SAMPLE OR SUGGESTED CURRICULUM ALIGNED TO OUTCOMES-BASED EDUCATION (OBE) FOR I. Program Description 1.1 Degree Name PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS Graduates of the program shall be conferred with the degree of Bachelor of Forensic Science (BFSc.). 1.2 Nature of Field of Study Forensic Science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to the legal process in support of criminal investigation and proper administration of justice. It is the quest for truth aided by scientific techniques. The Forensic Science program shall be interdisciplinary, combining a strong foundation in the natural and social sciences with extensive and field experiences. 1.3 Program Education Objectives (PEOs) Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve within a few years of graduation. PEOs are based on the needs of the program s constituencies and these shall be determined, articulated, and disseminated to the general public by the unit or department of the HEI offering the BFSc. program. The PEOs should also be reviewed periodically for continuing improvement. 1.4 Specific Professions and Allied Fields/careers/occupation for graduates A graduate of Bachelor of Forensic Science is prepared for careers in: 1. Scientific crime investigation; 2. Law enforcement; 3. Forensic science education; 4. Foreign or international agencies e.g. United Nations (Department for Peace Keeping Forces) and European Union; 5. Research/analysis/evaluation of forensic evidence in courts of law; This program also provides a good preparation for the study of Law and Medicine and for further forensic science specialization. 1
1.5 Allied Fields The following shall be considered as allied to the Forensic Science program: a. Biological Sciences - (Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Entomology) b. Physical Sciences - (Chemistry, Toxicology, Physics) c. Medical Sciences - (Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Dentistry) d. Social Sciences - (Criminology, Anthropology, e. Law f. Computer Science Psychology, Sociology) II. Program Outcomes The minimum standards for the BFSc. program are expressed in the following minimum set of program outcomes: 2.1 Common to all programs in all types of schools a) articulate and discuss the latest developments in the specific field of practice (PQF level 6 descriptor); b) effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino; c) work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams (PQF level 6 descriptor); d) act in recognition of professional, social, and ethical responsibility; e) preserve and promote Filipino historical and cultural heritage (based on RA 7722); 2.2 Common to the Criminal Justice Education f) engage in lifelong learning and conduct research activities in the specific field of practice; g) demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and values essential to the practice of Criminal Justice in the fields of criminalistics, law enforcement administration, crime prevention, detection and investigation; h) demonstrate knowledge in criminal sociology, criminal law and procedure, correctional administration, ethics and community relations and defense tactics; 2.3 Specific to Bachelor of Forensic Science i) proficient in the use and operation of basic and state of the art Forensic Science equipment and instruments; j) able to evaluate and manage gender-based violence against women and children; and k) able to handle forensic science courses and conduct analysis, assessment and evaluation of forensic evidence in courts of law. 2
2.4 Common to a horizontal type as defined in CMO 46 s 2012 1. For professional institutions: a service orientation in one s profession 2. For colleges: an ability to participate in various types of employment, development activities, and public discourses particularly in response to the needs of the communities one serves 3. For universities: an ability to participate in the generation of new knowledge or in research and development projects Graduates of State Universities and Colleges must, in addition, have the competencies to support national, regional and local development plans. (RA 7722) A PHEI, at its option, may adopt mission-related program outcomes that are not included in the minimum set. III. Sample Performance Indicators Performance Indicators are specific, measurable statements identifying the performance(s) required to meet the outcome; confirmable through evidence. PROGRAM OUTCOMES act in recognition of professional, social, and ethical responsibility PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1. Recognize the professional, moral and ethical standards required for forensic casework including the role of the expert witness in criminal investigations d 2. Develop competence in procedures for maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of evidence. demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and values essential to the practice of Criminal Justice in the fields of criminalistics, law enforcement administration, crime prevention, detection and investigation 1. Know and understand basic fundamentals of criminalistics and law enforcement administration. 