• Forensic Science Syllabus 2024-2025

    Mr. Jeremy Shannon

    Welcome to Forensic Science!

    I look forward to a wonderful year of learning with you all. I wanted to begin with a little bit of background information of myself. I am a graduate of Ottawa University, Kansas  and have been teaching for 24 years. I teach both Biology and Forensic Science as well as serve as a Football, Head Girls Soccer and Track Coach. I grew up in Copperas Cove, Texas but moved to Boerne 7 years ago. 

    It is my personal belief that every student can learn with the right amount of will, determination and resources. I will do everything in my power to help you be successful but ultimately it is up to you, the student, to come each day prepared and be attentive. Students learn most when they can experience their learning in as many different ways as possible. I plan to do as many hands-on activities and labs that we can fit in. Student participation, behavior and completion of daily work will affect the frequency of these types of activities.  

    I am so glad that you chose Forensics this year. We will examine how the sciences that you have already learned such as physics, chemistry and biology can be used in a legal setting and whether what we see on CSI Miami or Criminal Minds is how the real professionals do it. We will have a lot of fun planned from dusting for fingerprints, examining blood spatter to hearing from scientists at our local crime lab.  I hope you are ready. It’s going to be a great year!   

    Sincerely,

     

    Mr. Jeremy Shannon

    Class Description

    Forensic Science is a course that uses a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crimes of assault, abuse and neglect, domestic violence, accidental death, homicide, and the psychology of criminal behavior. You will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene, questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Using scientific methods, you will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis. 

    Contact Information

    Email: jeremy.shannon@boerneisd.net Phone: (830)357-2200 

    Best way to reach me is thorugh email!!!!

    Tutorials

    I will try my best to be here by 8am each A-Day morning.  That is the scheduled time for you to get assistance on homework/classwork/content/make-up work.



    Classroom Expectations

    Students are expected to follow all school rules described in the student code of conduct. I expect KIND LANGUAGE to be spoken to one another at all times as well as respectful behaviors. Honesty and integrity are required of each person as we strive for a positive and encouraging learning environment.

    Start of class:

    • Come in quietly, MASKS are optional.
    • Make sure you have a pen or sharpened pencil.
    • Be seated when the bell rings. 

    During Class

    • Stay seated unless given permission to do otherwise.
    • Stay focused on the task at hand.
    • Do not call out. Raise your hand to contribute to the class’ discussion.
    • Bathroom breaks are not allowed during lectures. Take care of this between classes or during independent work.
    • Cell phones are to be out of sight unless specific direction from your teacher is given. Infractions will result in consequences. 

    End of Class

    • This is the time to ask about work from being absent or questions pertaining to grades. 

     

    Grading Policy

    Your achievement is given by a numerical score of 0-100. Your letter grade is given according to the following list: 90-100(A), 80-89 (B), 70-79 (C), 69 and below (F). 

    Your 9 weeks grade is made up of Minor (50%) and Major (50%).. Daily grades are worksheets, small quizzes and homework. Tests may include unit assessments or projects. 

    Extra credit is available by attending tutorials. . Students attending must be working on forensics assignments and must be present for the full time. 

    Cheating is not tolerated. Consequences include a zero for the assignment and a discipline referral. 

    Late work may NOT be accepted. Turn it in on time or receive a zero. (Special circumstances will be made in advance)

    Absences

    You are allowed 2 days per day absent to turn in assignments. 

    Syllabus

    1st 9 Weeks: (1) Observational Skills, (2) Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection, (3) The Study of Hair, (4) Fibers and Textiles

    2nd 9 Weeks: (6) Fingerprints, (7) DNA Fingerprinting, (8) Blood and Blood Spatter, (9) Drug Identification and toxicology

    3rd 9 Weeks: (10) Handwriting Analysis, Forgery and Counterfeiting, (11) Death: Meaning, Manner, Mechanism, Cause and Time of Death (12) Soil Examination, (13) Forensic Anthropology

    4th 9 Weeks: (14) Glass Evidence, (15) Casts and Impressions, (16) Tool Marks, (17) Ballistics

    Supplies

    1 small-medium sized 3 ring binder 

    1 pkg of dividers

    Notebook paper

    1 pkg of notecards

    Pencils

    1 highlighter