What's included
16 live meetings
16 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Optional homework will include questions about specific types of evidence and analyses of case studies.Assessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
This 10 week class for high school students focuses on the scientific and legal issues surrounding a variety of evidence types. We begin with core concepts that guide forensic scientists, as well as issues that are vital when evidence is transferred from the crime lab to the court room. When we cover a type of evidence, such as fingerprints, we will delve into the science behind each specific items. For instance, with fingerprints, we will look at electron microscope images of volar pad development in the hands and feet of a 10.5 week old fetus and discuss the rippling of a semi-elastic layer in the developing skin that allows for the formation of friction ridges and therein, our fingerprints. The topics will include: Fingerprints Blood and DNA Shoe Evidence Hair and Trace Evidence Forensic Entomology, Botany, Geology, and Palynology Questioned Documents Forensic Anthropology Forensic Environmental Analysis We will utilize case studies, and students will have to use what they learn to figure out the types of challenges that forensic scientists face.
Syllabus
16 Lessons
over 16 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Forensic Science
This session is an overview of the field of forensic science, along with a series of brainstorming questions to get us started.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Fingerprints 1
The history of fingerprints in forensic investigations, the biology of fingerprint formation, fingerprint classification, factors determining our individual fingerprints, geographic patterns of fingerprint types.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Fingerprints 2
Matching fingerprints using comparator programs and the IAFIS system, methods of developing latent prints, and two brief case studies.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Blood 1
History of blood evidence, the "visual" period of blood analysis, Lizzie Borden and Jack the Ripper, blood typing, and blood presence tests.
60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While this class covers forensic science and real crimes, I do not include any scary or graphic content.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have more than 20 years experience teaching Forensic Science, along with a law degree, 11 years experience as a lawyer dealing with evidence issues, graduate studies in forensic science, and a Master's degree in the History of Science. I am also a leading expert on the Zodiac case, with a forthcoming book which includes a full decryption of the entire body of the Zodiac's writings.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$240
for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
60 min
Completed by 417 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-17 learners per class