6935 - Advanced Criminalistics

Course Description

This course is designed to provide an in-depth knowledge of the following eight evidence categories: glass, textile fibres, paint, fire debris, explosives, firearm discharge residues, illicit drugs, and paper, inks and toners. Each stand-alone module introduces the evidence type and its forensic significance, details the relevant distinguishing and discriminating characteristics for the trace material in question, presents the analytical techniques commonly applied in the criminalistics laboratory, and discusses data interpretation and evidential value. The course is unique in terms of its coverage of these trace evidence categories from an operational forensic science perspective.

It is assumed that the student already has a well-developed understanding of chemistry and the various analytical techniques commonly encountered in the criminalistics laboratory.