The Basics of Investigating Forensic Science: A Laboratory Manual

Once confined to four-year colleges and graduate schools, forensic science classes can now be found in local high schools as well as in two-year community colleges. The Basics of Investigating Forensic Science: A Laboratory Manual is designed for the beginning forensic science student and for instructors who wish to provide a solid foundation in basic forensic science topics and laboratory techniques. Divided into five distinct sections, the book covers a broad range of subjects, including fingerprinting, shoeprint analysis, firearms, pathology, anthropology, forensic biology, drugs, trace evidence, and more.

The book includes extensive notes for instructors to assist in pre-laboratory preparation. Highly illustrated with extensive diagrams and photos, this comprehensive laboratory workbook contains enough pedagogic content to enable it to be used alongside and forensic text or even as a stand-alone text. The laboratory exercises include pre- and post-laboratory questions, illustrating basic crime scene scenarios and clearly stating the objectives of each exercise. Many of the exercises also have additional advanced lab exercises and options for educators with access to more specialized equipment.

The Basics of Investigating Forensic Science lends itself to a wide range of academic levels and environments. It is a welcome primer to instructors wanting to conduct experiments, each using essential laboratory techniques, and to address core forensic science concepts.