Great Oak

High School

 

Introduction to Forensics and Biotechnology   Course Syllabus

 

WELCOME to Introduction to Forensics and Biotechnology at Great Oak High School.  To make this term the most productive and wonderful time in your life, plan to attend all classes, do the work, activities and labs, and join in school plans, field trips, guest lecturers and extracurricular activities.

 

Please read the following information.  If you have any questions now or throughout the year, please contact me.

 

Mrs. Shana Fajardo,  Science Educator & Department Chair                                                                      

Great Oak High School
32555 Deer Hollow  Way,   Temecula CA  92592                                                                                                                           

(951) 294-6450 X3505          

FAX:  (951) 294 - 6477                                                                        

Email:  [email protected]                                            

Web:    http://gohs.tvusd.k12.ca.us/TeacherWebs/Science/SFajardo/default.aspx

 

 

Introduction to Forensics and Biotechnology

Course Outline

I.                   Course Structure – Introduction to Forensics and Biotechnology is a college preparatory lab life science course organized into units of study which cover the California State life science and scientific methodology content standards. Each student attends class every day in a lecture/lab activity format.  An additional 2-4 hours should be spent weekly on homework depending on projects and assignments.  This class is a laboratory course that will provide students with hands-on investigations dealing with criminalistics and advanced laboratory techniques.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Semester Outline

I.                    Introduction to Biotechnology

This introductory part tackles the development of ideas of inheritance and breeding, the development of genetics as a field, and the advancements that led to present day biotechnology.  A discussion on current issues relating to biotechnology affecting man underlines the significance and relevance of the course.

  1. History – What is the Biotechnology Industry?
  2. What is Recombinant DNA?
  3. Activity:  Plasmid Insertion
  4. Lab:  DNA Isolation and Purification
  5. General Review of Current Issues:  The Human Genome Project, Cloning, and Bioengineering

 

II.                 Cellular and Molecular Biology

The expression of the gene is carried out by the proteins and enzymes involved in a myriad of biochemical reactions taking place in the cell.  Depending on which genes are turned on and which genes are repressed, the traits of a cell are determined.  We can use a myriad of lab techniques to understand the sequence of DNA.

  1. Review of Protein Synthesis and Gene Expression
  2. Lab:  DNA Identification based on Gel Electrophoresis
  3. Types of DNA sequencing (PCR, RFLP, Southern Blot)
  4. Activity:  Using Research Skills to Understand DNA Fingerprinting by PCR

 

III.               Genetic Engineering

 

            Once the sequence of DNA is known, students will use their knowledge of the molecular           structure of the gene to apply basic genetic engineering.  Some examples of the          applications of this technology will be discussed.

1.            Transformation

2.            Lab:  The Case of the Glowing Bacteria

3.            Conjugation

4.Transduction

5.Overview Genetic engineering and Recombinant DNA Technology

6.Transgenic Organisms

7.Gene Therapy

8.Cancer and Genes

9.Lab:  The ELISA Technique of DNA Identification

10.        Activity:  Microbiology Skills – Growing and plating bacteria

 

IV.              Genomics

1.                  Human Genome Project

2.                  DNA microarrays and patents, insurance companies and hiring bias

3.                  Pharmacogenomics

4.                  Bioinformatices

5.                  Bioethics of HGP;  Eugenics

6.                  Ethical, legal and social issues

 

V.                 Molecular Evolution

 

1.Comparing genomes

2.Comparing chromosomes

3.Comparing protein sequences

4.Comparing DNA sequences

5.Mitochondrial DNA

 

VI/.            Careers in Biotechnology

 

2nd Semester

I.                    Introduction to Forensics

1.      Scientific Methodology and Problem Solving related to Crimes  (General Case Studies Review)

2.      Discussion of Forensics Topics Overview and comprehension of technical and medical vocabulary.

3.      Lab Safety and Chain of Custody of Samples

4.      Lab:  Sterile Technique

5.      Activity:  General Crime Scene Reconstruction

6.      The Autopsy Report

7.      Communication Techniques: maintaining a laboratory notebook; writing protocols and standard operating procedures.

