The Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM) is the official list of approved courses for general academic transfer that may be offered by public community and technical colleges in Texas for state funding.
TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND RESEARCH DIVISION
AUSTIN, TEXAS
REVISED FALL 2008
NEW COURSES
FORS (Forensic Science)
FORS 2440 Introduction to Forensic Science (lecture + lab)
Survey of the procedures of crime scene investigation in gathering evidence and applicable scientific technologies that follow established protocols by first responders; a preview of how criminalists in forensic laboratories will process the gathered evidence presented.
Approval Number...................................... 43.0106.51 24
CIP Area………………………………………………………………….Forensic Science & Related Sciences
maximum SCH per student...........................................4
maximum SCH per course........................................... 4
maximum contact hours per course.......................................................... 96
FORS 2450 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (lecture + lab) Survey of current perspectives and technologies in the analysis of criminal mind suggested by crime scene evidence; introduction applications of forensic psychology including the history and current practice of criminal profiling in the apprehension of serial killers as sexual predators. (Psychology 2301 is required as a pre-requisite for this course.)
Approval Number...................................... 43.0106.52 24
CIP Area…………………………………………………………………Forensic Science & Related Sciences
maximum SCH per student.......................................... 4
maximum SCH per course........................................... 4
maximum contact hours per course.......................................................... 96
Unanimously approved August 8, 2008 (8-8-08) in Austin, Texas.
Don Jacobs (Weatherford College) & Michael Lytle (UT Brownsville) present.
Now, ALL community colleges & universities in Texas receive funding for offering FORS 2440 & FORS 2450 or in transfer.
Email Don Jacobs djacobs@wc.edu for questions/comments
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
FORS 2450: INTRO TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
A new textbook & laboratory manual is on the way for colleagues launching FORS programs across Texas this coming Fall 2009. I will have sample chapters to review & my publishers website to order a desk copy during TCCTA in Feburary. I am negotiating with publishers to find the best package for those who adopt my book: The Psychology of Deception Introduction to Sexual Predators & Forensic Psychology (2009). "The POD" as I call it, runs 510 pages with both Glossary & References. Each chapter has 2 Predator Profiles for students to analyze and discuss such as Ted Bundy & Jeffrey Dahmer.
The LAB MANUAL is what sets my textbook apart from all other generic Forensic Psych books. BRAINMARKS: THE LAB MANUAL TO ACCOMPANY FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY By Don Jacobs is composed of 8 chapters allowing professors to cover each chapter over a two week period in the 16 week fall and spring semesters. Brainmarks: The Lab is a tour de force of both the healthy brain and the brain "marked" by abuse, dyfunction, psychopathy, and criminality. IT WILL BE READY FOR FALL 2009 ADOPTION ALONG WITH THE TEXTBOOK.
After taking both lecture and lab portions of FORS 2450, students will have cutting-edge insight into the brain disclosed to modern neuropsychology by high-resolution neuroimaging and implications to crime scences and criminal profiling. Here's a peek of what's between the covers of BRAINMARKS followed by chapter topics:
BETWEEN THE COVERS OF “BRAINMARKS”
“No one “just snaps”—rather, what occurs is the rapid transition from one brainmark to another in instantaneous response to given stimuli, making it imperative that ALL brainmarks be well-developed and prosocial.”
“In one instance, the serotonin brainmark can be engrossed in a good book, and as quickly as turning a page, can embrace a lover with the fired-up dopamine brain. Indeed, how amazing is the rapid transitioning between brainmarks?”
“The low gain dopamine and serotonin brain, exacerbated by a high testosterone brain would be the “go to” brainmarks for seeking over-the-top pleasure in sexual psychopath crime by controlling and dominating victims completely; this brainmark is observed in the use of tourniquets in ligature strangulation. In an instance of human depravity, by applying pressure, the victim passes out; by releasing pressure, the victim resuscitates. Sexual abuse continues in life and in death.”
“Recalling continua, too much cascading dopamine often produces schizophrenia, a major psychotic thought disorder observed in clinical psychology; DA in scarcity lies behind the movement disorder Parkinsonism. Therefore, the DA continuum has two major neurological disorders at the poles with “a whole of shaking going on”—largely sexual—in between.”
