PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Criminology

COURSE CODE Criminalistics 3

COURSE TITLE Forensic Ballistics
COURSE COMPONENT Professional Course (Major Course)
PRE-REQUISITE Criminalistics 1-2
CREDIT 3 units
TIME ALLOTMENT 3 hrs./week (54 hours)
TERM 1st Semester
OUTCOMES-BASED COURSE SYLLABUS

I. VISION OF TMC: A model institution with fully developed technical vocational education
and skills of manpower with positive work attitudes anchored in the Core values of
Professionalism and Leadership essential in the creation of self – reliant citizens.

II. MISSION OF TMC: To build well – trained professionals, competent and employable that
will meet the demands in the local and international work places.

III. INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

After going through with the course standards and policies of Trinidad Municipal College, the
students shall be able to:

1. Practice professional and ethical standards sensitive to the local, national and global realities;
2. Manifest commitment and demonstrate service orientation in their respective fields or professions;
3. Are qualified for various type of employment and participate in development activities and public
discourses, particularly in response to the needs of the communities they serve;
4. Contribute to the generation of new knowledge by participating in various research and
development projects;
5. Pursue lifelong learning for personal and professional growth through varied experiential and field-
based opportunities; and
6. Preserve and promote “Filipino Historical and Cultural Heritage based on RA 7722.”

IV. PROGRAM GOALS:

The program aims to:

a. Encourage research and inquiry on the nature, causes, treatment or punishment of criminal
behavior and how criminal justice agencies function and respond to crime, criminals and victims.
b. Prepare the students for careers in crime prevention, law enforcement, scientific crime
detection, correctional administration, public safety and allied fields;
c. Foster the values of leadership, integrity, accountability and responsibility while serving their
fellowmen, community and country.

V. PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Students in the discipline must exhibit the following competencies at the end of the
undergraduate program. Graduates should be able to:

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. Conduct criminological research ad further studies
g. Ensure public safety and order maintenance
h. Prevent, suppress and control crime
i. Investigate and detect crime
j. Enforce laws, rules and regulations
k. Protect lives and properties
l. Conduct criminological research on crimes, crime causation, victims, and offenders to include
deviant behavior;
m. Internalize the concepts of human rights and victims welfare
n. Demonstrate competence and broad understanding in law enforcement administration, public
safety and criminal justice;
o. Utilize criminalistics or forensic science in the investigation and detection of crime;
p. Apply the principles and jurisprudence of criminal law, evidence and criminal procedure;
q. Ensure offenders’ welfare and development for their re-integration to the community.

VI. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, the students are able to:

a. Formulate an idea on how offer evidence in court.

b Internalize the concepts of admissibility of evidence
c. Demonstrate competence and broad understanding in the presentation of evidence;

VII. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the semester, a student completing this course should be able:

 Understand the fundamentals and history of Firearms identification

 Discuss various methods in identifying branches of forensic ballistics
 Describe the field investigation and firearm evidences
 Conceptualize how documentary and physical evidences of firearm identification
 Understand the rationale for various proceedings on firearm identification

VIII. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course involves a scientific study of firearm identification with the use of laboratory
examination. The subject gives emphasis on the study of ammunitions, projectiles, gun powder,
primer and explosives including the use of the bullet comparison microscope. It also deals with
the principles in the microscopic examination of firearm evidences and the preparation of
reports for legal proceedings in the solution of cases involving firearms.

1X. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

 1. Attendance in all class activities
2. Active participation in class activities/deliberations
3. Shall take and pass quizzes
4. Participation in individual/group activities
5. Submission of term project
6. Shall take and pass major examinations (prelim, midterm, semi-finals and finals
7. The students are required to attend classes and only allowed absences from class to 20%
of prescribed number of class periods, except of any circumstances.
8. Students should take Quizzes and every Major Examinations as prescribed.

I. GRADING SYSTEM

In general, the College applies numerical grading system in rating the academic performance
of the students. This numerical grading system has corresponding indication and percentage
equivalent, as follows:

Adjectival Rating Numerical Rating Percentage

Excellent 1.00 - 1.09 95 - 100%
Very Good 1.10 - 1.50 90 - 94%
Good 1.51 - 2.50 80 - 89%
Passed 2.51 - 3.00 75 - 79%
Failed 3.01 - 5.00 Below 74%

OTHER GRADING OPTIONS ARE THE FOLLOWING:

W – Withdraw
DR – Dropped
NG – No Grade

Grades are computed based on classroom performance that includes:

HIGHEST RATINGS
CRITERIA PRELIM MID- SEMI- FINAL
TERM FINAL
Attendance – 10% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Class Participation – 10% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Quizzes – 15% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Individual/Group Activities-10% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Term Project – 15% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Major Written Examinations – 40% 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

In general, the College sets 50% in any test / examinations of the total raw score as the
passing mark.

