Trace Evidence

Catalog description

This course will introduce students to the principles and methods used in the analysis of forensic trace and impression evidence. Students will evaluate trace and impression evidence, such as hairs, fibers, soil, glass, paint, firearms, ammunition components, toolmarks, and blood splatter, using various instruments (e.g., forensic comparison microscopes, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy) and techniques used in Federal, state and private forensic laboratories. Emphasis will also be placed on chain of custody, reporting results and expert witness testimony.