“Does the high gain dopamine brain enjoy a biological priority over all other brainmarks? It makes sense that it does as survival of the species is a high priority. In fact, that DA is the “default” setting of all brainmarks can be forcefully argued. When we lead with our “sexual and sensual brain” we usually get what we want. At a glance, responding to a beautiful and desirable female, the male brain rapidly transitions to the high gain dopamine brain. Both males and females alike have been known to do desperate things to capture those who stoke the fires their dopamine brainmark.”
“From the powerful dopamine brainmark, it is easy to see why so-called “drug rehab” is so often ineffective to addicts as their addicted brains must literally become “lean” again, not “fat and sassy”. Essentially, the rewiring process—neuroplasticity—is like the brain going on a diet.”
CHAPTER TOPICS
CHAP 1: The Dopamine Brain & Dopamine-Norepinephrine "The DANE Brain"
CHAP 2: The Serotonin Brain
CHAP 3: The GABA Brain & The Endorphin Brain
CHAP 4: Brainmarks of Intoxication & Addiction...
CHAP 5: Of Legal Drugs
CHAP 6: Of Illegal Drugs
CHAP 7: Of Alcoholism
CHAP 8: Of Sweet Poisons: Sugar & Aspartame
CHAP 9: BRAIN FAVORITISM: The New Addiction Model
CHAP 10:Euthymic & Dysthymic: Brainmark Variations
The LAB MANUAL is what sets my textbook apart from all other generic Forensic Psych books. BRAINMARKS: THE LAB MANUAL TO ACCOMPANY FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY By Don Jacobs is composed of 8 chapters allowing professors to cover each chapter over a two week period in the 16 week fall and spring semesters. Brainmarks: The Lab is a tour de force of both the healthy brain and the brain "marked" by abuse, dyfunction, psychopathy, and criminality. IT WILL BE READY FOR FALL 2009 ADOPTION ALONG WITH THE TEXTBOOK.
After taking both lecture and lab portions of FORS 2450, students will have cutting-edge insight into the brain disclosed to modern neuropsychology by high-resolution neuroimaging and implications to crime scences and criminal profiling. Here's a peek of what's between the covers of BRAINMARKS followed by chapter topics:
BETWEEN THE COVERS OF “BRAINMARKS”
“No one “just snaps”—rather, what occurs is the rapid transition from one brainmark to another in instantaneous response to given stimuli, making it imperative that ALL brainmarks be well-developed and prosocial.”
“In one instance, the serotonin brainmark can be engrossed in a good book, and as quickly as turning a page, can embrace a lover with the fired-up dopamine brain. Indeed, how amazing is the rapid transitioning between brainmarks?”
“The low gain dopamine and serotonin brain, exacerbated by a high testosterone brain would be the “go to” brainmarks for seeking over-the-top pleasure in sexual psychopath crime by controlling and dominating victims completely; this brainmark is observed in the use of tourniquets in ligature strangulation. In an instance of human depravity, by applying pressure, the victim passes out; by releasing pressure, the victim resuscitates. Sexual abuse continues in life and in death.”
“Recalling continua, too much cascading dopamine often produces schizophrenia, a major psychotic thought disorder observed in clinical psychology; DA in scarcity lies behind the movement disorder Parkinsonism. Therefore, the DA continuum has two major neurological disorders at the poles with “a whole of shaking going on”—largely sexual—in between.”
“Does the high gain dopamine brain enjoy a biological priority over all other brainmarks? It makes sense that it does as survival of the species is a high priority. In fact, that DA is the “default” setting of all brainmarks can be forcefully argued. When we lead with our “sexual and sensual brain” we usually get what we want. At a glance, responding to a beautiful and desirable female, the male brain rapidly transitions to the high gain dopamine brain. Both males and females alike have been known to do desperate things to capture those who stoke the fires their dopamine brainmark.”
“From the powerful dopamine brainmark, it is easy to see why so-called “drug rehab” is so often ineffective to addicts as their addicted brains must literally become “lean” again, not “fat and sassy”. Essentially, the rewiring process—neuroplasticity—is like the brain going on a diet.”
