Practical Forensic Microscopy: A Laboratory Manual

Practical Forensic Microscopy is a comprehensive laboratory manual providing the student with a practical overview and understanding of the various microscopes and microscopic techniques used within the field of forensic science. Each laboratory experiment has been carefully designed to cover the variety of evidence disciplines with carefully set out objectives, explanations of each topic, procedures and worksheets to help students compile and analyse their results. Questions are also included at the end of each experiment to assess the knowledge and skills learned. Clearly structured throughout, the emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of the analysis to enrich student understanding through hands-on experience. The experiments move carefully from the most basic microscopes and theory through to the more specialized applications with a focus placed on techniques currently used by forensic examiners. Impression evidence such as fingerprints, shoe tread patterns, tool marks and firearms will be analysed using simple stereomicroscopic techniques. Body fluids, drug and trace evidence such as paint, glass and hair are covered by a variety of microscopes and specialized microscopic techniques. Practical lab-based manual that provides an accessible introduction to the various microscopes and microscopic techniques used within forensic science. Emphasizes the practical aspects of microscopic analysis and techniques currently used by forensic examiners. Includes recommended reading to prepare students before each experiment. Includes background objectives and theory for each experiment and questions for writing laboratory reports. An invaluable text for both students taking relevant courses in Forensic Microscopy and practitioners looking for an accessible introduction to the subject.Lori J. Wilson is the author of 'Practical Forensic Microscopy: A Laboratory Manual', published 2008 under ISBN 9780470031766 and ISBN 047003176X.