Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the First Responding Officer at a crime scene?

To collect all types of evidence from the scene

To analyze evidence at the scene

To secure and preserve the crime scene (correct)

To document every detail of the crime scene

Which type of evidence can be identified from botanical remains?

Soil composition

Hair

Pollen (correct)

Gunshot residue

What is the importance of photography at a crime scene?

To deliver evidence to the prosecuting attorney

To provide a digital record of evidence (correct)

To create a visual representation for the jury

To allow witnesses to view the crime scene

Which of the following is a method of evidence collection?

Photographic documentation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of manufactured fiber?

Nylon Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the final assessment does the final test account for?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT listed under methods of assessment?

Peer evaluations Signup and view all the answers

What types of evidence can be identified when analyzing hair samples?

Species of origin and treatment history Signup and view all the answers

Which type of microscope is primarily used for comparing two samples side by side?

Comparison Microscope Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a primary learner outcome for the Unit on Recording a Crime Scene?

Analyze physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which method is crucial for ensuring the integrity of collected evidence?

Chain of custody Signup and view all the answers

Which microscopy technique is best suited for identifying specific chemical compositions in evidence?

Micro spectrophotometer Signup and view all the answers

In evidence collection, what is an essential practice when handling biological evidence?

Using protective universal precautions Signup and view all the answers

What must be done after collecting cadaver evidence in forensic contexts?

Package it according to forensic standards Signup and view all the answers

Which type of photography is NOT typically used in crime scene documentation?

Surveillance photography Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of physical evidence collected at crime scenes?

Glass fragments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of a forensic scientist?

Analyzing evidence from crime scenes Signup and view all the answers

Which forensic specialty focuses on the analysis of skeletal remains?

Forensic Anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What type of death is categorized as a natural cause in a forensic context?

Cardiac arrest Signup and view all the answers

What does forensic toxicology primarily study?

Identification of various drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which process refers to the body temperature changes post-mortem?

Algor mortis Signup and view all the answers

In forensic anthropology, what distinguishes human bone from animal bone?

Size and shape Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of forensic odontology?

Identifying individuals through dental records Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of decay is specifically known as rigor mortis?

Stiffening of the muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the forensic science course described?

Applying scientific knowledge to legal issues Signup and view all the answers

Which skill is essential for forensic scientists when presenting their analysis?

Clearly explaining lab results Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of data collection in forensic science?

Avoiding contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a common responsibility of forensic scientists at a crime scene?

Testifying about their methods and evidence analysis Signup and view all the answers

What should students appreciate regarding evidence presentation?

It requires professional manner and accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of forensic science is emphasized in Unit I of the course?

The organization and functions of crime laboratories Signup and view all the answers

What should students be able to assess regarding forensic science sub-fields?

Their basic components and emerging techniques Signup and view all the answers

How does information technology contribute to forensic science?

By improving data collection and analysis methods Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forensic Science Course Information

Course Name: Forensic Science
Course Code: CJUS1301
Credits: 3
Contact Hours: 75 (45 practical, 30 theory)
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Semester: Not specified
Implementation Date: September 2017

Course Description

Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to civil and criminal cases.
The course is hands-on and practical, exploring forensic methods and techniques.
Students learn to solve legal problems using scientific techniques.
The course emphasizes crime scene evidence collection and lab analysis.
Forensic scientists testify in court about their methods/analysis.
Clear, concise explanations of results in lab reports are crucial.

Course Outcomes

Understand the history and development of forensic science in culture.
Understand roles of professionals at a crime scene, including evidence collection.
Learn proper data collection and interpretation methods, avoiding contamination and maintaining chain of custody.
Presenting evidence professionally.
Apply forensic science principles and concepts.
Research new and emerging trends in forensic science.

Unit I: Introduction to Forensic Sciences

Learner Outcomes: Understand sub-fields, crime lab organization & function role of forensic scientists, use of technology.
Content: Forensic science awareness (branches), crime lab organization, roles and functions of the crime laboratory/forensic scientist, information technology in forensic science.

Unit II: Forensic Psychology

Learner Outcomes: Assessing suspect's mental state at time of crime, evaluate behavioral patterns, analyze modus operandi.
Content: Mental deviance, criminal profiling.

Unit III: Forensic Anthropology

Learner Outcomes: Identify and categorize bones and skeletal remains, diagnose trauma from remains, understand forensic odontology.
Content: Forensic anthropology introduction, bone identification, human vs. animal bones, ancestry determination from remains, trauma assessment from skeletal/dental remains.

Unit IV: Forensic Pathology

Learner Outcomes: Classify types of death in a forensic context, examining bodies/cadavers for decay processes, determine time of death.
Content: Various types of death categorization: natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, autopsy procedures/review of history, stages of decomposition(algor mortis, rigor mortis, livor mortis), forensic entomology.

Unit V: Forensic Toxicology

Learner Outcomes: Understand pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of toxins/drugs, identifying drugs using forensic toxicology techniques
Content: Role of Toxicologist, relevant drug identification techniques, Narcotic drugs, hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, club drugs, anabolic steroids, significance of toxicological findings.

Unit VI: Microscope & Forensic Science

Learner Outcomes: Utilize different types of microscopes to analyze evidence.
Content: Compound microscopy, comparison microscopy, stereoscopic microscopy, polarizing microscopy, micro spectrophotometer and SEM.

Unit VII: Recording a Crime Scene

Learner Outcomes: Photographic documentation of crime scenes, prep of reports and sketches.
Content: Videotaping crime scenes, using contemporary photographic methods and techniques, comprehensive crime scene reports, crime scene sketches, latent print developments.

Unit VIII: Evidence Collection and Chain of Custody

Learner Outcomes: Differentiate types of physical evidence, proper handling and packaging procedures, including in cases of cadavers
Content: Locard's principle, definition of evidence, types of physical evidence, methods of evidence collection/packaging/chain of custody (including decomposed, fresh, land vs water).

Unit IX: Hair and Fiber Evidence

Learner Outcomes: Identify and compare hair and fiber samples, analyze botanical remains.
Content: Hair sample identification and comparison, fiber types, manufactured fiber identification, pollen, seeds, other botanical remains.

Unit X: The Crime Scene

Learner Outcomes: Understand duties of first responders at a crime scene, applying appropriate techniques and standards to properly document the crime scene.
Content: Duties of First Responding Officers (including legal considerations), crime scene procedures, crime scene recording/documentation, photographic evidence and register recording.

Methods of Delivery

Lectures, guest lectures, interviews, research, observation, presentations, experiments, field trips, YouTube video presentations, demonstrations, simulations, case studies.

Methods of Assessment and Evaluation

Coursework: Lab work (30%), test/quizzes (10%)
Final Assessment: Labs (30%), Final Examination (2 hours, 30%)

Recommended Texts

Jackson, A. R.W and Jackson, J.M (2011): Forensic Science (3rd ed)
Saferstein, R. (2013): Criminalistics: Introduction to Forensic Science (10th ed).

Online Resources

Ebscohost Databases, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, The International Association of Law and Forensic Sciences, Wiley Online Library (Journal of Forensic Sciences).

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Description

This quiz evaluates your understanding of the role of first responders, evidence collection methods, and the importance of photography in crime scene investigation. Test your knowledge on various types of evidence and techniques used in forensic science, including microscopy and biological evidence handling.