Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis

This unit explores the collection, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of physical and biological evidence encountered in death and crime investigations, including DNA, toxicology, bloodstain pattern analysis, impression evidence, ballistics, and autopsy findings. Building on foundational concepts, students will practice crime-scene protocols and laboratory techniques to link evidence to persons and events and prepare to synthesize case-level conclusions in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze biological, impression, and chemical evidence (DNA, bloodstain patterns, fingerprints, tool marks, and accelerants) to identify sources and establish associations between people, objects, and events
• Apply crime-scene documentation, evidence-location, collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody procedures for a variety of forensic materials including bodily remains, trace chemicals, and ballistic evidence
• Demonstrate laboratory techniques and procedures used in forensic analysis, including DNA extraction and fingerprinting workflows, basic toxicology screening, and the use of analytical instruments for chemical and ballistic examinations
• Evaluate autopsy results, trauma patterns, and postmortem interval indicators alongside scene and laboratory evidence to infer cause and manner of death and support reconstruction of a hypothetical case