Forensic Biology

Ms. Abundiz Henderson (Ms. A)

2015 - 2016
E-mail: jabundiz@slusd.us or msabundiz@gmail.com
Phone: (510) 618-4600 x242
Text Book: Forensic Science for High School
Room: 242
Welcome to Forensic Biology. During this year we will study what forensic biology is
and is not, evidence, fingerprints, trace evidence (hair and fibers), genetics, DNA,
blood and blood spatter evidence, odontology (teeth), entomology (insects) and human
remains. We will also examine issues of social justice and the criminal justice system.
Materials: Every student will need:
- 3 Ring Binder
- 7 Dividers
- Pens /Pencils/Erasers
Attendance: Regular daily attendance is required to receive a passing grade based on
achievement. Be sure to have absences excused properly. Being on time is also very
important. Multiple tardies will reduce your grade.
Grades: Your grade in Forensics Biology is based on:
30% Lab Work and Crime Scenes
20% Class Work and Homework
50% Quizzes, Tests and Final
Need Help? Forensics Biology builds on each unit, so if you don't understand
something it will come back to haunt you. If you do not understand, ask for help. Let
me know if there are any special circumstances outside the classroom that might
affect your work. I am here to help you succeed.
Cheating: Cheating of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Violators may face punishment including confiscation, detention, referral, parent
conference and/or suspension from school. Examples of cheating include: copying
work of another student, permitting another student to copy your work, doing
someone elses assignment, using unauthorized sources of information during quiz or
test, copying word for word information from a text/web page and turning the work
in for credit without quoting the work and citing the source - this is called plagiarism.

Lab and Class Procedures: By now you have been in school for many years. You
know what is expected in class. Here are a few rules specific to this class:
1. Follow directions the first time. If you do not understand, ASK!
2. Use all equipment safely, correctly, and as directed. No unauthorized
experiments without permission.
3. Respect the rights of others to learn and work.
4. Everyone is expected to participate in all lab work, crime scenes, and
discussions.
5. You are expected to clean your work area and help maintain the common
areas.
6. Keep all electronic items and cell phones OFF at all times during
class!!! If cell phones are out they may be taken at the discretion of the
instructor, in alignment with school policy. The instructor, school and
staff are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items that have been
confiscated due to school policy violation.
7. Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, gender identity,
gender expression, sexual orientation (perceived or confirmed), or
religion will not be tolerated and may result in detention or
suspension from class.
Consequences: Breaking the rules or not following procedures will result in the
following actions.
-

Verbal Reminder
Call home
Conference and Action Plan
Detention
Referral

Note: Detention is 15 45 minutes and will be served the same day or the day after the
detention is assigned. If detention is missed, the student will be referred to the
Assistant Principal.
Make up work policy:

Homework and class work: It is the student's responsibility to find out what
they missed if absent. Assignments must be completed and turned in within two
days of their return from an excused absence. I will not accept late work one
week after its assigned due date.
Tests and Quizzes: Students have two days from the test date to make up any
missed tests or quizzes with excused absences. You must arrange time to make
up the test or quiz ON YOUR OWN TIME, not during class. Failure to make up
a test or not show up to a test appointment will result in a zero.