CJ 220W - Crime Laboratory Techniques

1. Examine the definition, scope, history and development of Forensic science, and the organizational considerations of a crime laboratory.
   1. Describe various services available at a crime laboratory.
   2. Enumerate functions of a forensic scientist.
   3. Explain the organization of a crime laboratory.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity of proper crime scene investigation, to insure preservation of society's safety, and constitutional rights of suspect are protected.
   1. Explain crime scene procedures for collecting, photographing, marking and preservation of evidence.
   2. Cite need for legal considerations at crime scene.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the recognition of physical evidence including organic, inorganic analysis utilizing microscope and other methods.
   1. Identify common types of evidence and their significance.
   2. Discuss various types of fingerprints and explain methods of processing crime scene to retrieve evidence.
   3. Examine physical properties of glass fragments and various types of fractures.
   4. Cite certain forensic characteristics of soil and their collection and preservation.
   5. Explain the process for selecting analytical technique for organic analysis of elements and compounds.
   6. Describe various types of inorganic evidence and the proper examination by various types of instrumentation.
4. Demonstrate an awareness of the rationale and methodology for crime scene sketching, photography, and exposure to darkroom techniques with appropriate written explanations.
   1. Make scale drawing of a mock crime scene.
   2. Photograph entire scene with articles of evidence.
   3. Discuss necessity of accurate developing procedures.
   4. Demonstrate appropriate methods of marking evidence for future courtroom identification.
5. Demonstrate special methods for conducting arson and explosive investigations.
   1. Explain chemistry of destruction at fires and explosions and securing residue for laboratory analysis.
   2. Discuss importance of scientific examination of evidentiary residue and subsequent court presentations.
6. Discuss the development of present forensic discoveries and the future of forensic science and criminalistics.
   1. Discuss forensic serology, importance and nature of blood evidence and other body fluids.
   2. Present information citing the necessity of DNA analysis and it’s importance.
   3. Cite the need for computer knowledge and the importance of AFIS and other computer assisted investigatory methods.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate crime laboratory terminology.
   1. Define the following terms: Anthropometry, caliber,class characteristics, depressant, DNA, ejector, extractor, gauge, Individual characteristics, latent fingerprint, livor mortis, narcotic, physical evidence, plasma, plastic fingerprint, post mortem lividity, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), rigor mortis, secretor, serum, stimulant.
8. Perform writing tasks to promote learning of concepts.
   1. Document attainment of skills learned.
   2. Demonstrate knowledge of the subject.
9. Write effectively for a specific audience and purpose.
   1. Articulate important ideas.
   2. Select, organize, and present details to support a main idea.
   3. Employ conventions of written, edited, standard English (WESE) or the language of instruction.
   4. Use appropriate vocabulary for the audience and purpose.
10. Demonstrate the learning of concepts through writing.
    1. Analyze course content in written form.
    2. Explain the subject matter in a coherent writing style.