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Forensic Science

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WEEK 1- INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
Quote
"Every contact leaves a trace."
- Edmond Locard (1877 - 1966)
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. Define 'Forensic Science'; 2. Explain the limits of Forensic Science; 3. Identify the types of forensic work; 4. Describe Locard's Exchange Principle; 5. Differentiate Reconstruction & Re-enactment.
Synopsis
To illustrate the scope and diversity of Forensic Science, place it in its legal context, and describe the various types of forensic work. There will also be a discussion of Comparison leading to Association, Reconstruction versus Re-enactment, Locard's Exchange Principle, and the limits of Forensic Science. Various case studies will also be analysed throughout the lecture.
Case Studies
Felicia Lee; Walter Dinivan; Madam Jetkor Miang Singh; Roberto Calvi; Buck Ruxton & the Jigsaw Murders; Acid Bath Haigh; 2005 London Bombings; "Brides in the Bath"; Gareth Williams; The Woodchipper Murder

WEEK 2- CHEMICAL ANALYSIS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
Quote
"Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea"
The act is not culpable unless the mind is also guilty.
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
2A. Atomic Structure & Spectroscopy 1. Explain the structure of the atom and Bohr's model; 2. Differentiate between emission and absorption spectroscopy; 3. Explain the chemistry behind EDX and SEM-EDX; 4. Explain the chemistry in NAA;
2B. Molecular Spectroscopy & Chromatography 1. Apply the principles of chromatography; 2. Describe the methods used in the analysis of compounds; 3. Explain the chemistry behind the methods for the analysis of compounds; 4. Identify which method is more effective for the analysis of compounds.
Synopsis
An introduction to spectroscopy and the structure of atoms. The comparisons between elemental analysis and the analysis of compounds will be discussed. Several case studies will be reviewed to enhance learners' understanding of the application of chemical analysis in the area of Forensic Science.
Case Studies
Napoleon; JFK Assassination; "Adam"

WEEK 3- TIME OF DEATH; BLOOD
Quote
"Death may be the greatest of all human blessings."
- Socrates (469 - 399 BC)
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
3A. Time of Death 1. Differentiate Algor Mortis, Rigor Mortis, and Livor Mortis; 2. Illustrate how circumstantial evidence can be useful; 3. Describe the states of putrefaction; 4. Explain how forensic entomology can help determine time of death; 5. Summarize the techniques used for dating old bones;
3B. Blood 1. Explain blood biochemistry and blood typing; 2. Describe the methods used in the identification and individualisation of blood; 3. Identify the various blood spatter patterns; 4. Conduct blood spatter analysis to find the source of blood and reconstruct past events.
Synopsis
3A. Time of Death
Physiological changes in the body after death will be surveyed, and concepts such as Algor Mortis, Rigor Mortis, and Livor Mortis will be introduced. There will also be a discussion on putrefaction and how forensic entomology can be applied to forensic science. Techniques used for dating fresh and old bones will be examined. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the application of the techniques and concepts taught in this lecture.
3B. Blood
Blood chemistry and the scientific basis of blood typing will be discussed. There will also be a review of the tests which can be carried out to identify and individualise blood. Blood spatter patterns and the deduction of information from the types of spatter patterns will be examined. Several case studies will be used to illustrate the concepts and techniques taught in the lecture.
Case Studies
Peter Thomas; Danielle van Dam; Piltdown Man; Peter Reyn-Bardt; The Bog People - Grauballe Man & Lindow Man; Ötzi; Christopher Nudds; Lord Lucan

WEEK 4- DNA

Quote
"Much like fingerprints, every human being's DNA is unique to them - a fact which has revolutionised forensic science."
- Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, Professor of Genetics at Leicester University, pioneer of genetic fingerprinting and DNA profiling.
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. Describe the nature of DNA; 2. List the various techniques used in DNA profiling; 3. Explain how DNA technology is used in paternity and maternity testing; 4. Summarize how DNA technology has facilitated police work.
Synopsis
An introduction to DNA and the techniques used in DNA fingerprinting, including Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Gel Electrophoresis and Capillary Gel Electrophoresis. There will also be a discussion of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which allows very small traces of DNA to be multiplied. Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) will be introduced, and there will be a review of how STRs can be used in paternity and maternity testing when combined with capillary gel electrophoresis. Comparisons of nuclear DNA with mitochondrial DNA will also be carried out. Several cold cases and how they were solved using DNA technology and DNA databases will be examined. There will also be case studies throughout the lecture to illustrate the techniques and concepts taught.
Case Studies
Colin Pitchfork; Lesley Molseed; Yorkshire Ripper; the Romanovs; Maricopa, Arizona, 1992; Peter Falconio & Joanne Lees

