Forensics

Section 1: An Introduction to Forensics

Lesson A: Forensic Specialties

British Columbia Institute of Technology -- Forensics and Security Technology Studies
Interested in a career in forensics? Check out the different programs offered at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
http://www.bcit.ca/cas/forensics/

Lesson B: Crime Scene Investigation Part I
(Note: Many of these sites are American so the procedures described may vary from here in Canada)

Collection and Preservation of Evidence
How to handle different types of evidence found at a crime scene.
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc3.html

Evidence Collection Guidelines
Basic procedures for collecting trace evidence, such as blood, hair, and fingerprints.
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/collect.html

Examination and Documentation of the Crime Scene
Description of proper crime scene investigative techniques including examining the scene for evidence then documenting that evidence through means such as photographs and video.
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc2.html

Forensics Talk: Crime Scene Procedures
A basic overview of the procedures followed by crime scene investigators.
http://harfordmedlegal.typepad.com/forensics_talk/2006/10/crime_scene_pro.html

How Crime Scene Investigation Works
Step-by-step explanation of how authorities investigate a crime scene.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/csi1.htm

Searching and Examining a Major Case Crime Scene
General procedures followed by authorities investigating a serious crime scene.
http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/searchingandexamining.html

Lesson C: Crime Scene Investigation Part II

Footprints Can Play an Important Role in Solving Crimes
Interesting information on how investigators can link footprints from shoes to possible suspects.
http://www.science.marshall.edu/murraye/Footprint%20Lab.html

Section 2: At the Lab

Lesson A: Estimating Time of Death

Insects and Flies in Forensic Medicine
General overview of the role of insects in determining time of death of a body.
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/insects-and-flies-in-forensic-medicine.html

Rigor Mortis and Lividity
A brief description of how these two biological phenomena assist in determining time of death.
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/rigor-mortis-and-lividity.html

Stomach Contents as a Means of Evidence
Another way to estimate when a person died.
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/stomach-contents-as-a-means-of-evidence.html

Lesson B: Examining Questioned Documents

Altered documents
Click on the links under Our Services to learn more about different methods for examining questioned documents (e.g., handwriting identification).
http://www.fdeservices.com/

Chromatography Experiment for Kids
A simple test for kids to determine the colour components of different black felt markers.
http://www.scienceprojectlab.com/thin-layer-chromatography-for-kids.html

Emily J. Will: Forensic Document Examiner
A very comprehensive (but American) site describing many aspects of questioned document analysis. Includes examples of several famous cases.
http://www.qdewill.com

National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau
The RCMP National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau examines documents to see if they are genuine or if they have been altered.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/count-contre/pdf/nacb-bnlcc-eng.pdf

Counterfeiting Prevention: Paper Currency
Learn about the security features in Canadian paper money that distinguish it from counterfeit bills.
http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes/bank-note-series/
http://www.prevention-commerce.com/pcefm.asp

Lesson C: Analyzing Chemical Substances

Forensic Chemistry
A good description of what forensic chemists do and some of the tools and equipment they use in their work.
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Fe-Ge/Forensic-Chemistry.html

The Scientific Method
Every scientist--forensic chemists included--must follow the scientific method to ensure their results are accurate, reliable, and repeatable. Check this site for an overview of the scientific process.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml

Wikipedia Forensic Chemistry page
An overview of forensic chemistry with links to other pages describing equipment used, etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_chemistry

Lesson D: In the Lab: Hair and Fibre Analysis

Napoleon 'May Have Been Poisoned'
French forensic pathologists test the great emperor's hair and find high levels of the poison arsenic. Was Napoleon poisoned?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/1364994.stm

Nuclear 'Eye' Reveals That Napoleon Was Not Poisoned, Although Arsenic Levels High At That Time
Scientists use sophisticated nuclear technology (neutron activation analysis) to squash the poisoning theory.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211131357.htm

Section 3: Establishing Identities

Lesson A: Fingerprinting

Fingerprints
A basic overview.
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/Fingerprints.html

Lesson B: DNA and Identity

DNA Extraction Virtual Lab
Try this virtual laboratory to perform a cheek swab and extract DNA from human cells.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/

DNA Fingerprinting
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/DNA-fingerprinting.html

DNA Interactive: Applications of DNA Testing
Click on the Applications tab at the bottom of the screen to learn the most important stuff.
http://www.dnai.org/d/index.html

Human Genome Project: DNA Forensics
A good description of DNA, including different testing techniques. There are many, many links to other good DNA sites as well.
http://web.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/project/index.shtml

Polymerase Chain Reaction
Read the definition then watch the short animation to learn how DNA is copied in the lab.
http://www.dnai.org/b/index.html

The Innocence Project
The Innocence Project is an American organization dedicated to using DNA testing to exonerate people falsely convicted of serious crimes.
http://www.innocenceproject.org/

What is DNA?
What is DNA and how can it be used to help solve crimes?
http://www.exploreforensics.co.uk/what-is-DNA.html

Lesson C: Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to many common questions about this forensic specialty.
http://people.uncw.edu/albertm/forensic.htm

Forensic Anthropology
Thinkquest site describing the basics of forensic anthropology
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00206/lo_pti_forensic_anthropology.htm