2. Know and understand basic fundamentals of crime prevention, detection and investigation. g 3. Apply skills involved in the recovery, storage, handling, retention, investigation and analysis of forensic materials and digital data. 3
i proficient in the use and operation of basic and state of the art Forensic Science equipment and instruments 1. Able to plan, execute, report and evaluate the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate instruments, methods and information technology systems. 2. Demonstrate skills in using and field techniques in relation to crime scene and forensic investigation. The program outcomes from (a) to (k) set the minimum requirements for a graduate of the BFSc. program. PHEIs/LUCs/SUCs may add additional outcomes as necessary and appropriate. I. Curriculum Description CURRICULUM The Bachelor of Forensic Science program curriculum shall have a total of one hundred eighty-two (182) units, comprising of sixty-three (63) units of the General Education Courses following GEC-B under CMO 4, series of 1997 with additions/enhancements, one hundred five (105) units of Professional Courses, eight (8) units of Physical Education (PE), six (6) units of National Service Training Program (NSTP), with Mock/Moot Court Presentation and exercises. This set of courses prepares the students in the field of forensic science. However, the subjects listed under the General Education courses shall be considered automatically revised once a new CMO on General Education is issued by CHED, without the need for additional action on the part of the concerned Technical Panel. An amendment to this CMO shall be issued by the Office of Programs and Standards (OPS) at such time to show the revised curriculum. The instructional approach for this program is holistic and interdisciplinary to prepare the students to effectively conduct scientific crime detection and investigation and be able to properly, confidently and competently testify and present evidence in a court of law. In addition to Criminalistics courses, it also encompasses the highly technical fields of forensic science, such as Forensic DNA Analysis and Molecular Biology, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Pathology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Instrumentation, Computer Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, Mass Fatality Incident Investigation, Violence Against Women and Children; and Case Preparation and Mock/Moot Court Presentation. II. Sample Curriculum 2.1 Components: 2.1.1 General Education, Core Courses, Electives, etc. 4
2.2. Program of Study 2.2.1 Bachelor of Forensic Science The graduate of Bachelor of Forensic Science program is expected to possess a wide range of abilities and skills divided into three broad categories: a. Forensic Science-related cognitive abilities and skills, e.g., abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including analysis of problems and systematic problem-solving; b. Forensic Science-related practical skills, e.g., skills relating to scientific crime investigation, crime scene processing, and collection and evaluation of physical evidence, and court presentation skills; and c. Generic skills that may be developed during the course and which are applicable in many other contexts, such as communication of scientific work and discourse in view of issues and policy. d. Forensic Science Internship Course - Forensic Science Internship Course intends to introduce and expose the students in the actual works of a Forensic professional particularly in the crime, crime scene investigation, autopsy, exhumation and other field works; actual evidence collection, examination, and analysis; court proceedings; and competent writing and interpretation of reports. The forensic science students shall undertake this course for a total of Three Hundred Six (306) hours during the 2nd semester of the 4 th curriculum year level under the supervision of a qualified faculty. The students shall be called Forensic Science Interns and shall wear a prescribed uniform not identical with the uniform of the regular personnel in the institution/agency where the internship course is being undertaken. The one hundred eighty-two (182) minimum units comprising the Bachelor of Forensic Science program curriculum shall be distributed as follows: Courses No. of Subjects Equivalent Units per Subject Total Units GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES (enhanced GEC-B ) 21 3 63 Language and Humanities 9 3 27 English English 1 Study and Thinking Skills in English English 2 Writing in the Discipline English 3 Speech Communication Filipino English 4 Technical & Research Writing Filipino 1 Komunikasyon sa Akademikong Filipino Filipino 2 Pagbasa at Pagsulat tungo sa 5
