Practical Skills in Forensic Science, 3rd edition

Published by Pearson Education (October 25, 2018) © 2019

  • Alan M Langford Northumbria University
  • John Dean Programme Director for Forensic Science at Northumbria University
  • Rob Reed Emeritus at Central Queensland University
  • Jonathan Weyers University of Dundee
  • Allan Jones University of Dundee

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If you are studying forensic science, or a related course such as forensic chemistry or biology, then this book will be an indispensable companion throughout your entire degree programme. This ‘one-stop’ text will guide you through the wide range of practical, analytical and data handling skills that you will need during your studies. It will also give you a solid grounding in the wider transferable skills such as teamwork and study skills.
  • Coverage of a wide range of practical aspects from fingerprint recovery, trace evidence examination, bodily fluid examination and DNA analysis, as well as broader skills such as tackling numerical problems and passing exams.
  • Case examples, guidelines for documentation and reporting results, plus advice on the legal aspects of forensic science provide you with an understanding of the professional role of a forensic scientist.
  • New material on personal development planning, learning styles, e-learning and avoiding plagiarism.
  • Updated sections on software for graphical and statistical analysis.
  • Worked examples and ‘How To’ boxes provide practical guidance and support.
  • Key points highlight critical features of methodology.
  • Use of margin tips, definitions and illustrations throughout.
  • Additional sources of further study identified for every chapter.
  • Safety notes highlight specific hazards and appropriate practical steps to minimise risk.
  • Study exercises (and answers) in each chapter help to reinforce learning.

·   Coverage of a wide range of practical aspects from fingerprint recovery, trace evidence examination, bodily fluid examination and DNA analysis, as well as broader skills such as tackling numerical problems and passing exams.

·   Case examples, guidelines for documentation and reporting results, plus advice on the legal aspects of forensic science provide you with an understanding of the professional role of a forensic scientist.

·   New material on personal development planning, learning styles, e-learning and avoiding plagiarism.

·   Updated sections on software for graphical and statistical analysis.

·   Worked examples and ‘How To’ boxes provide practical guidance and support.

·   Key points highlight critical features of methodology.

·   Use of margin tips, definitions and illustrations throughout.

·   Additional sources of further study identified for every chapter.

·   Safety notes highlight specific hazards and appropriate practical steps to minimise risk.

·   Study exercises (and answers) in each chapter help to reinforce learning.
  • 1 Essentials of practical work
  • 2 Health and safety
  • 3 Making measurements and observations
  • 4 SI units and their use
  • 5 Scientific method and design of experiments
  • 6 Working with liquids
  • 7 Basic laboratory procedures
  • 8 Principles of solution chemistry
  • 9 pH and buffer solutions
  • 10 Introduction to microscopy
  • 11 Setting up and using microscopes
  • 12 Sample preparation
  • 13 DNA analysis – fundamental principles
  • 14 Chromatography
  • 15 Mass spectrometry
  • 16 Basic spectroscopy
  • 17 Atomic spectroscopy
  • 18 X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
  • 19 Infrared and Raman spectroscopy
  • 20 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
  • 21 Immunoassay
  • 22 Electrophoresis
  • 23 Personnel and recording the scene
  • 24 Collecting evidence – basic principles
  • 25 Digital evidence
  • 26 Investigating fingerprints
  • 27 Footwear marks and impressions
  • 28 Investigating other marks
  • 29 Document analysis
  • 30 Analysis of biological fluids
  • 31 DNA analysis – forensic applications
  • 32 Analysis of hair
  • 33 Analysis of skeletal remains
  • 34 Forensic odontology
  • 35 Forensic entomology
  • 36 Forensic botany
  • 37 Alcohol analysis
  • 38 Forensic toxicology
  • 39 Bulk drug analysis
  • 40 Analysis of paint
  • 41 Analysis of glass
  • 42 Analysis of fibres
  • 43 Firearms and ballistic evidence
  • 44 Analysis of fires and explosions
  • 45 Finding and citing published information
  • 46 Using online resources
  • 47 Evaluating information
  • 48 Word processors, databases and other packages
  • 49 Using Spreadsheets
  • 50 Fundamental principles of quantitative chemical analysis
  • 51 Calibration and quantitative analysis
  • 52 Using graphs
  • 53 Presenting data in tables
  • 54 Hints for solving numerical problems
  • 55 Descriptive statistics
  • 56 Choosing and using statistical tests
  • 57 Chemometrics and advanced statistics
  • 58 General aspects of scientific writing
  • 59 Giving a spoken presentation
  • 60 Writing a forensic statement and presenting evidence in court
  • 61 Reporting practical and project work
  • 62 Writing essays, literature surveys and reviews
  • 63 Organising a poster display
  • 64 The importance of transferable skills
  • 65 Managing your time
  • 66 Working with others
  • 67 Taking notes from lectures and texts
  • 68 Learning and revising effectively
  • 69 Assessments and exams
  • 70 Preparing your curriculum vitae

ALAN LANGFORD is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Criminology and Forensic Sciences at Northumbria University, UK; JOHN DEAN is Professor of Analytical and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Graduate School at Northumbria University, UK; ROB REED is Professor of Biomedical Science and Director of Undergraduate Science Programs at CQUniversity, Australia; DAVID HOLMES is Director of Collaborative Programs in Applied Sciences at Northumbria University, UK; JONATHAN WEYERS is Director of Quality Assurance at the University of Dundee, UK; and ALLAN JONES is Senior Lecturer and Chancellor's Award Fellow in Ecology, Environmental Science and Zoology at the University of Dundee, UK.

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