What's included
10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework will consist of reviewing case studies and discussing them in the following week's session, as well as analysis of the mock case materials in the final three weeks of the course.Assessment
I use an informal assessment based on the student's discussion and analysis throughout the course.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Forensic Science 7 will focus on the ways in which medical sciences are used within the broader arena of Forensic Science. We will cover Forensic Pathology, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Serology, Forensic Toxicology, and Forensic Medical Analysis of historical cases. After completing our discussions of these substantive areas, we will work through a mock case, involving multiple "files" which students will need to solve. As with all of the courses in my Forensic Science series, this course will follow use the Socratic Method and will highlight the importance of critical and analytical thinking. The course will be broken up as follows: Week 1: History of Forensic Pathology; major advances of medicine; and the different positions within the field (medical examiner, coroner, etc.) with a discussion of educational requirements. Week 2: Manner of Death determinations; ID determinations (individual cases and mass disasters); trace evidence collection; cultures; communicating about possible ongoing health hazards with other authorities; case studies. Week 3: Forensic Histology, Serology, and Toxicology; case studies. Week 4: Forensic Odontology; Analysis of permanent medical devices and prosthetic devices; case studies. Week 5: Introduction to Forensic Medical Analysis in reviews of historic cases; resources for locating symptom and behavioral details; need for understanding medical terminology and ideas from the time of the case. Week 6 and 7: Review of historical medical analysis of Ivan the Terrible, Vincent van Gogh, King George III, King George IV, and other cases to be determined. Weeks 8-10: Mock case. As with all of my mock cases, this will be completely fictional and will require students to analyze a significant amount of information to answer the questions posited by the circumstances of the case. This class will not use any graphic or disturbing images. I work hard to maintain age-appropriate class content in all of my forensic science courses.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of Forensic Pathology, Toxicology, Serology, Odontology, and Histology. They will also develop a basic understanding of the ways in which Forensic Medical Analysis can be used to determine the cause of death or potential diseases associated with famous historical figures.
Syllabus
10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
History of Forensic Pathology
We will look at the development of Forensic Pathology as a formalized field from the earliest examinations of bodies to the modern highly specialized medical field.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Manner and Cause of Death and Identification
We will discuss the difference between the manner and cause of death and the methods used to identify a body. We will also discuss the importance of trace evidence. There will be brief case studies during this session.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Histology, Serology, and Toxicology
We will examine the related fields of histology, serology, and toxicology which are used by the Medical Examiner in nearly all investigations.
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Forensic Odontology, Prostheses, and Implanted Devices
We will discuss forensic use of dental records, traceable medical devices, and prosthetic devices.
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While we will be talking about Forensic Pathology, which involves cause of death analysis, I will never use any graphic images or disturbing cases. I am diligent in keeping all of my classes age appropriate.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching Forensic Science for nearly 20 years at the college and high school levels. I also hold two degrees in History, with my Master's being in the History of Science. I have done extensive work on the history of medical science, and have coupled this with forensic science in examining potential medical influences in the lives of famous historic figures.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$145
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Completed by 43 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-17 learners per class