II. CLASSROOM REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

1. Student Attendance and Absences

a. Regardless of a disability, all students are responsible for fulfilling the essential
requirements of courses/programs/degrees, including attendance expectations.
b. No one is allowed to attend a class unless officially enrolled on a credit or non-credit
basis with the appropriate fees paid. Students who attend, participate and strive to
complete course requirements without formal enrolment will not receive credit for
their work.
c. In compliance with the College regulations governing class attendance, students who
stop attending the class for at least twenty percent (20%) of the required number of
class hours for classroom and laboratory instruction in a semester without justifiable
reasons or who have never attended class will be dropped from the class.
(Attendance is defined as physical attendance, participation or presence in an
academically related activity such as submission of an assignment (e.g., homework,
research paper), quiz/ examination, or participation in group activities.)
d. Severe consequences on students who miss term exams without a "satisfactory
explanation" shall be imposed, namely, a failing grade in the course. To avoid such
dire action, the policy instructs students "unable to take major examinations because
of illness or other reasons over which they have no control" to notify the instructor
immediately. Students should be prepared to document their illness or the extenuating
circumstances that caused them to miss the exam.
e. Students are excused from classes to participate in college-approved events or
competitions. Before missing classes, the participants must present their instructors
with a letter signed by both the College Administrator and the faculty adviser/coach of
the student. These letters confirm the dates and locations of the events. An
excuseabsence does not excuse students from completing course work missed during
their absences.
f. The College physician will provide students with a medical excuse only if the student's
illness warrants such action. If a student is examined by a physician during the time
he/she is ill, the physician will decide at that time if the student is too ill to attend
classes. If an excuse is warranted, the physician will specify this on a medical
certificate, which the student will receive and shown to the instructor upon their
entrance to the class.
g. Students who face emergencies, such as a death in the family, serious illness of a
family member, court appearances, hazardous weather that makes attendance
impossible or other situations beyond their control that preclude class attendance
should notify their instructors immediately to be excused from their class.
h. Students without notifications of absence or excuse letters will not be allowed to have
make-up course work such as quiz, but will be allowed to take midterm and/or final
examinations.
i. The standards of student attendance shall be strictly adhered to by faculty members
to prevent the giving of academic credits to students who do not meet the minimum
requirements.
j. Students who are absent for whatever reason are taken against them, whether they
are excused or not. Thus, absence is recorded as such for record’s purposes.
k. Habitual absenteeism shall be reported by the faculty to the Guidance Counselor who
will then conduct counseling on the concerned student. The Guidance Counselor may
call upon the concerned student and/or his/her parents or guardians for a conference.
 l. A student who arrives within the first ten (10) minutes of the class period shall be
marked late; otherwise, he/she will be marked absent even though he is allowed to
join the class for the remainder of the period.
m. If a student is habitually late, the faculty shall refer said student to the Guidance
Counselor for counseling.
n. A student who leaves the class after the roll call and never returns toward the end of
the period shall be considered absent.
o. Time lost due to late enrolment shall be considered time lost by absence.
2. Class Meetings and Dismissal of Classes

a. Faculty members should observe punctuality in conducting their respective classes.

The faculty should be in his class before the said class.
b. Faculty members are required to begin their respective classes promptly.
c. Faculty members should dismiss their classes five (5) minutes before the end of each
period to allow the students to move and transfer to their next class.
d. No one is allowed to disrupt the class by calling on the faculty or any student during
class hours without an official locator slip issued by the Dean/Head of the concerned
faculty or student.
e. Faculty shall stay in the classroom and conduct classes during the entire period.
3. Classroom Discipline

a. Faculty members are persons in authority and shall have the right to discipline
students who commit infractions such as cheating, shouting, and making unnecessary
noise, using vulgar language, impolite and other unacceptable behaviors as provided
for in the Student Manual. No faculty, however, shall inflict corporal punishment on
offending students nor shall he/she make deductions in the students’ scholastic ratings
for acts that are clearly not manifestations of poor scholarship.
b. Faculty members shall discourage disruptive student behavior and strictly ban
indiscriminate use of cell phones and other electronic devices inside the classroom.
c. Faculty members shall ensure that students are doing meaningful tasks inside the
classroom during their vacant periods.
d. Faculty members shall ensure cleanliness inside the classroom and its vicinity.
Chalkboards shall be cleaned before leaving the classroom. Chairs and tables shall be
arranged. Lights shall be switched off.
4. Use of Electronics Devices in the Classroom

Electronic devices such as cellphones may be used in the class under the direction of the
instructor for instructional purposes or otherwise directed at the discretion of the
instructor. Students who use their devices for non-instructional purposes will be directed
to put the device away; failure to do so will be considered insubordination and referred to
school administration.
5. Class Participation and Behavior

1. Class participation is a very important part of the learning process in this course.
Students will be evaluated on the quality of their contributions and insights.
2. Any form of cheating will immediately earn you a failing grade.
 3. Students are required to adhere to the behavior standards and to refrain from
disrupting classes.
4. If a student is disruptive, the faculty member may ask the student to stop the
disruptive behavior and warn the student that such disruptive behavior can result in
academic or disciplinary action.

