HOSA Forensic Science — ROUND 1 TEXTBOOK-STYLE GUIDE

A collection of 50 vocabulary-focused flashcards based on HOSA Forensic Science lecture notes, covering essential terminology and concepts.

Forensic Science

The application of science to criminal and civil laws.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

The concept that 'every contact leaves a trace'.

Edmond Locard

Key figure who created Locard’s Exchange Principle.

Anthropometry

A system created by Alphonse Bertillon that uses body measurements to identify individuals.

Francis Galton

Key figure who studied fingerprint patterns and proved their uniqueness.

Edward Henry

Developed the practical fingerprint classification system for police work.

DNA Profiling

A method invented by Dr. Alec Jeffreys in 1984 to identify individuals based on DNA.

Calvin Goddard

Key figure known for using comparison microscopes in firearms examination.

Document Examination

Advanced techniques for analyzing documents, pioneered by Albert Osborn.

Crime Scene Investigator

A forensic career focused on collecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes.

Forensic Pathologist

A medical expert who determines causes of death during investigations.

Toxicologist

A specialist in studying the effects of poisons and drugs on the body.

Serologist

A forensic expert who studies bodily fluids.

Latent Print Examiner

A forensic scientist specializing in analyzing fingerprints.

DNA Analyst

A professional who analyzes DNA evidence.

Trace Evidence Analyst

A scientist who examines tiny materials for forensic analysis.

Forensic Psychologist

A professional who studies psychological aspects related to criminal behavior.

Secure the Scene

The first step in crime scene investigation to protect the area.

Separate Witnesses

Preventative measure in crime scene processing to avoid collusion.

Scan the Scene

The process of identifying primary and secondary crime scenes.

Photograph the Scene

To document the crime scene before any evidence is touched.

Sketch the Scene

Utilizing measurements and labels to create a diagram of the scene.

Search the Scene

Conducting systematic searches using patterns such as grid or spiral.

Secure & Collect Evidence

The process of packaging each item separately to prevent contamination.

Class Evidence

Evidence that is shared by a group.

Individual Evidence

Evidence that is unique to a single source.

Chain of Custody

A documented record of evidence transfer.

Manner of Death

Classification of death as natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.

Cause of Death

The medical reason for a person's death, such as a gunshot wound.

Mechanism of Death

The physiological failure that leads to death, such as blood loss.

Livor Mortis

Pooling of blood after death, becomes fixed after 8-12 hours.

Rigor Mortis

Stiffening of the body post death, starts around 2 hours.

Algor Mortis

The process of body cooling at a rate of approximately 1.5°F per hour.

Decomposition

The process involving bloating, discoloration, and insect activity post death.

Toxicology

The study of poisons, drugs, and their effects on the human body.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase central nervous system activity, e.g., cocaine.

Depressants

Substances that decrease central nervous system activity, e.g., alcohol.

Narcotics

Drugs that provide pain relief and can slow breathing, e.g., heroin.

Hallucinogens

Substances that alter perception, e.g., LSD.

Heavy Metals

Toxic elements such as arsenic, lead, and mercury.

Carbon Monoxide

A gas that binds hemoglobin and prevents oxygen transport.

Exposure Routes

How substances enter the body: ingestion, inhalation, injection, absorption.

Toxicology Samples

Materials analyzed for toxicology, including blood and urine.

Alcohol Metabolism

The process by which alcohol is processed in the liver at a rate of ~0.015 BAC per hour.

Forensic Anthropology

The study of skeletal remains to determine identity-related characteristics.

Blowfly Life Cycle

Stages from egg to adult, used in estimating time of death.

Blood Components

Includes red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets.

Blood Types

Classifications including A, B, AB, and O, along with Rh factor.

Bloodstain Patterns

Different patterns created by blood that can indicate the manner of death.

Presumptive Tests

Tests that suggest the presence of blood, such as Kastle-Meyer.

STR Analysis

Short Tandem Repeat analysis, considered the gold standard in DNA testing.

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a method for amplifying DNA.

mtDNA

Mitochondrial DNA that is inherited from the mother.

DNA Electrophoresis

Technique used to separate DNA fragments for analysis.

Forensic Psychology

The study of the mental state and behavior of individuals in criminal cases.

Modus Operandi

The method of operating used by criminals.

Signature Behaviors

Distinctive behaviors that indicate an individual's personal calling card in crime.