Students should be able to:

Transcription

1 Introduction to Forensic Science I. Definition and Scope of Forensic Science. A. Define Forensic Science B. Applications of Forensic Science to Criminal Justice History and Development of Forensic Science. A. Early Contributors to Forensic Science 1. Mathieu Orfila 2. Alphonse Bertillon 3. Francis Galton 4. Leone Lattes 5. Calvin Goddard 6. Albert Osborn 7. Walter McCrone 8. Hans Gross 9. Edmond Locard The Orgazation of a Crime Laboratory A. Services of the Crime Laboratory 1. Basic Services 2. Optional Services Scientific Inquiry : Myths and Legends: various cultures attempts to explain natural events. 1. Define forensic science or criminalistics. 2. Recall the major contributors to the development of forensic science. 3. Give examples of typical crime laboratories as they exist on national, state, and local levels of government in the United States. 4. Describe the services of typical comprehensive crime laboratories in the Criminal Justice System. 5. Explain the differences espoused by the Frye and Daubert decisions to the admissibility of scientific evidence in the courtroom. 6. Explain the roles and responsibilities of the expert witness. 7. Review the proper collection and packaging of common types of physical evidence. Functions of the Forensic Scientist A. Analysis of Physical Evidence B. Expert Testimony C. Specialty Services Page 1 of 10

2 The Crime Scene I. Processing the Crime Scene A. Secure and Isolate B. Record the Scene 1. Photography 2. Sketches 3. Notes C. Searching the Crime Scene D. Collecting and Packaging of Evidence 1. Chain of Custody 2. Standard/Reference Samples 3. Crime Scene Safety E. Legal considerations at the crime scene Scientific Inquiry : Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data. Pose questions and state hypothesis based on prior scientific observations, experiments, and knowledge. Design and conduct a scientific investigation. Develop descriptions, explanations, and predictions from scientific evidence. Identify reasons for inconsistent results, such as sources of error or uncontrolled conditions. Communicate and define a scientific argument. Select and use appropriate technology to conduct investigations and communicate about science. 1. Define physical evidence. 2. Discuss the responsibilities of the 1 st responding officer. 3. Explain the steps to be taken for thoroughly recording the crime scene. 4. Describe the proper procedure for conducting a systematic search of a crime scene for physical evidence. 5. Describe the proper techniques for packaging common types of physical evidence. 6. Define Chain of Custody. 7. Discuss the implications of the Mincey and Tyler cases. 1. Conversion between English and Metric Systems 2. Graphing 3. Making and Interpreting Models Page 2 of 10

3 Physical Evidence I. Common types of Physical Evidence A. Blood B. Semen C. Saliva D. Documents E. Drugs F. Explosives G. Hairs H. Fibers I. Fingerprints J. Firearms and Ammunition K. Glass L. Petroleum Products M. Plastic, Rubber, and other Polymers N. Soil and Minerals O. Powder Residues P. Wood and Other Vegetative Matter Significance of Physical Evidence A. Identification vs. Comparison 1. Individual characteristics 2. Class characteristics Chem 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Bio 4.1, List the common types of physical evidence encountered at a crime scene. 2. Explain the differences between the identification and comparison of physical evidence. 3. Define individual and class characteristics. 4. Give examples of physical evidence possessing individual and class characteristics. 5. Discuss the value of class evidence to criminal investigations. 6. Explain the purpose physical evidence plays in reconstructing the events surrounding the commission of a crime. 1. Probability 2. Product Rule/Frequency Calculations 3. Trigonometry (Sine/Cosine Functions) 4. Measuring 5. Basic Algebraic 1.An understanding of the parts and types of microscopes. 2. Basic Algebra 3. An understanding of how to take measurements in both the Metric and English Systems. Crime Scene Reconstruction A. What is Reconstruction? B. When does reconstruction occur? Page 3 of 10

