Boom! Explosives Investigation and Analysis

Catalog description

This advanced course examines forensic explosives analysis, encompassing the chemical properties of energetic materials, established methods in scene processing and evidence collection and the evaluation of pre- and post-blast evidence. Students will explore a range of techniques for explosive identification, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy, evaluating the strengths and limitations of each method within the context of forensic investigations. This exploration will include the identification of components and the reconstruction of explosive devices. Furthermore, the course will address the legal and ethical aspects of explosives investigations, including the role of expert testimony. Through critical analysis of real-world scenarios, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in forensic explosives analysis.