Literature Arts & Society Philosophy Courses Pananaliksik No. of Subjects Equivalent Units per Subject Mathematics 2 6 Math 1 College Algebra Math 2 Introduction to Statistics Natural Sciences 3 9 Nat. Sci. 1 Biology Nat. Sci. 2 General Chemistry Nat. Sci. 3 Physics Information Technology 1 3 Computer Applications Total Units Social Sciences 4 12 Soc. Sci. 1 Politics & Governance (w/ Phil. Constitution) Soc. Sci. 2 General Psychology Soc. Sci. 3 General Sociology Soc. Sci. 4 Basic Economics w/ Taxation and Agrarian Reform Mandated Courses 2 6 Philippine History The Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal CORE COURSES 7 24 Philippine Criminal Justice System 3 Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation 3 Introduction to Forensic Science 3 Forensic Photography 4 (3-1) Dactyloscopy 4 (3-1) Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 Crime Scene Investigation 4 (2-2) MAJOR COURSES 23 75 Criminal Law 1 3 Criminal Law 2 3 Criminal Procedure 3 Rules on Evidence 3 Human Rights and Ethics 3 Violence Against Women and Children 3 6
Courses No. of Subjects Equivalent Units per Subject Forensic Chemistry 3 (2-1) Total Units Polygraphy (Lie Detection) 4 (3-1) Forensic Toxicology 3 (2-1) Forensic Psychology 3 Forensic Medicine 1 3 Forensic Instrumentation 3 (2-1) Questioned Document Examination 4 (3-1) Firearms Identification 4 (3-1) Forensic Medicine 2 3 Sexual Assault Investigation 3 Explosives and Fire Technology 3 Mass Fatality Incident Investigation 3 (2-1) Seminar Workshop in Forensic Science 1 Introduction to DNA Analysis and Molecular Biology 3 Computer Forensics 3 Forensic Science Internship 6 Case Preparation and Mock Trial/Moot Court Presentation ELECTIVE COURSES 2 3 6 Forensic Odontology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Pathology Forensic Entomology PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES 4 2 8 P. E. 1 Physical Fitness P. E. 2 Martial Arts P. E. 3 Survival and Rescue Techniques P. E. 4 Firearms Proficiency NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM (NSTP) 2 3 6 SUMMARY OF UNITS General Education Courses 63 Core Courses 24 Major Courses 75 Elective Courses 6 P.E 8 NSTP 6 TOTAL NO. OF UNITS 182 5 7
a. The following Course Codes and Prerequisites for the Professional Courses must be followed: Course Name Course Category Course Code Pre-requisite Philippine Criminal Justice System Core CJE 1 - Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation Core CJE 2 - Criminal Law 1 Major CJE 3 - Criminal Law 2 Major CJE 4 Criminal Law 1 (CJE 3) Criminal Procedure Major CJE 5 Rules on Evidence Major CJE 6 Violence Against Women and Children Major CJE 7 Human Rights and Ethics Major CJE 8 Sexual Assault Investigation Major CJE 9 Criminal Law 1 (CJE 3) and Criminal Law 2 (CJE 4) Criminal Law 1 (CJE 3); Criminal Law 2 (CJE 4); Soc. Sci. 1 Politics & Governance (w/ Phil. Constitution) & Phil. Crim. Justice System( CJE 1) Forensic Medicine 1 & 2 (FS 9 & 14), Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation (CJE 2),Forensic Psychology (FS 8), Criminal Law 1(CJE 3),Criminal Law 2(CJE4),Criminal Procedure(CJE5),Rules on Evidence (CJE6),Violence Against Women and Children (CJE7) Case Preparation and Mock Trial/Moot Court Presentation Major CJE 10 English 4, all CJE courses, and all FS courses Introduction to Forensic Science Core FS 1 Natsci 1&2 Forensic Photography Core FS 2 - Forensic Chemistry Major FS 3 Dactyloscopy Core FS 4 Human Anatomy and Physiology Core FS 5 Polygraphy (Lie Detection) Major FS 6 Forensic Toxicology Major FS 7 Forensic Psychology Major FS 8 Forensic Medicine 1 Major FS 9 Crime Scene Investigation Core FS 10 General Chemistry (Nat. Sci. 2) Forensic Photography (FS 2) Biology (Nat. Sci. 1) General Psychology (Soc. Sci. 2) General Chemistry (Nat. Sci. 2) General Psychology (Soc. Sci. 2) Human Anatomy and Physiology (FS 5) Forensic Photography (FS 2); and Dactyloscopy (FS 4) 8
