FRNSC 411Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence

3 credits · Forensic Science · Penn State

Laboratory-based examination of forensic evidence; microscopy, classification and identification. FRNSC 411 Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence (3) Laboratory-based examination of physical evidence typically recovered from crime scenes. Examination of physical evidence will occur according to established forensic procedures, including the location of trace evidence and performance of presumptive and confirmatory tests. Students will establish a laboratory notebook to document their findings. Since forensic testing ultimately results in testimony in a courtroom, students will prepare written reports of their findings and learn how to present their findings in a courtroom setting. The course will concentrate on microscopy (stereo, transmitted light, polarized light, and comparison), physical and chemical techniques to classify evidence, and pattern matching techniques to individualize impression evidence. The course is relevant to any student majoring in Forensic Science or who has an interest in obtaining employment in local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies and crime lab facilities.