WEEK 5- Fingerprinting; Polymers & Fibres; Firearms
Quote
"Fingerprints can not lie, but liars can make fingerprints."
- Paraphrase of an Old Proverb, reproduced in the "Journal of Forensic Sciences" Vol. 44, No. 5, September 1999, on page 963, at the top of the paper "A chronological Review of Fingerprint Forgery" by B. Geller et al.
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
5A. Fingerprinting 1. Summarize the history of Fingerprinting; 2. Explain the theory behind Fingerprinting; 3. Explain the principles of Fingerprinting; 4. Identify the various fingerprint patterns; 5. Describe the methods used to visualise fingerprints;
5B. Polymers & Fibres 1. Define "Polymer"; 2. Explain the methods used to identify fibres and dyes; 3. Identify synthetic and natural polymers; 4. Describe the phases of hair growth; 5. Describe how hair analysis helps to identify species and individuals;
5C. Firearms 1. Define internal, external & terminal ballistics; 2. Explain comparison microscopy - bullet striations & firing pin impressions; 3. Describe the use of GSR.

Synopsis
5A. Fingerprinting
In this lecture, there will be a brief introduction of the history and theory behind fingerprinting. Fingerprinting principles and patterns will also be discussed, and methods of visualization of latent prints will be compared.
5B. Polymers & Fibres
Methods to examine fibres will be reviewed, and there will be comparisons between natural and synthetic polymers and fibres. Hair and analysis of hair will also be discussed, including the use of hair analysis for classification and individualization. Several case studies will also be used to illustrate the application of the concepts taught.
5C. Firearms
Internal ballistics will be focused upon, and muzzle loading and breech loading will be compared. Parts of a bullet and their roles will also be discussed. Firing pin impressions, rifling, and striations as characteristics that allow for individualization will be reviewed. Gunshot residue and how it can be detected will also be taught.
WEEK 6- Narcotics
Case Studies
Brandon Mayfield; Jeffrey MacDonald; Robert Curley; Wayne Williams; Sarah Payne; Jill Dando
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. List the different types of illegal drugs; 2. Describe how illegal drugs can be detected and determined; 3. Explain the techniques used in the detection and determination of illegal drugs.
Synopsis
An introduction to the types of illegal drugs - natural, semi-synthetics, and synthetics. The use and effects of several drugs will be discussed, including cannabis, cocaine, opium, heroin, morphine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), amphetamines, and ketamine. Impurities in illegal drugs as a method to identify the synthetic route used will be explained. There will also be a review of analogs and designer drugs, and measures to control the illegal drugs market. Methods of detection and identification of illegal drugs will also be examined.
WEEK 7- TOXICOLOGY
Quote
"All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy."
- Paracelsus (1493 - 1541)
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. List the different types of poisons and their effects; 2. Describe the modes of actions of different types of poisons; 3. Explain how toxicity is measured using LD50; 4. Explain the factors affecting LD50 results; 5. Illustrate why route of administration is important.
Synopsis
Different types of poisons and their effects on the human body will be examined. Their modes of actions and routes of administration will also be discussed, and the concept of LD50 as a means of measuring toxicity will be introduced. Specific poisons such as arsenic, alcohol and nerve agents will be explained in detail. Paracelsus' concept of poisons and the action of specific poisons will also be reviewed, and various case studies will be used to illustrate the concepts taught in this lecture.
Case Studies
Ameneh Bahrami; Socrates; Augustus; Lakhvinder Cheema; Jennifer Strange; Florence Maybrick; Maine, New England, 2003; Graham Young; Paul Agutter; Georgi Markov; Alexander Litvinenko

WEEK 8- CASE STUDIES
Quote
"The goal of forensic science is to find the scientific facts and the truth. Physical evidences are more persuasive than witnesses. They do not distort the truth. Rather, these facts, present the truth that can bring the guilty to justice and free the innocent."
- Dr. Henry Lee, during a BIO Magazine Interview, "An Interview with Famous Forensic Scientist, Dr. Henry Lee", November 2012
Learning Objective(s)
At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. Apply the concepts and techniques taught in the Introduction to Forensic Science course
Synopsis
This lecture is a collection of case studies, some of which illustrate concepts taught in the previous lectures, and others introducing new topics of interest.
Case Studies
King Richard III; Annie Le; June Anne Devaney; JonBenét Ramsey; the Unabomber; George Metesky; Rachel Nickell; The Soham Murders; Dr. Crippen

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