, focusing on evidence found at the scenes, as well as the types of evidence that were not found, indicating significant planning.Week 8Lesson 8Zodiac 2Discussion of the many writings of the Zodiac, including letters, ciphers, and postcards. This discussion includes details about the Zodiac's code-making system.Week 9Lesson 9Zodiac 3The last few Zodiac documents will be discussed, followed by an examination of the prime suspect in the case and the connections between him and the evidence.Week 10Lesson 10Preview of other fields in Forensic ScienceWe will briefly cover Forensic Fire Analysis, Forensic Glass Analysis, and Forensic Toxicology.
I have over 20 years teaching Forensic Science up through the college level. I hold a J.D. and graduate training in forensic science. I have published a Forensic Science manual, which has been used at colleges in Europe, and I have been invited to speak at international conferences. I have completed the most thorough cryptanalysis of the Zodiac's writings (all of which are coded), and that 100-page document is with the FBI. I currently am completing a book on this case, which should be published late in 2024 or the first half of 2025.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: Students will have the opportunity to review information about case studies for subsequent discussions. There will also be optional written homework for students who choose to have a written component to class.Assessment
Frequency: includedDetails: I offer informal assessments based on either participation in class or written homework for those students who opt to receive a grade or narrative assessment.Grading
Frequency: includedDetails: Grades are completely optional and are based on an assessment of participation and/or written homework.
We do cover criminal cases (it is a forensic science course, after all), but I do not include any gory details, images of bloody crime scenes or other sensitive content. I avoid many cases which are used in college level courses because I do not feel they are right for learners of this age.
Joined January, 2017
4.9
1178reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching for nearly 20 years, and focusing on forensic science classes and programs for kids since 2005. For the past five years, I have also been teaching a variety of online courses, including space science, climate change, writing,...
Reviews
Group Class
$140
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
60 min
Completed by 1986 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
4-17 learners per class