Course Name Course Category Course Code Pre-requisite Forensic chem. (Fs3) Forensic Instrumentation Major FS 11 Forensic Chemistry (FS 3); Forensic Toxicology (FS 7) Questioned Document Examination Major FS 12 Forensic Photography (FS 2) Firearms Identification Major FS 13 Physics (Nat.Sci. 3); Forensic Photography (FS 2) Forensic Chemistry (FS 3); Forensic Medicine 2 Major FS 14 Forensic Medicine 1 (FS 9) Explosives and Fire Technology Major FS 15 Introduction to DNA Analysis and Molecular Biology Major FS 16 Mass Fatality Incident Investigation Major FS 17 General Chemistry (Nat.Sci. 2); Forensic Chemistry (FS 3) Biology (Nat. Sci. 1); Forensic Chemistry (FS 3), Forensic Medicine 1 (FS9), Crime Scene Investigation (FS10), Forensic Photography (FS 2), Dactyloscopy (FS4), Forensic Medicine 1(FS9),Crime Scene Investigation (FS10), (FS14),Introduction to DNA Analysis and Molecular Biology (FS16) Seminar Workshop in Forensic Science Major FS 18 FS 1 17 Computer Forensics Major FS 19 Forensic Science Internship Course Major FSI All CJE courses, and all FS courses Forensic Odontology Elective EFS 1 Forensic Anthropology Elective EFS 2 Forensic Pathology Elective EFS 3 Forensic Entomology Elective EFS 4 Legend: FS stands for Forensic Science course CJE stands for Criminal Justice Education course FSI stands for Forensic Science Internship course EFS stands for Elective Forensic Science course 9
III. Sample Curriculum Map Curriculum map is a matrix relating all the courses listed in the program curriculum with one or more of the declared program outcomes. The HEIs/LUCs/SUCs shall create a complete curriculum map of their current existing BFSc. Curriculum. Refer to Table 1 for a sample curriculum map that relates all the courses in the sample curriculum with the minimum set of program outcomes. Table 1 Sample Curriculum Mapping The graduate of the BFSc. program should have developed the ability to: Legend: a) articulate and discuss the latest developments in the specific field of practice (PQF level 6 descriptor) b) effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino c) work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams (PQF level 6 descriptor) d) act in recognition of professional, social, and ethical responsibility e) preserve and promote Filipino historical and cultural heritage (based on RA 7722) f) engage in lifelong learning and conduct research activities in the specific field of practice; g) demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and values essential to the practice of Criminal Justice in the fields of criminalistics, law enforcement administration, crime prevention, detection and investigation; h) demonstrate knowledge in criminal sociology, criminal law and procedure, correctional administration, ethics and community relations and defense tactics; i) proficient in the use and operation of basic and state of the art Forensic Science equipment and instruments; j) able to evaluate and manage gender-based violence against women and children; and k) able to handle forensic science courses and conduct analysis, assessment and evaluation of forensic evidence in courts of law. I Introduce P Practice skills with supervision supervision. D Demonstrate skills, without 10
COURSES PROGRAM OUTCOMES a b c d e f g h i j k CORE COURSES Philippine Criminal Justice System P I I Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation I I Introduction to Forensic Science I I Forensic Photography P I D D Dactyloscopy P P I D D Human Anatomy and Physiology P I Crime Scene Investigation D D P P P I D D MAJOR COURSES Criminal Law 1 I I Criminal Law 2 I I Criminal Procedure I I Rules on Evidence I I Human Rights and Ethics I I Violence Against Women and Children P P I I Forensic Chemistry P P P I P P Polygraphy (Lie Detection) P P P I D D Forensic Toxicology P P P I P D Forensic Psychology P I P D Forensic Medicine 1 I D Forensic Instrumentation P P P P I D D Questioned Document Examination P P P P I D D Firearms Identification P P P P I D D Forensic Medicine 2 I D 11
Sexual Assault Investigation P P P P P I Explosives and Fire Technology P P P P I Mass Fatality Incident Investigation P P P P P I Seminar Workshop in Forensic Science D P D Introduction to DNA Analysis and Molecular Biology I I I P Computer Forensics P P P P I P Forensic Science Internship P P D I D P D Case Preparation and Mock Trial/Moot Court Presentation P D D D I D ELECTIVE COURSES Forensic Odontology I I I P Forensic Anthropology I I I P Forensic Pathology I I I P Forensic Entomology I I I P PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES P. E. 1 Physical Fitness P P. E. 2 Martial Arts P P. E. 3 Survival and Rescue Techniques P P. E. 4 Firearms Proficiency P NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM (NSTP) NSTP 1 & 2 P IV. Sample Means of Curriculum Delivery The Bachelor of Forensic Science curriculum adheres to a learner-centered paradigm. It begins with clearly stated competencies students must acquire and demonstrate at the end of the four-year program. Appropriate teaching-learning strategies facilitate the acquisition of these competencies. Under this paradigm, students are the subject of the learning process enabling them to achieve their full 12
