Criminalistics

Recommended Prerequisites

1st semester The/ 1st year.

Teaching Methods

This course is based on the presentation of general criminalistic techniques, complemented with detailed practical cases and the analysis of problems. Demonstration materials are presented in order to illustrate details ( fingerprints, footprints, other markings, etc.).  

Learning Outcomes

The main objective of Criminalistics is to give the student the Knowledge and the ability to:

1. Recognize and appling basic concepts and principles in Forensic Techniques

2. Learn to apply acquired knowledge in the individual´s vocational area at the professional approach level.

3. Learn to substantiate arguments when making decisions

4. Understand and know how to use information sources. Ability to search and use bibliography

5. Acquire skills for communicating information clearly, with speech and other appropriate means.

6. Acquire skills in structured presentations of scientific matters to a competent audience, ability to debate, whether orally or in writing.

7. Have skills which enable self-learning throughout life.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

- Forensic sciences. Reporting and expert testimony

- Examination at the crime scene, methodologies. Post-explosion and fire crime scenes

- Judicial Identification, lofoscopy and Human identification; AFIS

- Portrait Robot, constraints

-Toxicology. Drugs and poisons; type of samples, possible questions, methodologies

- Ballistics. Firearms, ammunition, caliber, expertise in Forensic and Identifying Ballistics.

- Documents, methodologies. Techniques for analysis and comparison

- Impressions. Footwear/tires, tool marks, serial numbers revival. Types of expert examinations

- DNA analysis within the Forensic Genetics. Methodologies

- Handwriting. Expert analysis, methodology, potentialities. Identification value of signature. Falsifications and writing changes. General and detail characteristics

- Gunshot residues. Fibers, glass, paints, currency, etc.

- Flammable substances, explosives and self-defense sprays.

-  Quality and accreditation.  

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Saferstein, R. (2015) Criminalistics. An Introduction to Forensic Science. Pearson.

Girard, J.E. (2011) Criminalistics: Forensic Science, Crime, And Terrorism, Jones & Bartlett Learning

Inman, K. and Rudin, N. (2000). Principles and Practice of Criminalistics. CRC Press.