A Hands-On Introduction to Forensic Science Edition 2nd Edition

ISBN 9781032089621Introduction to Forensic Science, Second Edition adheres to the tradition of the initial version by employing a wholly unique method to instructing forensic science. Commencing with a brief, fictitious narrative that continues throughout the entire book; it’s a crime fiction narrative that depicts the interaction of a seasoned homicide detective paired with a criminalist and the journey they embark on together to solve a disappearance case. The book progressively reveals pieces of information about the crime, followed by the more traditional presentation of scientific principles and concepts on a given forensic subjects. Each chapter closes with a set of user-friendly, cost-efficient, practical lab activities that equip the students with the skills necessary to scrutinize the evidence presented in each chapter. The new edition is thoroughly updated with specific focus on new DNA techniques in DNA sequencing, DNA phenotyping, and bioinformatics.

Students will participate in unraveling a disappearance case by documenting the crime scene, analyzing physical evidence in the lab, and presenting findings in a mock trial setting. Within the chapters themselves, students familiarize themselves with the technical, forensic principles presented within each of the opening stories segments. The book culminates with students assuming the role of the primary characters in a trial—attorneys, scientific experts, suspect, judge, bailiff, and jury—to present and evaluate the evidence in a mock trial setting. The mock trial will simulate the proceedings in a real courtroom, and the jury will be asked to deliberate on the evidence presented to determine the culpability or innocence of the suspect.