Introductory Forensic Science Summary

Course Overview

  • Instructor: Dr. Nelson M. Lafrenière

  • Contact: nelson.lafreniere@ontariotechu.ca

  • Office Hours: By Appointment

  • Teaching Assistants: TBD

Course Structure

  • FSCI1010: Introduction to forensic science; No prior knowledge required.

  • Expectations: Engage with course material, be aware of sensitive nature.

Required Textbook

  • Saferstein, R. (2018). Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 12th Edition. Pearson.

Marking Scheme

  • Online Quizzes: 10 quizzes; 15% of final mark.

  • Midterm Exams: 2 midterms (25% each).

  • Final Exam: Cumulative; 35% of final mark.

Lecture Schedule Highlights

  • Topics include Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Biology, Psychology, and Computing.

Fundamental Concepts in Forensic Science

  • Definition: Application of scientific methods in legal investigations.

  • Not: A television dramatization (e.g., CSI effect).

Historical Milestones

  • Fingerprints: Used since BCE for transactions (e.g., ancient Babylon).

  • Key Figures: Victor Balthazard, Alphonse Bertillon, Sir Francis Galton, etc.

Ethics in Forensic Science

  • No universal code; emphasis on honesty, thoroughness, and proper evidence handling.

Types of Evidence

  • Direct Evidence: Eyewitness testimony.

  • Circumstantial Evidence: Evidence needing inference.

Crime Scene Investigation Procedures

  • First Responders Duties: Secure the scene, assist victims, document observations.

Importance of Trace Evidence

  • Key for linking suspects to crime scenes (e.g., hair, fibers, glass).

Forensic Analysis Techniques

  • Comparison Microscopy: Used to analyze and compare items like fibers and glass.

Midterm Review Topics

  • Rules of evidence, expert witness roles, crime scene procedures, fingerprint analysis, major case investigations, and death investigations.