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
eTextbook
- Easy-to-use search and navigation
- Add notes and highlights
- Search by keyword or page
- A print text (hardcover or paperback)
- Free shipping
- 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.What is a VitalSource eTextbook?
The full text downloaded to your computer.
With VitalSource eTextbooks you can:
- search for key concepts, words and phrases
- make highlights and notes as you study
- share your notes with friends
eTextbooks are downloaded to your computer and accessible either offline through the Bookshelf (available as a free download), available online and also via the iPad and Android apps.
Upon purchase, you'll gain instant access.
- 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.
Need help? Get in touch

Pearson eTextbook: What’s on the inside just might surprise you
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. It’s the same with your students. Meet each one right where they are with an engaging, interactive, personalized learning experience that goes beyond the textbook to fit any schedule, any budget, and any lifestyle.Â