Forensic Microscopy

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of microscopy as it applies to forensic applications, with a focus on trace evidence such as hairs, fibers, glass, paint, and soil. Emphasis will be placed on the use of various procedures with standard microscopy, polarized light microscopy, comparison microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Optical properties such as refractive index, retardation, birefringence, and interference will be discussed and practiced in laboratory. Various microscopical contrast techniques will be covered as well. Students will have the opportunity to analyze different types of trace evidence in the laboratory.