 

II.                 Research Skills

1.      Observing and Classifying

2.      Lab:  Metric Measurement and Quantitative Analysis

3.      Inferring and Predicting

4.      Safety and Health Maintenance

a.                   Follow appropriate safety procedures, guidelines and chemical hygiene plan

b.                  Follow universal precautions for biological pathogens

c.                   Follow use of laminar flow, fume hoods and biological safety cabinets

d.                  Use of protective equipment

 

III.               Criminal Science Techniques:          Serology

1.      Lab:  ABO Blood Typing

2.      Case Study #1

 

III.        Criminal Science Technique:           Toxicology

1.      Lab:  Spreading of a Virus

2.      Case Study #2

 

IV.              Criminal Science Technique:  Forensic Anthropology

1.      Lab:  Decomposition

2.      Overview of  The Body Farm

3.      Activity:  Animal Bone Reconstruction

4.      Case Study #3

 

V.                 Criminal Science Technique:  Time of Death

1.      Overview of rigor mortis

2.      Case Study #4

 

 

 

VI.              Criminal Science Technique:  Odontology

1.      Lab:  The Dental Plan

2.      Case Study #5

 

VII.            Criminal Science Technique:  Forensic Entomology

1.      Lab:  Maggot Proliferation

2.      Activities:  Statistical procedures;  Graphing Methods

3.      Case Study #6

 

 

VIII.         Other Forensic Procedures

1.      Handwriting Analysis

2.      Lab:  Fiber Analysis

3.      Activity:  Voice Prints

4.      Case Study #7

 

II.            Attendance / Tardy Policy:  Attendance is expected and required unless excused.  Each student is to be in his or her assigned seat ready to work when the bell rings.  The school-wide tardy policy will be enforced.  You need to be in class for daily instruction or your grade will be affected.  You will be allowed to make up all work due to EXCUSED absences.  It is your responsibility to find out what needs to be made up.  Please check the monthly calendar located on Mrs. F’s web page and the board in class for daily assignments.  Make up labs will be completed during a scheduled time with the instructor.  Missed work handouts may be obtained from a container in the back of the classroom.

 

 

III.           MATERIALS:

A.            The textbook is  “Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology – A Guide For Students” by Kreuzer and Massey.

                (Replacement cost is expensive.  Please keep in good shape and leave at home for safe keeping.  Place a         book cover on it.  Books are used as reference material and will be a resource for nightly studying and            homework.  There is a classroom set of textbooks.)

B.            Very good laboratory equipment and facilities.  Please treat with the utmost care.  You will be charged for       damaged equipment or wasteful use of materials.  Take care of your den!

You will need to provide the following on a daily basis:

1.             Your Notebook / Science Binder – A notebook/binder is required.  The notebook should include three            dividers labeled:  Notes, Classwork, Homework / Miscellaneous.  Other recommendations include a ruler,      calculator, colored pencils, glue stick, highlighter and scissors.

2.             Pencils (#2) and Pens (Blue or Black ink)

3.             Science Journal (provided by instructor after first few weeks of school)

4.             Technological  knowledge and proper usage.

5.             A sense of humor and patience when dealing with instructor.  Please handle with care.

 

COURSE PROCEDURE:  Each unit of study focuses on a particular aspect of Forensics and Biotechnology.  In each unit, you will take lecture notes, complete quizzes, keep a lab journal, complete homework assignments, take a test, and participate in class activities and unit projects.

 

A.            Cornell Lecture Notes – Notes should be taken on binder paper and secured in your notebook.  Do not tear                 out spiral notebook paper, please.  Every assignment will have:  name, date, period and assignment name in    the upper right-hand corner.  We use the Cornell system of notetaking.

B.            Homework – There will be homework assignments or “practice” given every week.  It will be assigned on      every Monday.  Homework is due at the start of class on every Friday.

C.            Quizzes – Expect a short quiz every one to two weeks to be given during each unit.

D.            Assignments / Activities - Assignments must be done in blue or blank ink (except for drawings) or word        processed.  Points will be deducted for sloppy work or will not be accepted until it is redone.  Please use a              computer and proofread all assignments before submitting for points.  Use Spell Check!  Take pride in your       work. Assignments that are unreadable can not be graded.  Many assignments will need to be typed.  You         will be given a grading rubric and Lab Report Guidelines distributed at a later time.  There will also be   numerous writing assignments given throughout the term.

E.             Warm Up Questions – Warm Up questions will be completed at the beginning of class every day.  They        will be collected and graded every two weeks.

F.             Projects – There will be a posted monthly calendar with homework and activities on the web page.  It will      be posted in class.  Every unit will have projects complete with product guides and assessment rubrics.            Missed work can be obtained from the container in the back of the classroom or in your group’s folder.                 Another resource will be the instructor’s web page.

G.            Lab Journals / Case Studies– Journals will be given to each student.  There will be a Case Study given          each week which will require research and/or lab write up with opinions, comments and posing questions.           It will also include collection of evidence evaluations and autopsy report explanations.

