Foundations of Forensic Science

This unit introduces core forensic science principles and crime-scene practice, focusing on evidence identification, collection, classification, and basic interpretation across biological, impression, trace, fire, and ballistic evidence types. Lessons build foundational skills in scene assessment, body and time-of-death concepts, and the roles of forensic specialists to prepare students for advanced digital and laboratory analysis in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze crime scenes using standard assessment protocols to identify, document, and prioritize biological, impression, trace, fire, and ballistic evidence while protecting scene integrity
• Apply correct evidence collection, packaging, labeling, and chain-of-custody procedures to a variety of evidence types (e.g., fingerprints, bloodstains, shoe/tire impressions, firearms, arson residues, trace materials)
• Demonstrate basic examination and classification techniques for common forensic evidence, including fingerprint pattern classification, bloodstain pattern interpretation, firearm/toolmark recognition, and impression comparison
• Evaluate the roles, limitations, and referral needs of forensic specialists (e.g., criminalists, forensic pathologists, toxicologists, forensic psychiatrists) when interpreting findings and preparing evidence for further laboratory or digital analysis