Introduction to Forensic Science

Information

This module provides an overview of the course structure and introduces the foundational concepts that will be covered throughout the course.

Introduction to Forensic Science

• Week 1 delves into the basic ideas in forensic science, discussing the application and limits of forensic science, as well as Locard's Exchange Principle.
• Explore case studies such as the Roberto Calvi Case and the Buck Ruxton & the Jigsaw Murders Case to understand forensic principles in action.
• Learn about forensic laboratories, reconstruction, and re-enactment techniques.

Chemical Analysis in Forensic Science

• Week 2A focuses on atomic structure and elemental analysis, examining case studies such as the Napoleon Case and JFK Assassination Case.
• Discover the principles of chromatography and its applications in forensic science, along with an exploration of infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Time of Death; Blood

• Week 3A explores recent deaths and the analysis of decomposing bodies, including forensic entomology and skeletal remains.
• Uncover the intricacies of blood analysis, including tests for blood, precipitin technology, and blood spatter analysis.
• Engage with case studies like the Ötzi Case and the Lord Lucan Case to comprehend the significance of blood analysis in forensic investigations.

DNA in Forensics

• Week 4 provides an introduction to DNA and techniques used in DNA profiling, including PCR and short tandem repeats (STR).
• Explore the application of DNA profiling in cold cases and the significance of mitochondrial DNA.
• Engage with case studies such as the Colin Pitchfork Case and the Peter Falconio & Joanne Lees Case to understand the pivotal role of DNA in forensic investigations.

Fingerprinting; Polymers & Fibres; Firearms

• Week 5A delves into the history and principles of fingerprinting, along with visualizing fingerprints.
• Discover the world of polymers, fibers, and hair analysis, exploring case studies such as the Wayne Williams Case and the Sarah Payne Case.
• Engage with the principles of internal ballistics and gun shot residue analysis, understanding their contributions to forensic investigations.

Narcotics

• Week 6 provides insights into types of illegal drugs, including cocaine, opium, morphine, heroin, and synthetic drugs.
• Explore the detection and identification of drugs, engaging with case studies such as the "The Sturgkh Assassination" in Ruritania to comprehend the complexities of narcotics analysis.

Toxicology

• Week 7 introduces the field of toxicology, exploring deliberate and accidental poisoning, toxins, and biological poisons.
• Engage with the analysis of inorganic poisons, alcohol, and nerve agents, delving into case studies such as the Georgi Markov Case and the Alexander Litvinenko Case.

Case Studies

• Week 8 presents compelling case studies, including the King Richard III Case, Annie Le Case, June Devaney Case, and the Unabomber Case.
• Explore the psychological profiling in the Unabomber Case and the application of forensic science in solving complex real-life scenarios.