Practical Skills in Forensic Science, 3rd edition
Published by Pearson Education (October 25, 2018) © 2019
  • Alan M Langford
  • John Dean
  • Rob Reed
  • Jonathan Weyers
  • Allan Jones

Title overview

If you are studying forensic science, or a related course such as forensic chemistry or biology, then Practical Skills in Forensic Science will be an indispensable companion throughout your entire degree programme. This ‘one-stop’ text will guide you through the wide range of practical, analytical and data handling skills that you will need during your studies. It will also give you a solid grounding in the wider transferable skills such as teamwork and study skills.

Key features

  • Coverage of a wide range of practical aspects from fingerprint recovery, trace evidence examination, bodily fluid examination and DNA analysis, as well as broader skills such as tackling numerical problems and passing exams.
  • Case examples, guidelines for documentation and reporting results, plus advice on the legal aspects of forensic science provide you with an understanding of the professional role of a forensic scientist.
  • Worked examples and ‘How To’ boxes provide practical guidance and support.
  • Key points highlight critical features of methodology.
  • Use of margin tips, definitions and illustrations throughout.
  • Additional sources of further study identified for every chapter.
  • Safety notes highlight specific hazards and appropriate practical steps to minimise risk.
  • Study exercises (and answers) in each chapter help to reinforce learning.

New to this edition

  • New material on personal development planning, learning styles, e-learning and avoiding plagiarism.
  • Updated sections on software for graphical and statistical analysis.

Key features

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Table of contents

  1. 1 Essentials of practical work
  2. 2 Health and safety
  3. 3 Making measurements and observations
  4. 4 SI units and their use
  5. 5 Scientific method and design of experiments
  6. 6 Working with liquids
  7. 7 Basic laboratory procedures
  8. 8 Principles of solution chemistry
  9. 9 pH and buffer solutions
  10. 10 Introduction to microscopy
  11. 11 Setting up and using microscopes
  12. 12 Sample preparation
  13. 13 DNA analysis – fundamental principles
  14. 14 Chromatography
  15. 15 Mass spectrometry
  16. 16 Basic spectroscopy
  17. 17 Atomic spectroscopy
  18. 18 X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
  19. 19 Infrared and Raman spectroscopy
  20. 20 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
  21. 21 Immunoassay
  22. 22 Electrophoresis
  23. 23 Personnel and recording the scene
  24. 24 Collecting evidence – basic principles
  25. 25 Digital evidence
  26. 26 Investigating fingerprints
  27. 27 Footwear marks and impressions
  28. 28 Investigating other marks
  29. 29 Document analysis
  30. 30 Analysis of biological fluids
  31. 31 DNA analysis – forensic applications
  32. 32 Analysis of hair
  33. 33 Analysis of skeletal remains
  34. 34 Forensic odontology
  35. 35 Forensic entomology
  36. 36 Forensic botany
  37. 37 Alcohol analysis
  38. 38 Forensic toxicology
  39. 39 Bulk drug analysis
  40. 40 Analysis of paint
  41. 41 Analysis of glass
  42. 42 Analysis of fibres
  43. 43 Firearms and ballistic evidence
  44. 44 Analysis of fires and explosions
  45. 45 Finding and citing published information
  46. 46 Using online resources
  47. 47 Evaluating information
  48. 48 Word processors, databases and other packages
  49. 49 Using Spreadsheets
  50. 50 Fundamental principles of quantitative chemical analysis
  51. 51 Calibration and quantitative analysis
  52. 52 Using graphs
  53. 53 Presenting data in tables
  54. 54 Hints for solving numerical problems
  55. 55 Descriptive statistics
  56. 56 Choosing and using statistical tests
  57. 57 Chemometrics and advanced statistics
  58. 58 General aspects of scientific writing
  59. 59 Giving a spoken presentation
  60. 60 Writing a forensic statement and presenting evidence in court
  61. 61 Reporting practical and project work
  62. 62 Writing essays, literature surveys and reviews
  63. 63 Organising a poster display
  64. 64 The importance of transferable skills
  65. 65 Managing your time
  66. 66 Working with others
  67. 67 Taking notes from lectures and texts
  68. 68 Learning and revising effectively
  69. 69 Assessments and exams
  70. 70 Preparing your curriculum vitae

Author bios

ALAN LANGFORD is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Criminology and Forensic Sciences at Northumbria University, UK; JOHN DEAN is Professor of Analytical and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Graduate School at Northumbria University, UK; ROB REED is Professor of Biomedical Science and Director of Undergraduate Science Programs at CQUniversity, Australia; DAVID HOLMES is Director of Collaborative Programs in Applied Sciences at Northumbria University, UK; JONATHAN WEYERS is Director of Quality Assurance at the University of Dundee, UK; and ALLAN JONES is Senior Lecturer and Chancellor's Award Fellow in Ecology, Environmental Science and Zoology at the University of Dundee, UK.

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