Fall 2023 - CRIM 355 E100
The Forensic Sciences (3)
Class Number: 7661
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
BurnabyOct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 7, 2023
Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Suzanna Michener
smichene@sfu.ca
-
Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines the use and interpretation of physical forensic evidence in court. It will critically examine and evaluate the major forensic sciences used in criminal investigations today, as well as look at the crime scene. Subjects examined will include forensic pathology, odontology, biology, DNA evidence, firearms evidence, toxicology chemistry and questioned documents. Techniques will be illustrated with case studies. Breadth-Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
Forensic science offers a wide variety of defensible physical evidence and is commonly used in the courts. The course is intended as a general introduction to the major areas of forensic science and will provide instruction on a range of subjects commonly encountered in investigations of serious crimes. Students will be exposed to a range of subjects and scientists in the field. Students should be aware that some of the material studied will be disturbing. Any student who feels that the nature of the topics may be too upsetting is discouraged from taking this course.
Grading
- Tutorial Engagement 10%
- Predicting Test Questions (5) 10%
- Critical Thinking Questions (5) 25%
- Midterm 20%
- Final Exam 35%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Saferstein & Roy, 2021. Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (Subscription), 13 Edition. ISBN 9780135268414, Pearson. Electronic Version.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
If you have any Criminology course enrollment requests (course adds, course swaps), please contact a Criminology advisor. Please do not contact instructors for enrollment assistance as they will ultimately refer you to a Criminology advisor.
Criminology course enrollment requests should be sent to a Criminology advisor no later than the last day of the Second week of classes. Late enrollment requests are subject to approval and are not guaranteed.
Enrollment requests for non-Crim courses should be directed to the advisor for the program offering the course.
ATTENTION: STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY: Please contact the Center for Accessible Learning, (MBC 1250 or Phone 778-782-3112) if you need or require assistance, not your individual instructors.
- N.B.: Students are reminded that attendance in the first week of classes is important. However, there are no tutorials in the first week.
- ON CAMPUS COURSES ONLY: Assignments not submitted to the Professor/T.A. during class/office hours must be placed in the security box behind the General Office (SWH 10156), or submitted as per Professor’s instructions for courses taking place at Surrey Campus. The assignment drop box is emptied Monday to Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only, with the contents date stamped accordingly. No other department’s date stamp will be accepted (e.g. Library/Campus Security). For the Surrey Campus, assignments must be hand delivered to the General Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, located at SUR 5180, on Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30p.m., or placed in the assignment drop box located at the southwest corner of Galleria 5. The Surrey assignment drop box is emptied Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with the contents date stamped accordingly. The School of Criminology is not responsible for assignments submitted in any other manner (e.g., slid under office doors). The University does NOT accept assignments by fax or email.
- A student must complete ALL aspects of a course (including assignments, exams, class participation, presentations, chat room components of Distance Education courses and other), otherwise they will receive a grade of N.
- The University has formal policies regarding intellectual dishonesty and grade appeals which may be obtained from the General Office of the School of Criminology.
- Under GP18, the University has policies and procedures which respond to our obligations under the BC Human Rights Code to provide a harassment and discrimination free environment for the students, staff and faculty of this institution. Members of this community have an affirmative obligation to safeguard the human rights of others.
UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS FINAL EXAMINATIONS WHILE CLASSES ARE STILL IN SESSION.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.