In Forensic Science Advanced, we will begin by examining new, cutting-edge, and advanced technologies, techniques, and analytical methods in multiple evidence categories.  We will then discuss the scientific concepts and ethical issues related to each topic.  Finally, we will have a short (2-3 week) mock trial where the students will have a chance to experience both the lawyer's side and the expert witness' side of questioning.  This mock trial will be a precursor to a follow-up class that focuses entirely on the courtroom role of the forensic scientists and lawyers.

Week 1:  We will cover advances in fingerprints, including enhanced computer matching technologies, new chemicals for latent print development, and statistical analysis of fingerprint features.  We will briefly cover a case study.
Week 2:  We will cover advances in DNA, including the use of genealogical databases and the most modern extraction techniques.  We will discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the unannounced use of DNA testing in criminal investigations, as well.  We will cover multiple short case studies.
Week 3:  We will cover advances in the collection and analysis of blood evidence (other than DNA).  Of note will be a discussion of the complexities of blood spatter analysis and the reasons that this area of evidence analysis is at risk of falling apart.  We will cover a case study where experts disagreed on the "meaning" of blood spatter evidence in the same case.
Week 4:  We will cover advances in forensic pathology, with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary use of forensic engineering, forensic meteorology, and forensic entomology within forensic pathological examinations.  We will focus on a case study from Massachusetts to highlight important issues.
Week 5:  We will cover the types of evidence sought and analyzed in mass casualty, war crimes, and terrorist events, with a focus on the unique challenges of international investigations.  We will briefly cover multiple case studies (I want to be very clear that I will extra cautious in selecting case studies that will be age appropriate in this area).
Weeks 6:  We will cover laboratory advances that can be used in relation to multiple types of evidence.
Weeks 7-8:  We will have an extended discussion of the philosophy, ethics, and science underlying many of the advances we discussed in earlier sessions.  We will also discuss and prepare for our mock trial.
Weeks 9-10:  Half of the students will play the role of forensic scientists, and the other half will act as attorneys.  The second week of the mock trial, the roles will be reversed.  I will act as both the judge and lead attorney (if/when the latter is necessary).  Overall, this will not be a full trial, but rather a set of individual encounters between the lawyer and expert within a trial.

This class, like all of my classes, will focus on discussion and will encourage students to develop stronger analytical and critical thinking skills.  For students who want a grade or need a written component for their records, I will offer optional written assignments.