4 Organic Analysis I. Elements & Compounds A. Matter B. Elements C. Compounds D. The Periodic Table E. States of Matter F. Phase Changes Organic Compounds vs. Inorganic Compounds A. Analytical Techniques for analyzing organic compounds 1. Chromatography a. Gas Chromatography b. High Performance Liquid Chromatography c. Thin Layer Chromatography d. Paper Chromatography 2. Electrophoresis 3. Spectrophotometry a. Ultraviolet & Infrared b. Mass Spectrometry Chem 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 4.1 Bio 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 Scientific Inquiry : Construct and use tables and graphs to interpret data. Use the metric/standard international (SI) system. Convert within a unit. Use common prefixes such as milli-, centi-, and kilo-. Measure with accuracy and precision (length, volume, temperature, time, etc.) Use scientific notation, where appropriate. Determine the correct number of significant figures. Determine the percent error from experimental and theoretical values. 1. Define elements and compounds and give examples of each. 2. State the differences between solids, liquids, and gases. 3. Define phase. 4. Distinguish between organic & inorganic compounds. 5. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative analysis 6. Describe the process of chromatography. 7. Describe the parts of a gas chromatograph. 8. Define retention time. 9. Explain the difference between gas chromatography and thin layer chromatography. 10. Define Rf value. 11. Describe electrophoresis. 12. Name the parts of an absorption spectrophotometer. 13. Describe the utility of a UV and IR absorption spectrum for identifying organic compounds. 14. Describe the concept of mass spectroscopy. 15. Describe the significance of a mass spectrum. 1. Multiplication by multiples of Division by multiples of Determining significant figures. 4. Converting into or out of scientific notation. 5. Mathematical operations using significant digits. 6. F = c/λ 7. Division 8. E = hf 9. Beer s Law (A=kc) 10. To develop an appropriate scale to graph the independent and dependent variables on a graph. 11. Selection of appropriate method/s of representation for variables and data collected. 1. wavelength 2. frequency 3. electromagnetic spectrum 4. measurement skills 5. Basic chemistry 6. Graphing 7. An understanding of the Metric System. Page 4 of 10

5 The Microscope I. What is a Microscope? A. Parts of a Microscope Compound Microscope A. Mechanical System 1. Base 2. Arm 3. Stage 4. Body Tube 5. Coarse Adjustment 6. Fine Adjustment B. Optical System 1. Illuminator 2. Condenser 3. Objective Lens 4. Eyepiece or Occular Lens Comparison Microscope Stereoscopic Microscope A. Magnifying Powers B. Working Distance 1. List the parts of the compound microscope. 2. Define magnifying field of view, working distance, depth of focus. 3. Describe the comparison microscope. 4. List the advantages of the stereoscopic microscope. 5. Define plane-polarizing light. 6. Describe how a polarized microscope is designed to detect polarized light. 7. Give examples of how a microscope can be utilized to examine trace physical evidence. 8. List the advantages and forensic applications of the scanning electron microscope. 1. Multiplication based on tens. V. Polarizing Microscope A. Plane Polarized B. Polarizer VI. V Microspectrophotometer Scanning Electron Microscope Page 5 of 10

6 Drugs I. Definition of a Drug Types of Dependency A. Psychological B. Physical Types of Drugs A. Narcotics B. Hallucinogens C. Depressants D. Stimulants E. Club Drugs Drug Control Laws A. Controlled Substances Act V. Drug Identification A. Screening & Confirmatory Tests B. Types of Tests 1. color 2. crystal 3. chromatography 4. spectroscopy 5. mass spectroscopy Chem 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 4.1 Bio 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, Define psychological and physical dependency. 2. Name and classify the commonly abused drugs. 3. Describe the tendancy to develop psychological and physical dependency for the more commonly abused drugs. 4. Describe the schedules of the Controlled Substances Act 5. Describe the laboratory tests used in drug identification. 6. Explain the testing procedure utilized for the forensic identification of marijuana. 7. Discuss the proper collection & preservation of drug evidence. 1. To develop an appropriate scale to graph the independent and dependent variables on a graph. 2. Selection of appropriate method/s of representation for variables and data collected. 3. Basic Algebraic 4. Multiplication 5. Division 1. Understand and be able to use a microscope. 2. Developed reading, writing, analysis, and comprehension skills. VI. Collection and Preservation of Drug Evidence Page 6 of 10

7 Serology I. History of Blood Evidence A. Development of the ABO System. B. Advent of DNA Nature of Blood A. Antigens & Antibodies 1. plasma 2. erythrocytes 3. serum 4. antigens 5. antibodies 6. agglutination B. Blood Typing 1. Definition of Serology 2. ABO System 3. Immunoassay Techniques Forensic Characteristics of Bloodstains A. The Importance of Hemoglobin B. Preciptin Tests Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Bio 2.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.1, List the ABO antigens and antibodies found in the blood for each of the four bloodtypes: A, AB, B, O. 2. Explain why agglutination occurs. 3. Explain how whole blood is typed. 4. Describe tests used to characterize a stain as blood. 5. Explain the significance of the precipitin test to forensic serology. 6. Define chromosome and gene. 7. Describe how the Punnett square used to determine the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring. 8. Explain how suspect stains are to be properly preserved for laboratory examination. 9. Describe the importance of bloodstain patterns to crime scene reconstruction. 1. Frequency Calculations (Product Rule) 2. Basic applications of trigonometry (sine and cosine functions) V. Principles of Heredity A. Transmission of Traits 1. genes 2. chromosome 3. reproduction 4. genotype 5. phenotype B. Paternity Testing Page 7 of 10