CHAPTER TOPICS
CHAP 1: The Dopamine Brain & Dopamine-Norepinephrine "The DANE Brain"
CHAP 2: The Serotonin Brain
CHAP 3: The GABA Brain & The Endorphin Brain
CHAP 4: Brainmarks of Intoxication & Addiction...
CHAP 5: Of Legal Drugs
CHAP 6: Of Illegal Drugs
CHAP 7: Of Alcoholism
CHAP 8: Of Sweet Poisons: Sugar & Aspartame
CHAP 9: BRAIN FAVORITISM: The New Addiction Model
CHAP 10:Euthymic & Dysthymic: Brainmark Variations
Monday, January 5, 2009
2009 THE BEGINNING OF LEGITIMACY
2009 IS GOING TO BE THE MOST MEMORABLE YEAR YET FOR LAUNCHING FORENSIC SCIENCE AS FORS FOREVER ACROSS TEXAS. WE ARE ONLY 6 WEEKS AWAY FROM TCCTA CONVERENCE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS. PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING. WE HAVE SO MUCH UP-TO-DATE INFO TO SHARE. HERE'S A FIRST LOOK AT OUR AGENDA
1. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON (UTA) NEW ARTICULATION UPDATE
2. STATUS OF ALL ARTICULATION PARTNERS
3. LAB SEQUENCES FOR FORS 2450: INTRO TO FORENSIC PSYCH
(WITH ADOPTION OF: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DECEPTION:
SEXUAL PREDATORS & FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY (2008)
4. FORS 2440 UPDATE & TEXTBOOK SUGGESTIONS
5. PRESENTATION BY FORENSIC SCIENTIST MICHAEL LYDLE OF UT BROWNSVILLE
6. EXTENDED Q & A BY DON JACOBS, ARCHITECT OF THE FORS RUBRIC
ALL FOR NOW..SEND QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS TO djacobs@wc.edu
Watch my FORS FOREVER BLOG FOR WEEKLY UPDATES...
see you in Austin...djacobs
Saturday, November 22, 2008
FORS "AUTOPSY" SESSIONS
FORS ACADEMIC "AUTOPSY" SESSIONS
Time is fleeting for FS registration for Spring Semester!
Since the Greek word autopsÃa means "seeing with one's own eyes," why not consider presenting a FORS academic autopsy session PRIOR to final exam week? This brief, informative session--about an hour or so--can really boost your enrollments for Spring as students will have time to register prior to the Christmas holiday break.
Interdisciplinary colleagues can alert students now taking anthropology, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, forensic science, & psychology how FORS LABS can add a diminsion to their degree plans never before available. Since our labs are now approved courses for ALL 50 Community Colleges in Texas, universities will accept the labs as electives, or in cases of articulation agreements, as core required courses.
FS academic autopy dates can be announced beginning Monday, November 24th & Tuesday, November 25 before the Thanksgiving break for days & times offered upon returning to classes THE WEEK PRIOR to final exams. Or, on the last day of class for FALL semester, professors can provide the same information for those interested.
AT THE LEAST, short slideshows can be made to show students overviews of FORS 2440 & FORS 2450. I will share my marketing slideshows with colleagues who make requests via email at djacobs@wc.edu
I was honored to present ways to teach FORS 2450: Intro to Forensic Psychology at a recent student mini-conference (my term is FORS academic "autopsy") at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Texas (near Dallas). For the 40 or so students in attendance, I showed how YOUTUBE, CORBIS.COM, & BRAIN MAPS could be intergrated into FORS 2450, in what is essentially a BRAIN COURSE highlighting FORENSIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY joined to hip of violent crime & the legal system. For psychology colleagues, seeking to teach their first FORS LAB, the FORS academic autospy idea will be extremely helpful in planning your first pedagogical entre into this fascinating field.
My colleague Boyd Norton of Cedar Valley presented a very informative overview of FORS 2440--the CSI LAB. Of note, Cedar Valley is building a state-of-the-art biology building with a dedicated FORS laboratory. Executive Dean, Jenny Pollard & her colleagues should be congratulated for innovation & committment to FS in Texas. A similar lab is planned for our colleages at McClennan Community College. Without doubt, FORS colleagues have come a long way since our first meeting at TCCTA in Feburary, 2004.