potential. The teaching-learning process is interactive, participatory, collaborative and experiential. The teacher is a mentor, facilitator and collaborator. The following methodologies/strategies may be used: Lecture / discussion Use of cooperative / active learning strategies such as games, role play, project-based learning, dialogues, journals, buzz sessions, brain storming, concept mapping, think-pair-share, counsel brainstorming exercise Return demonstration Scenario-thinking Exposure trip (local or international) Community/Industry immersion Self-assessment Reflective learning experience Case analysis Creation of individual learning portfolio Community/Industry mapping exercise Critique or reflections Partnership and linkage V. Sample Syllabi for Selected Core Forensic Science Courses The teaching and learning activities and assessment tasks should be constructively aligned towards the attainment of the course outcomes. Course outcome refers to what learners are expected to know and be able to do at end of the course. Teaching and learning activity refers to an activity or set of activities that will engage the student in achieving the course outcome. Assessment task refers to a tool that determines how well the student has met the course outcome. The OBE-compliant course syllabus should contain at least the following components: 1. General course information (title, description, credit units, prerequisite requirements) 2. Course outcomes and their relationship to the program outcomes 3. Course coverage that relates the course outcomes to topics covered, teaching and learning activities and assessment methods 4. Other information such as learning resources, classroom policies, grading system, etc. Refer to Table 2 for a sample OBE- compliant course syllabus. 13
Table 2 Sample Outcomes-based Syllabus Course Syllabus in Forensic Instrumentation Course Description This course deals with a basic understanding of the theory and applications of the methods of modern analytical chemistry as applied to forensic problems. It also deals with how spectroscopy, chromatography and microscopy can be applied in forensic examinations. Pre-requisite/s: Forensic Photography, Forensic Chemistry, Dactyloscopy, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Toxicology Co-requisite/s: I. DETAILED COURSE OUTLINE: PROGRAM OUTCOMES PERFORMANCE INDICATOR COURSE OUTCOMES COURSE TOPICS TEACHING LEARNING ACTIVITIES (TLAs) ASSESSMENT METHODS i. proficient in the use and operation of basic and state of the art Forensic Science equipment and instruments 1. Able to plan, execute, evaluate, and report the results of a scientific investigation using appropriate instruments, methods and information technology systems. 1.1 Understood the principles and operations of sophisticated equipment in the conduct of forensic examination. Importance of Forensic Instrumentation General Methodology in the conduct of Lecture Recitation Lecture Recitation Written Examinations Recitation Written Examinations 14
instrumental analysis Principles of Chromatography Lecture Recitation Recitation Written Examinations 2. Demonstrate skills in using and field techniques in relation to crime scene and forensic investigation. 2.1 develop practical skills in the operation and application of equipment and instruments in and/or field work in Forensic Science Environment safely and appropriately. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrometer Atomic Absorption Spectrometer 15 investigations Group Work investigations Group Work investigations Group Work investigations Group Work investigations Practical Demonstration experiments Practical Demonstration experiments Practical Demonstration experiments Practical Demonstration experiments Practical Demonstration experiments
Group Work Gas Chromatograph Flame Ionization Detector Text book: Course Assessment: As per standard grading system, thoroughly discussed during orientation meeting; Aside from academic deficiency, other grounds for a failing grade are: Suggested References: Grave misconduct and / or cheating during examinations Unexcused absences of more than 20% of required number of meetings per term A failing academic standing and failure to take graded exams 16