This course opens with an exciting mock crime scene. Students investigate and collect trace evidence using the scientific inquiry method. Students will learn how to lift latent fingerprints and shoeprints, examine different toolmark impression evidence, examine microscopic fiber as well as human and animal hair evidence. These student investigations will aid in discovering “who dun-it” in the commission of this mock crime. In addition, DNA lab testing results will present lively discussion opportunities used in the genetic analysis of evidence discovered. Students will also conduct close examinations of handwriting analysis in scene documents to help narrow their search for the perpetrator of this crime. Students will traverse through this course by uncovering one clue at a time and studying the forensic science analysis methods used to unveil suspects in the case.

None.

1/2 Credit

None

Unit I: Documenting the Crime Scene

• Securing the crime scene
• Crime scene photography, sketches and notes

Unit II: Chemical Analysis

• Chemical properties
• Chemical bonds
• Acid-base chemistry including beverage chemistry

Unit III: DNA

• Structure and properties of DNA
• Mitochondrial DNA
• DNA as evidence
• Controversy surrounding DNA databases

Unit IV: Fingerprints

• History of fingerprint analysis
• Types of fingerprints
• Fingerprint identification
• Various methods of collecting fingerprint evidence

Unit V: Soil

• Types of soil
• Soil analysis
• Types of microscopy
• Collecting soil evidence

Unit VI: Questioned Documents

• History of paper
• History of ink
• Handwriting analysis
• Types of questioned documents
• Questioned documents as evidence

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