Fundamentals of Forensic Science

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Second Edition,

provides an introduction to the basic principles of forensic science.

The book begins at a crime scene and ends in the courtroom.

The book is divided into six parts.

Part 1 provides an overview of criminal justice and forensic science, covering the basics of crime scene investigation and the nature of evidence.

Part 2 discusses analytical tools, including microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and separation methods.

Parts 3 to 5 discuss the various types of forensic evidence collected, categorized by the types of science employed in their analysis: physical science, chemical science, and biological science.

These include pathology; anthropology and odontology; entomology; serology and bloodstain pattern analysis; DNA analysis; forensic hair examinations; forensic toxicology; fiber and paint analysis; friction ridge examination; and firearms and tool marks.

Part 6 discusses the legal aspects of forensic science.

The book is written for students with a background in basic science, and it is can be used in a one-semester or two-semester format.