8 DNA I. What is DNA? A. Chromosomes B. Genes C. Nucleotides D. Complementary Base Pairing DNA at work A. Proteins B. Amino Acids C. Human Genome DNA Replication A. PCR DNA Typing A. PCR B. RFLP C. STR V. mtdna VI. Important cases involving DNA evidence A. OJ Simpson B. World Trade Center Bio 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, Learn the parts of a nucleotide and know how they are linked together to make DNA. 2. Understand how DNA strands coil into a double helix. 3. Describe the concept of basepairing as it relates to the double helix structure of DNA. 4. Explain how the sequence of bases along a DNA strand ultimately determines the structure of proteins that are synthesized within the body. 5. Describe how DNA replicates itself. 6. Explain RFLP. 7. Describe the process of typing DNA by the RFLP technique. 8. Explain how PCR is used in forensic science. 9. Explain STR analysis. 10. Know the difference between mtdna and nuclear DNA. 1. Basic understanding of genetic concepts and principles of heredity. V V CODIS Collection & Preservation of biological evidence for DNA analysis Page 8 of 10

9 Fingerprints I. History of Fingerprinting A. Alphonse Bertillon 1. Anthropometry B. Francis Galton Principles of Fingerprinting A. Ridge Characteristics B. Minutiae Points C. Life Cycle of a FP Types of Fingerprints A. Latent B. Patent C. Plastic D. Inked Classification of FP A. Loops B. Whorls C. Arches V. Classification of FP A. Primary Classification VI. AFIS V V IX. Methods of Detecting FP A. Porous Surfaces B. Non-Porous Surfaces Preservation & Development of FP Digital Imaging Chem 1.3, 1.4, 5.2, 7.2 Scientific Inquiry : Select an appropriate technology to conduct investigations and communicate about science. 1. Name those individuals who have made significant contributions to the acceptance and development of FP technology. 2. Define ridge characteristics. 3. Explain why FP are permanent features of the human anatomy. 4. List the three major fingerprint patterns and their respective subclasses. 5. Explain what is meant by visible, plastic, and latent prints. 6. List the techniques for developing latent fingerprints on nonporous objects. 7. Describe chemical techniques for developing prints on porous objects. 8. Describe the proper procedures for preserving and developing latent FP 9. Explain how a latent fingerprint image can be enhanced by digital imaging. 1. Addition 2. Division 1. Understanding of the inner and outer layers of skin. Page 9 of 10

10 Document and Voice Examinations I. Defintion of a Questioned Document Handwriting Comparisons A. Development of Handwriting Styles B. Handwriting Systems used in the U.S. 1. Zaner-Blosser 2. Palmer Collection of Handwriting Exemplars A. Rules for collecting handwriting samples B. Natural Variations in handwriting C. Unknown vs. Exemplar Typescript Comparisons V. Photocopier, Printer, & Fax Examination VI. Alterations, Erasures, and Obliterations A. Definition of Erasure & Obliteration B. Charred Documents C. Imaging Techniques for Questioned Documents 1. IR luminescence 2. Oblique Lightning 3. Digitizing V Indented Writings Chem 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 4.1 Bio 4.1, Define a questioned document. 2. List some common individual characteristics associated with handwriting. 3. List some important guidelines for the collection of known writing for comparison to a QD. 4. Describe the precautions to be taken to minimize deception when a suspect is required to write exemplars for comparison to a questioned document. 5. List some of the class and individual characteristics of a typewriter. 6. List some of the techniques utilized by document examiners for uncovering alterations, erasures, obliterations, and variations in pen ink. 1. Multiplication by multiples of Division by multiples of Determining significant figures. 4. Converting into or out of scientific notation. 5. Mathematical operations using significant digits 1. Understand and be able to use a microscope. 2. Developed reading, writing, analysis, and comprehension skills. V Voice Examinations A. Sound Spectrograph B. Voiceprints C. Biology of voiceprints Page 10 of 10