H.            Forensics in the News – Each week, students will be required to obtain a forensics newspaper or magazine    article or watch a forensics show on television (with parental consent).  A report format will be given out      featuring the scientific methodology of crime science investigations..

I.              Tests – Assessments  will be given for each unit.  The test may be composed of multiple choice, essay and   lab questions.  Other performance and project assessments will be incorporated into the class.  (Make-up            procedure for missed tests must be made up on your own time.  Please make arrangements with the      instructor.)

 

V.                  Grading and the California Science Content Standards. Grades will be based on student knowledge of the California State Science Standards in Life Sciences.  To facilitate student understanding of these concepts, each unit may have many types of assignments associated with it:  current events  (Forensics in the News),  formative assessments (e.g. quizzes), laboratory activities/ investigations, and daily class assignments  (warm ups, writing assignments/journal, case studies,  sample autopsy reports, readings, homework etc.), unit tests and a Midterm (Biotechnology) and a final (Forensics.)

 

The grading scale will be as follows:                                                              

A             Achieving at least 90% - 100%                                                                                         

B             Achieving at least 80% - 89%                                                                           

C             Achieving at least 70% - 79%                                                                                           

F              Not Pass – 69% or below                   

                                                               

Progress Reports will be sent home anytime a student’s work drops to a “C.”  Progress Reports require a parent signature and need to be returned to the instructor immediately (the next day.)  Teacher-generated grade reports will be sent home after the completion of each unit.  Grade reports with below a “C”  require a parent signature and will be returned to the instructor the following day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behavioral Guidelines

1.             Respect the teacher, your classmates and yourself.  This includes: Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking;  Do not talk when another student has the floor;  No put downs;  Use appropriate       language.

2.             Be on time and be prepared.  This includes being in your seat, ready to work with all needed utensils, when   the bell rings.

3.             Observe the school and classroom rules including laboratory safety.

4.             Food, drinks or technological devices (except calculator) may be used outside the classroom.

 

Students are expected to follow the Behavioral Guidelines as listed above.  When a student follows the rules, positive rewards will be given. If a student does not follow the expectations, consequences are given.                  

 

Positive Rewards could include –

Parent Phone Call to congratulate                                     Class Awards Recognition

Certificates                                                                            Class Recognition                                                                               

 

Consequences / Discipline Policy -

1st Offense:                            Verbal warning.                                   

2nd Offense:                           Student-Teacher Conference

3rd Offense:                            Teacher Phone Call

4th Offense:                            Detention Assigned           

5th Offense:                            Parent-Teacher Conference                               

6th Offense:                            GOHS Discipline / Office Referral

·         Consequences sometimes do not follow exact steps depending on the action, student attitude and communication with parent.

 

SCIENCE EXPECTATIONS

Student Expectations

1.        Be on time and prepared to be an ACTIVE LEARNER.

2.        Respect yourself and rights and property of others.

3.        Follow classroom and school policies.

4.        Respect the instructor’s right to teach and the student’s right to learn.

5.        Be responsible for assignments turned in and any make up work.

Parent Expectations

1.        Provide support and encouragement to your science student in terms of time and supplies for assignments and projects;  ask nightly about homework.

2.        Let the student succeed on his or her own merit;  a student is very proud of the accomplishment when their own hard work and brain power are involved.

3.        Provide a specific area for student to complete homework successfully.

4.        Contact the instructor at any time for open communication, clarification and volunteering time, energy and supplies to the science class.  It is extremely helpful and truly appreciated.

Teacher Expectations

1.        Provide a scientifically-rich and challenging environment.

2.        Facilitate the student’s understanding of science.

3.        Keep student and parents of academic progress and citizenship.

4.        Respect student’s right to learn.

5.        Follow school rules.

 

Final Note:   I am looking forward to an exciting semester!  Your participation in class is crucial.  Learning is a dynamic process and it can’t happen without both of us working together.  If you need help, please let me know.  Above all, curiosity is appreciated.  So, ask lots of questions.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Student and Parent/Guardia:

 

After you have read the syllabus and safety contract, please sign below indicating that you understand the policies and rules and agree to comply with them.  Please sign and return this page to me.

 

 

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STUDENT NAME  (PLEASE PRINT)                                                               STUDENT SIGNATURE

 

 

 

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PARENT SIGNATURE                                                                                       HOME PHONE

 

 

 

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MAILING ADDRESS                                                                                          WORK PHONE

 

 

 

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EMAIL  ADDRESS                                                                                              CELL PHONE