Criminalistics and Forensic Studies 2200-FOR12

The course is designed to deal with the broad range of topics and issues in Forensic science (considered to be technical in nature and serving the purpose of a crime detection) and Criminalistics (which is generally tactical and helps to properly direct the investigation). The course deals with plenty of techniques (i.e. fingerprinting, footwear impressions, blood spatters and biological evidence, forensic ballistics, etc.) and involves the input of such diciplines as Forensic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Medicine, IT and Psychology. The theoretical background is continually transferred into the advanced approach to crime scene processing, investigation and analysis.

List of Topics:

1. An introduction to Forensic science, Criminalistics and Forensic prevention.
2. Psychological, legal and forensic aspects of witness interviewing and suspect interrogation. Assessment of the credibility of testimonies.
3. Identification based on fingerprint evidence.
4. Forensic ballistics. Examination of firearms and shootings-related crime scenes.
5. Footwear and tires impressions evidence: Traseology.
6. Securing, identification and interpretation of biological evidence.
7. Biometric testing and secure implementation of human identification techniques.
8. Smell evidence on crime scenes, forensic entomology and the use of Police dogs.
9. Toolmarks and tool impressions analysis in forensic science.
10. Phonoscopy and Digital Forensics.
11. Forensic photography and procedural documentation of the crime scene.
12. Open-source Intelligence and the methods of invigilation.
13. The C.S.I. Effect.

Type of course

optional courses
foreign languages
elective monographs

Mode

Blended learning
Self-reading
Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Being familiar with criminal law and criminal procedure. Due to explicit nature of some course material, such as the crime scene photos, the students shall be emotionally prepared to deal with the course content. Above-average knowledge of English (both written and spoken). Being ready to ACTIVELY participate in role-playing tasks (such as interrogation and interviewing techniques) is a MUST.

Course coordinators

Paweł Waszkiewicz

Learning outcomes

As a result of the course completion, the student:

Knowledge:
1. Is familiar with the terminology of various sub-disciplines of Forensic science and Criminalistics.
2. Understands the role, value and necessity of Forensic science and Criminalistics for the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.

Abilities:
1. Can properly prepare and process the crime scene.
2. Can find, identify and secure the evidence on the crime scene.
3. Is able to interview a witness and interrogate a suspect.
4. Is able to evaluate the evidence and weigh it’s quality from the procedural perspective.

Assessment criteria

Active participation in the course (preparation for each class requires reading obligatory texts), plus the obligatory essay (final paper) on the forensic/criminalistics-related topic selected by the student and consulted with the course instructor.

Practical placement

N/A

Bibliography

Douglas P. Lyle „Forensics” (2008)
Richard Saferstein „Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science” (2009)
Peter C. White (ed.) "Crime Scene to Court. The Essentials of Forensic Science" (2009)
Federal Bureau of Investigation „Handbook of Forensic Science”
+ additional texts prepared by instructors.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2200-FOR12 in USOSweb