Class Medico-Legal and Forensic Sciences

This curricular unit aims to provide students enrolled in the Master's Degree in Criminal Sciences with the knowledge and skills required to understand the contribution of forensic sciences to criminal investigation and the administration of justice. The curricular unit covers different fields of forensic science, focusing on the principles and methodologies applicable to the collection, preservation, analysis and interpretation of different types of evidence of forensic relevance. It also includes specific topics in legal medicine and forensic entomology, considered within the context of their contribution to criminal investigation. It therefore represents a relevant component in the training of professionals in the criminal sciences, bringing students closer to the scientific and technical realities of forensic practice and enabling them to understand and critically assess forensic findings and conclusions.

Not applicable

Forensic Medicine. Forensic Entomology. Forensic Anthropology. Forensic Sciences: Crime Scene Examination. Friction Ridge Analysis. Questioned Documents. Banknotes. Handwriting. Inks. Fire and Explosion Investigation. Drugs. Explosives. Gunshot Residue. Textiles. Soils. Other Areas.

Methodologies include problem-based learning, interdisciplinary case studies, field learning through visits to forensic laboratories, and the use of interactive multimedia resources, promoting critical thinking, knowledge integration, and a connection to professional practice. Students with special status stipulated by law or regulation that waivers mandatory class attendance but who wish to be included in the continuous assessment system must inform the course instructor as soon as they become aware of this, but always 90 days before the end of classes, so that the instructor can define another form of work or monitoring, which may include a written assignment, a report presentation, and/or an oral exam.

Saferstein, R. (2015). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science. Roux, C., Bucht, R., Crispino, F., De Forest, P., Lennard, C., Margot, P., ... & Willis, S. (2022). The Sydney declaration–Revisiting the essence of forensic science through its fundamental principles. Forensic Science International, 332, 111182. Siegel, J. A., & Saukko, P. J. (2012). Encyclopedia of forensic sciences. Academic Press.