MCCCD Program Description

Criminalistics: Physical Evidence

Course: AJS215

First Term: 2000 Fall

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: The scientific analysis and examination of physical evidence with emphasis on scientific investigation, recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence. Topics include fingerprints, shoe prints, tool marks, firearms identification, paint chips and arson

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the history and scope of forensic science. (I) 2. Describe the organization and services of a crime laboratory. (I) 3. Describe the functions of the forensic scientist. (I) 4. Describe the various kinds of microscopes. (II) 5. Identify common types of physical evidence. (III) 6. Describe the collection and preservation of evidence. (III) 7. Describe the physical properties of paint, soils, and glass. (IV) 8. Define the terms elements and compounds. (V) 9. Describe the proper analytical techniques for chromatography, spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry. (V) 10. Describe the use of the emission spectrograph for inorganic analysis. (VI) 11. Describe the chemistry of fire. (VII) 12. Describe the history of fingerprinting. (VIII) 13. Describe the use of the Henry System to classify fingerprints. (VIII) 14. Describe the process for analyzing firearms for bullet comparisons, cartridge cases, gunpowder residues, and serial number restoration. (IX) 15. Describe the comparative process for analyzing tool marks. (IX) 16. Describe the various techniques used to analyze documents and examine voices. (X)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. History and scope of forensic science A. Definition of forensics B. History and development C. Organization of a crime laboratory D. Services of a crime laboratory E. Functions of a forensic scientist II. Microscope A. Kinds B. Uses III. Physical evidence A. Common types B. Searches for evidence C. Nature of physical evidence IV. Glass, paint, and soil A. Metric system B. Physical properties C. Forensic characteristics 1. Paint 2. Soil 3. Glass V. Organic analysis A. Elements and compounds B. Proper analytical techniques 1. Chromatography 2. Spectrophotometry 3. Mass spectrometry VI. Inorganic analysis A. Emission spectrum B. Continuous spectrum C. Line spectrum VII. Arson and explosive investigations A. Chemistry of fire B. Searching a fire scene C. Flammable residues VIII. Fingerprints A. History of fingerprinting B. Fundamental principles C. Henry System D. Computerized fingerprint search systems IX. Firearms, tool marks, and other impressions A. Bullet comparisons B. Cartridge cases C. Gunpowder residues D. Serial number restoration E. Tool mark analysis X. Document and voice examination A. Document analysis B. Handwriting samples C. Typewriting samples D. Voice examination - sound spectrograph

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 2/22/2000

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.