Please email me (djacobs@wc.edu) for availability in presenting alternative ways to present FORS 2450 at your own FORS academic autopsy sessions, hopefully prior the holidays. A boost in enrollment is our goal!
All for now, djacobs
"FORS FOREVER IS DEDICATED TO PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION IN LAB SCIENCES "
Monday, October 27, 2008
STOP THE SPRING SCHEDULE OF CLASSES!!!
As with any NEW program, there will be glitches until we find smooth sailing. According to Dr. James Goeman's email today (OCT 27, 2008) and confirmed by Brenda Berry of the Texas Co-Board this same afternoon, the 3-hour versions of BOTH FORS 2440 & FORS 2450 are NOT permissible. This is a reversal from the information I had earlier received. This makes perfect sense, however, as Forensic Science is based upon lab experience. So, a 2 and 1/2 hour lab should be offered 1 day a week for any spring offerings.
To be able to offer a "3-hour version," (as a purely academic course without the lab), it would need to go through the SPECIAL NEEDS avenue first. Again, my apologies as this information just came my way TODAY--OCT 27, 2008.
To be able to offer a "3-hour version," (as a purely academic course without the lab), it would need to go through the SPECIAL NEEDS avenue first. Again, my apologies as this information just came my way TODAY--OCT 27, 2008.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
TRACKS UPON WHICH THE FORS RUBRIC BEST RUNS
As colleagues across the State start the exciting process of which degree of Forensic Science emphasis would be the best to initiate on their campuses, the following RESEARCH may be helpful.
THE AA DEGREE
Back in Spring 2004, when Weatherford College colleague Erin Mackenzie (Biology) and I (Don Jacobs, Psychology) began a dialog of choice ourselves we had just completed a week-long investigation into PROS and CONS of ALL potential FS degree emphasis; we decide upon the AA pathway because:
open doors for top students and, may in fact, pave the way for obtaining a Masters Degree via tuition reimbursement. While committed to a Bachelor's degree more doors open most importantly the highly coveted INTERNSHIP.
For example, my former teaching assistant in forensic science at Weatherford College, Ashleigh Portales, provides a helpful model student for this career path philosophy. Now in her senior year at UTA, Ashleigh obtained an Internship with a local police department in Dallas County. (Ashleigh met this individual who offered her the Internship at one of our Forensic Science conferences--an absolute requirement for successful programs at all levels I will soon address). Ashley has excelled as a civilian CSI in her first and only Internship. Factoring in her academic course work at WC & UTA combined with her timely Internship, Ashleigh has been offered full time employment as a civilian CSI (non-police officer status) upon graduation in May. She represents the best case scenario we had in mind way back in 2004 when we chose the AA degree. The AA articulates well with UTA interdisciplinary degree (BSIS). My student will make in the vicinity of 50K in her first job.
THE AS DEGREE
Some of our colleagues across the State have chosen the AS degree, a natural choice for students seeking Criminalistics laboratory exposure with focused and indepth course of study in the natural sciences enhanced by additional math. For example, students can graduate with 16 hours of natural science, plus an additional 6 hours of required math.
The AS degree leads predictably into university BS degrees in forensic chemistry. In fact, one of our senior advisors, Dr. Artur Isenberg of The UNT Health Science Center offers a Masters in Forensic Chemistry at UNT Fort Worth characterized by a 100% placement rate. Recall that this degree allows for only 1 elective; therefore the AS is more of a vertical degree--focused upon more indepth knowledge in the natural sciences, in contrast to the horizontal AA degree that stretches ACROSS DISCIPLINES.
