Fundamentals of Forensic Science

by Max M. Houck, Jay A. Siegel

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the basic principles of forensic science. The book begins at a crime scene and ends in the courtroom.The book is divided into six parts. Part 1 provides an overview of criminal justice and forensic science, covering the basics of crime scene investigation and the nature of evidence. Part 2 discusses analytical tools, including microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, and separation methods. Parts 3 to 5 discuss the various types of forensic evidence collected, categorized by the types of science employed in their physical science, chemical science, and biological science. These include pathology; anthropology and odontology; entomology; serology and bloodstain pattern analysis; DNA analysis; forensic hair examinations; forensic toxicology; fiber and paint analysis; friction ridge examination; and firearms and tool marks. Part 6 discusses the legal aspects of forensic science. The book is written for students with a background in basic science, and it is can be used in a one-semester or two-semester format. Vivid, full-color illustrations that diagram key concepts and depict evidence encountered in the field Straightforward unit organization that includes key terms, numerous feature boxes emphasizing Internet resources, historical events in forensic science, practical issues in laboratory analysis, and topics for further reading Effective pedagogy, including end-of-chapter questions, paired with a clear writing style makes this an invaluable resource for professors and students of forensic science

Genres: College, Textbooks

680 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Gary Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough and detailed. excellent case examples. I found ballistic section very interesting along with forensic pathology.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was required reading for my Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology class at uni. A lot of this went over my head, but there were chucks that I found helpful in my understanding of the topic. Also, I love when the chapter starts with a case example because my literature-loving brain read the rest just in the hope that I would find out what happened. But, unfortunately, it doesn't resolve the case. But, I love that there is a mini-quiz at the end of the chapter to test your knowledge. Helpful if I had the time to do that...

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, sprawling introduction to Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation. Thought typos were prevalent throughout, I can't really blame the editor since the authors had so much and such complex content for its 600-odd pages. As a CSI student I loved this book and learned and retained SO MUCH.

[Calder Declan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was told to review a book here’s one of my favorites

Fundamentals of forensic science is exactly what it sounds like, it is made for those 18 and up but I think it can still be interesting for the future forensic scientists of this school. From this book I have learned the process of how long it takes to solve a murder and how only one shred of a seemingly useless object can help solve the most difficult case.

Ok some of that may have been exaggerated but you know