Class Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation

This course provides future criminologists with essential knowledge and skills in criminal investigation and forensic sciences. It covers key forensic domains such as evidence collection and preservation, fingerprints, document and ink analysis, soil examination, fire and explosion investigation, gunshot residues, textiles, and glass. The course bridges academic learning with the technical and scientific realities of police work, making it a core component of the criminology programme.

Not applicable

Forensic Science: concepts and fundamentals. History. Legal framework. Basic concepts of chemistry and physics. Analytical techniques. Crime scene. Lofoscopy. Documents. Paper currency. Handwriting. Paint. Inks. Fires and explosions. Drugs. Explosives. Gunshot residue. Textiles. Soils. Others.

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.