THE AAS DEGREE
Some of our colleagues have chosen the AAS degree that focuses upon occupational competencies such as crime scene investigation (CSI) preparation within, for example, the Criminal Justice AAS degree. Courses such as Crime Scene Investigation (CRIJ 2401) would be the focus of this pathway along with other workforce-type courses. As many vocational courses are termed "workforce preparatory courses" or WECM courses , described in the Workforce Education Manual of the Texas Coordinating Board of approved courses, they are by nature NOT academic transfer courses listed in the ACGM--Academic Course Guide Manual. (All of our graduates are told upfront the value of obtaining a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Forensic Science.) Therefore, for program chairs offering a FORS AAS degree requires taking stock of placement rates upon graduation and other criteria associated with WECM for continuation of this degree pathway making the FORS AAS degree not better or worse than the AA or AS just DIFFERENT.
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Yet another pathway for Forensic Science preparation exists with a Certification program. As I am less familiar with this path than all others, I would ask that colleagues across the state who are offering this pathway, please educate me on the PROS & CONS by sending me an email (djacobs@wc.edu) so I may have this helpful information.
FORENSIC SCIENCE CONFERENCES
I have found that well planned Forensic Science conferences to be almost a NECESSITY to marketing ALL FORS programs. The "conference experience" brings communities together via law enforcement, nurses, and other practitioners into the orbit of education by offering meaningful CEU accreditation. There exists many ways and venues for this to occur during the long semesters. I strongly urge SPRING (March, April, & May) conferences. This timeline allows conference preparation in the fall by lining up vendors, speakers, and other attractions.
My duties at WC have precluded me from participating in conferences during the week, as weekends (especially Saturday), are the only open times for me. However, I can offer a bit of wisdom to those who can be more actively involved in their own conference presentations. Please let me know if your campus would be interested in how a conference might become part of your FORS marketing plan. My email address is djacobs@wc.edu or phone at 817-598-6431.
Please make plans to met me and other FORS colleagues across the State at our TCCTA conference in Austin this year.....We have two vital breakout sessions with all the latest updates
All for now, but as always, more EACH MONTH...check around the 10th of each month for THE LATEST NEWS...djacobs
THE AA DEGREE
Back in Spring 2004, when Weatherford College colleague Erin Mackenzie (Biology) and I (Don Jacobs, Psychology) began a dialog of choice ourselves we had just completed a week-long investigation into PROS and CONS of ALL potential FS degree emphasis; we decide upon the AA pathway because:
- We absolutely felt (and still do) that FORS courses are academic transfer courses that must articulate into university interdisciplinary Bachelor's degrees. As Forensic Science has, by its nature and practice, an interdisciplinary pedigree (biology, chemistry, physics & psychology & anthropology & criminal justice, ETC) students require horizontal course offerings--courses with great breadth of understanding--BOTH at the 2-year level and including the Bachelor's degree in many cases...
- After careful analysis of both the AS (Associate of Science) and AA (Associate of Arts) degree requirements, the AA path offered 5 electives instead of only 1 elective for the AS degree. Five electives allow program chairs to insert into the degree pathway the courses that represent the all-important eclectic interdisciplinary sciences (in our view). In the path, students could choose any 5 the following:
- PSYC 2302 Applied Psych: Intro to Criminal Psychology
- PSYC 2389 Academic Cooperative: Clinical Psychology
- PSYC 2307 Adolescent Psychology I: The Adolescent Brain
- CRIJ 2314 Criminal Investigation
- CRIJ 1310 Criminal Law
- ANTH 2389: Forensic Anthropology
- ANTH 2301: Physical Anthropology (with Osteology)
open doors for top students and, may in fact, pave the way for obtaining a Masters Degree via tuition reimbursement. While committed to a Bachelor's degree more doors open most importantly the highly coveted INTERNSHIP.
For example, my former teaching assistant in forensic science at Weatherford College, Ashleigh Portales, provides a helpful model student for this career path philosophy. Now in her senior year at UTA, Ashleigh obtained an Internship with a local police department in Dallas County. (Ashleigh met this individual who offered her the Internship at one of our Forensic Science conferences--an absolute requirement for successful programs at all levels I will soon address). Ashley has excelled as a civilian CSI in her first and only Internship. Factoring in her academic course work at WC & UTA combined with her timely Internship, Ashleigh has been offered full time employment as a civilian CSI (non-police officer status) upon graduation in May. She represents the best case scenario we had in mind way back in 2004 when we chose the AA degree. The AA articulates well with UTA interdisciplinary degree (BSIS). My student will make in the vicinity of 50K in her first job.