Students’ performance will be rated on the basis of the following:

Attendance -10%
Class participation -10%
Individual and Group Activities -10%
Quizzes -15%
Term Project -15%
Major Examination -40%
Total 100%
X. CLASS POLICIES
a. When late, proper decorum is advised
b. No Cellphones are allowed inside the classroom unless prescribed by the instructor
c. Observe Courtesy and Discipline
d. No complete uniform, not allowed to join the class except wash day
e. No talking while Instructor is in the course of discussion except for related questions and
interactions.

XI. LEARNING PLAN

DESIRED CONTENTS/ OUTCOMES- ASSESSME RESOURCES TIMETABLE

LEARNING TOPICS BASED NT OF
OUTCOMES TEACHING LEARNING WEEKS TERM
(DLO) LEARNING OUTCOMES
(OBTL)
Introduction to Firearms Lecture/Discussion Weekly check- Books Week PRELIM
Know the and Toolmarks up test 1
Scenario-thinking Gadgets:
definition, history identification Oral
and branches of Case Analysis examination Laptop
firearms and tool History and
marks development of firearms Chapter Test Power point
Group Activity Presentation
identification and tool mark
.
identification Multi-media
Presentation
Branches of
Internet
Ballistics Sources:

Stages of
Firearms and Tool
Marks investigation Major Week
examination 2
 Firearms Week
3
Introduction
History and
development of firearms
The firing train
Classification of
firearms
Parts and Functions Week
Firearms safety 4
Assembly and
Disassembly of Firearms

Ammunitions

Components of Ammunition
Projectiles
Cartridge
Primer
Propellant

 Conduct of Field Investigations of Lecture/Discussion Weekly check- Books Week

up test Power point 5
Different firearms and fired
Scenario-thinking Presentation
Methods evidences Oral
of search Role Playing examination Multi-media
for Presentation
Case Analysis Group Activity
firearms Chapter Test Internet sources
and fired
evidence Week
as part 6
police
investigati
on
procedure

Weekly check- Week MIDTER

M
Scenario-thinking up test Books 7
Learn how Firearms
firearms are made Characteristics Role Playing Oral Power point Week
and how this examination Presentation 8
Introduction
Case Analysis
affects firearms Manufacturing of Group Activity Multi-media Week
characteristics barrel Think-Pair-Share Chapter Test Presentation 9
Manufacturing
Internet sources Week
of Breech face 10
Marks on Fired
Bullets
Marks found on Major
examination
Marked Shells Week
Types of 11
Firearm
Characteristics

Gain Familiarity
on different Firearms and Tool
scientific Marks Laboratory
equipment as aids
of firearms and
tool marks Technical examination
of Firearms and Fired
examiner in the
Evidence
quest for
successful
investigation of
cases involving
firearms
 Lecture/Discussion Weekly check- Books Week SEMI
up test 12 FINALS
Gain basic Tool marks
Scenario-thinking Power point
knowledge on tool identification Oral Presentation Week
marks and Introduction Role Playing examination 13
investigation and Tool marks Multi-media
identification characteristics Case Analysis Group Activity Presentation Week
14
Residue from softer Think-Pair-Share Chapter Test Internet sources
object tool Week
Types of tool marks Major 15
Collection of tool Examinations
marks
Learn to write an
examination Firearms and
report to toolmarks
communicate the examination writing
firearms and tool
marks examiners Preparation of report
Purposes of writing an
in finding
investigative report

Mechanics of a good report

Important principles in
reporting

Lecture/Discussion Weekly check- Books Week FINALS

Legal Proceedings up test 16

Scenario-thinking Power point
To be familiar
Oral Presentation Week
with the possible Firearms and Role Playing examination 17
questions that toolmarks examiner Multi-media
may be asked on as an expert witness Group Activity Presentation Week
firearms and tool 18
Internet sources
marks examiner Guide questions in
the moment he qualifying firearms
appears in court and tool marks expert
as an expert witness
witness
 Laws on Firearms Case Analysis Chapter Test Week
19
Think-Pair-Share
Week
Jurisprudence on 20
Firearms and tool
marks identification Major
examination Week
21

III. REFERENCE:

FORENSIC_BALLISTICS GUIDE FOR CRIMINAL LAWYERS, POLICE OFFICERS, STUDENTS AND

REVIEWEES , by ZOSIMO A. DOYUGAN , 2011

Prepared by: Recommending Approval: Approved by:

PMAJ CHRISTOPHER RAS FERNANDEZ RCrim MARIANITA B ACUNA RCrim, PH.D. JUDITH DEL ROSARIO - CAJES
Faculty Dean College of Criminology College Administrator