Developed by teacher Peter Gayda at Osoyoos Secondary

Forensic Science 11 to be taught to students – if approved by the local Board of Education

Course Synopsis:

Forensic Science or Crime Scene Reconstruction is the use of scientific method, physical evidence, deductive reasoning and their interrelationships to gain knowledge of the events leading to the commission of a crime. Forensic Science 11 is a course that focuses on giving students a chance to gain and apply knowledge from a variety of disciplines (including history, math, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, archeology, anthropology, law, medicine, and professional & technical writing). This course will promote the importance of scientific literacy and problem solving techniques.
Forensic Science 11 will expose students to current forensic science methods as well a discussing past practices and reasons for advancements in technology. This course will include a series of inquiry labs, discussion of case studies, field trips and guest speakers, internet research and practical labs that will allow students to strengthen skills of observation, interpretation, reasoning, and formal presentation. The students in this course will be required to design and carry out scientific investigations.

Rationale:

Forensic Science 11 will allow students to fully understand what becoming a forensic scientist entails and to discover areas of interest and potential career opportunities. Forensic Science is a field of study that involves the integration of many of the courses offered at our school, including but not limited to biology, chemistry, earth science/geology, physics, and some history (law and general history of forensic science).
By affording students an opportunity to take this course, it is hoped that they will become more motivated and interested in looking into the other fields of science. Through insight into the fields associated with Forensic Science, students should be assisted in determining their potential career goals including future choices of careers in Law enforcement or post-secondary education in the sciences. Students will gain valuable and practical experience for future education, training and careers.