CJFS 3600 - Forensic Chemical Microscopy

Goals: To develop knowledge of the principles and methods of handling, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence.

Content: Forensic microscopy: using stereo, brightfield, and polarized light microscopy to examine and compare hairs, fibers, glass, drugs and other evidence using refractive index, birefringence, microcrystal morphology and other techniques. Forensic chemistry: the principles of and methods for the analysis of drugs, fire debris, inks and paints, glass, paper, fibers, polymers, and other evidence. Forensic toxicology: pharmacology and interpretation of drugs in human specimens. Ethics in the forensic sciences: quality in the forensic science laboratory; the responsibilities of forensic scientists; and expert testimony.

Taught: Annually, spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 3460 and CJFS 3400

Corequisite: CJFS 3600 - LAB: Forensic Chemical Microscopy

Credits: 4