THE AS DEGREE
Some of our colleagues across the State have chosen the AS degree, a natural choice for students seeking Criminalistics laboratory exposure with focused and indepth course of study in the natural sciences enhanced by additional math. For example, students can graduate with 16 hours of natural science, plus an additional 6 hours of required math.
The AS degree leads predictably into university BS degrees in forensic chemistry. In fact, one of our senior advisors, Dr. Artur Isenberg of The UNT Health Science Center offers a Masters in Forensic Chemistry at UNT Fort Worth characterized by a 100% placement rate. Recall that this degree allows for only 1 elective; therefore the AS is more of a vertical degree--focused upon more indepth knowledge in the natural sciences, in contrast to the horizontal AA degree that stretches ACROSS DISCIPLINES.
THE AAS DEGREE
Some of our colleagues have chosen the AAS degree that focuses upon occupational competencies such as crime scene investigation (CSI) preparation within, for example, the Criminal Justice AAS degree. Courses such as Crime Scene Investigation (CRIJ 2401) would be the focus of this pathway along with other workforce-type courses. As many vocational courses are termed "workforce preparatory courses" or WECM courses , described in the Workforce Education Manual of the Texas Coordinating Board of approved courses, they are by nature NOT academic transfer courses listed in the ACGM--Academic Course Guide Manual. (All of our graduates are told upfront the value of obtaining a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Forensic Science.) Therefore, for program chairs offering a FORS AAS degree requires taking stock of placement rates upon graduation and other criteria associated with WECM for continuation of this degree pathway making the FORS AAS degree not better or worse than the AA or AS just DIFFERENT.
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Yet another pathway for Forensic Science preparation exists with a Certification program. As I am less familiar with this path than all others, I would ask that colleagues across the state who are offering this pathway, please educate me on the PROS & CONS by sending me an email (djacobs@wc.edu) so I may have this helpful information.
FORENSIC SCIENCE CONFERENCES
I have found that well planned Forensic Science conferences to be almost a NECESSITY to marketing ALL FORS programs. The "conference experience" brings communities together via law enforcement, nurses, and other practitioners into the orbit of education by offering meaningful CEU accreditation. There exists many ways and venues for this to occur during the long semesters. I strongly urge SPRING (March, April, & May) conferences. This timeline allows conference preparation in the fall by lining up vendors, speakers, and other attractions.
My duties at WC have precluded me from participating in conferences during the week, as weekends (especially Saturday), are the only open times for me. However, I can offer a bit of wisdom to those who can be more actively involved in their own conference presentations. Please let me know if your campus would be interested in how a conference might become part of your FORS marketing plan. My email address is djacobs@wc.edu or phone at 817-598-6431.
Please make plans to met me and other FORS colleagues across the State at our TCCTA conference in Austin this year.....We have two vital breakout sessions with all the latest updates
All for now, but as always, more EACH MONTH...check around the 10th of each month for THE LATEST NEWS...djacobs
Thursday, October 9, 2008
MOST UP TO DATE FORS INFO BLOG IN TEXAS
FORS Update for Colleagues Across the State (OCTOBER 10, 2008)
- As FS colleagues know, FORS is the ultimate INTERDISCIPLINARY course of study at the 2-year & at the Bachelor's levels. Anthropology, Criminal Justice, & Psychology (for sure) comprise academic disciplines along with NATURAL LAB SCIENCES (BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY ). So, until I can arrange for a University Center of Forensic Science in Texas, we can choose to CROSS LIST FORS 2340--Introduction to Forensic Science (or 2440 with CSI lab) as CRIJ 2340; FORS 2350--Introduction to Forensic Psycholgoy (2450 with lab) as PSYC 2350.
- This strategy will allow CJ instructors and Psych instructors to teach the respective FORS courses.
- Temporarily, cross-listing will fly with SACS, but only until we get too popular (certainly within 3-5 years). At that point, they will make an argument that 18 graduate hours in FORS is required to teach ALL FORS courses. We will have some lead time in this predictable eventuality.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
