UMUC-Europe Syllabus

Prerequisite: CCJS 100 or CCJS 105. An introduction to modern methods used in detecting, investigating, and solving crimes. The practical analysis of evidence in a criminal investigation laboratory is covered. Topics include photography, fingerprints, and other impressions; ballistics, documents and handwriting, glass, and hair; drug analysis; and lie detection. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 320 or CJUS 320.

Course Goals/Objectives:

After completing this course, you should be able to: · list the many disciplines that constitute the forensic science community · describe the role of the forensic scientist · discuss basic legal issues associated with forensic examinations · identify equipment used in the collection, examination, and evaluation of physical evidence · document a crime scene and physical evidence appropriately · demonstrate methods of evidence collection and preservation used at crime scenes · explain basic methods and techniques used in the forensic examination of physical evidence · explain the significance of forensic pathology, anthropology, and time-of-death determiners · demonstrate an ability to access and interpret contemporary published research in the field of Criminalistics · differentiate between realistic scientific examination capabilities and those that are popularized in the media, requiring continued refinement of your investigation.

Course Introduction:

CCJS 320 Introduction to Criminalistics is designed to instruct and acquaint you with the realistic and practical concepts involved in crime scene evaluation and physical evidence examination. This course examines the application of scientific knowledge to questions that are of interest to the legal system. Criminalistics involves a multi-disciplined, scientific approach to the collection, evaluation, and characterization of physical evidence and the crime scene. Each module in the course provides guidance to help you learn, understand, and apply the material presented in the course text. Effective writing is an important part of the UMUC curriculum. It is also an important part of the duties of police officers, investigators, and forensic scientists. The written assignments for this course include a short term paper, two projects, and one crime scene that will involve investigation throughout the semester. The crime scene project will require written reports with each module and a summary report at the end of the semester. Additional information concerning forensic testing associated with the crime scene will be provided throughout the course, requiring continued refinement of your investigation.

Grading Information and Criteria:

Grades will be determined as follows: Midterm Examination 20% Final Examination 20% Crime Scene Project 15% Topic Paper 20% Case Reading Physical Evidence Summaries 10% Chapter Review Questions 15% TOTAL 100% The grading scale, based on 100 points, is: A= 90-100 points B= 80-89 points C= 70-79 points D= 60-69 points F= 0-59 points

Other Information:

Project Descriptions:

Topic Paper The subject to be covered in your topic paper is Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA Analysis and the CODIS Database. You may choose any aspect of this methodology for discussion. Do not wait until the last minute and try to complete this assignment. Last-minute writing will be reflected in the quality of your work. Listed below are the requirements for this assignment. Your grade on this paper will represent 20 percent of your final course grade. Paper Requirements · Your term paper must be typed in double-spaced format on one side of the page only. · Proper spelling and grammar are required. Gross spelling and grammatical errors will count against your overall grade. · You will determine the length of the paper. The suggested length is a minimum of 3 pages and a maximum of 5 pages. The key to a quality paper is adequate coverage of the subject matter. Crime Scene Project This project involves a hypothetical crime scene and crime laboratory. You will be the primary crime scene investigator, working to properly process the crime scene. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your ability to recognize potential evidence and write clearly about your actions. Your crime scene report detailing all of the actions you took at the scene will complete this project. Chapter Review Questions There are self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter of your textbook. You will be required to submit answers to these questions by the assigned due date shown in the course schedule in this syllabus. Answers submitted late will not be accepted unless you have made special arrangements with your instructor. Case Reading Physical Evidence Summaries There are five different case readings in your textbook, located in chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, and 13. You must submit a brief summary of the physical evidence discussed in each of these case readings by the date assigned.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Mandatory assignments are all from the assigned text. ClassSessions Readings/Assignment(s) DueDate 1 Read chapters 1 and 2 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapters 1 and 2. 2 Read chapter 3 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 3.Submit the case reading physical evidence summary for the case presented in chapter 1.View the Crime Scene and follow the directions. 3 Read chapter 14 in Criminalistics.Submit the case reading physical evidence summary for the case presented in chapter 2.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 14. 4 Read chapter 15 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 15. 5 Submit the case reading physical evidence summary for the case presented in chapter 3.View the Crime Scene and follow the additional directions. 6 Read chapters 4 and 11 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapters 4 and 11. 7 Read chapter 8 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 8.View the Crime Scene and follow the additional directions. 8 Take the midterm examination. 9 Read chapter 12 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 12.Submit the case reading physical evidence summary for the case presented in chapter 7. 10 Read chapter 13 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 13.Submit the case reading physical evidence summary for the case presented in chapter 13.View the Crime Scene and follow the additional directions. 11 Read the overview, objectives, and commentary for module 5.View the Crime Scene and follow the additional directions. 12 Read chapters 9 and 10 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapters 9 and 10.View the Crime Scene and follow the additional directions. 13 Read Chapter 16 in Criminalistics.Do the self-assessment questions at the end of chapter 16. 14 Open the Crime Scene and follow the directions.Submit Topic Paper. 15 Submit final report for the Crime Scene project.Paper Presentations 16 Take the Final Examination.