CJUS 3330
Introduction to Criminalistics
Syllabus
Edward E. Hueske, B.S., M.A
Office 289L Chilton Hall
Office hours: Tue & Thu 9:00A-11:00 A (and by appt.)
E-mail edward.hueske@unt.edu
Text: Criminalistics – An Introduction to Forensic Science by Richard Saferstein, 10th Edition (or later),
Prentice-Hall.
Course Description: This course is an introductory survey course in criminalistics. The focus will be on
the recognition, collection, preservation and analysis of physical evidence. Students will be presented with
the theories and principles relating to the primary techniques utilized in the analysis of physical evidence
with the presumption that most of the students do not have extensive scientific backgrounds (i.e. chemistry,
biology and/or physics). The goal of this class will be to provide students with a basic understanding of
what criminalistics entails and to prepare them for additional, more in-depth classes in criminalistics/
forensic science. This class is the first in a series of three criminalistics classes. The course includes hands-on
lab exercises in the criminalistics lab located in Chilton Hall 275 and in 250 SRB (check schedule to see which
location for each lab) as well as some exercises that will be posted on-line (Blackboard).
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:
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Aug 31
Explain the goal of physical evidence in the criminal justice system
Specify what the field of criminalistics encompasses
Identify the capabilities of crime laboratories with regard to the examination and analysis of
various types of physical evidence
Understand the limitations of crime laboratories with regard to various types of physical
evidence
Distinguish criminalistics from the other areas of forensic science
Recognize the inter-relationships between criminalistics and criminal investigation
Accomplish more advanced studies in criminalistics and forensic science
Understand the application of the scientific method to the analyses of items of physical
evidence
Introduction; Definition and scope of Forensic Science; The Scientific Method (chapter 1) Locard
Exchange; Legal considerations in forensic science, The CSI Effect ; Reading assignment: Read chapters
1-3 in text.
Sep 7
Crime Scene Investigation (chapters 2-3); New Hampshire case study.
Reading assignment: Read chapter 4 in the text. Lab 1 (CH 275) – Locard principle
Sep 14
Exam 1 (over chapters 1-3); The Metric System; Physical Properties of Matter;
Glass & Soil (chapter 4). Gore case study.
Reading assignment: Read chapter 5 in the text. Lab 2 (take home) – Time line development
Sep 21
Organic Analysis (Chapter 5); Video “ FBI Lab”
Reading assignment: Read chapters 6, 7 in the text. Lab 3 – Microscopy (CH 275)
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Inorganic Analysis (chapter 6); Denver SWAT case
Reading assignment: Read Chapter 13 in the text. Lab 4 - Go on-line to:
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/virtual/virtual.html Follow attached instructions.
Sep 28
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Oct 5
Exam 2 ( over chapters 4-6); Hairs, fibers & paint (chapter 13); “Speck of Evidence”; Dog Case; Lab 5 –
Hairs/fibers (CH 275) ; Read chapter 8 in text.
Oct 12
Drugs (chapter 8); “Cannabis”;Reading assignment: Read chapter 12 in the
text. Lab 6 – Drugs (CH 275)
Oct 19
Bloodstain pattern analysis (chapter 12); “Documenting Bloodstains”;
Bloodstain case studies; Review for Mid-Term Exam. Lab 7 - Bloodstains (SRB 250)
Oct 26
Fingerprint Evidence (chapter 16);
Reading assignment: Read chapter 17 in the text – Lab 8 – Fingerprint Dusting & Lifting (SRB 250)
Nov 2
Exam 3 (over chapters 8, 12, 16) ; Reading assignment: Read chapter 16 in the text
Nov 9
Firearms/Tool Marks (chapter 17).”The Magic Bullet” Lab 9 – Firearms/Tool Marks: Go to
www.firearmsid.com and complete cartridge case comparison exercise 1 and bullet comparison exercise 1
(you must first register – (use the login key C22606introfall2010) you are limited to 3 attempts on each
exercise – your best score will be recorded).
Nov 16
Footwear/Tire Tread Evidence (handout); “Investigating FW”. Lab 10 – Footwear Comparison (CH 275)
Nov 23
Crime scene reconstruction
Nov 30 Ethics in forensic science
Dec 7
Dead Week (review)
Dec 14 Final Examination
Exams/Grade Computation
Exams:
There will be 3 exams, and a final given during the semester. Exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer,
and/or true/false. The exams will cover all assigned materials. Make-up exams will not be given.
Labs:
There will be 10 lab exercises, 3 of which are at-home assignments. Lab exercises carried out in the criminalistics lab
(either CH 275 or SRB 250) are to be turned in at the end of the lab sessions. Take-home labs are to be turned in to the
lab TA at the next lab session scheduled (the firearms ID exercise will be completed online). There will be no makeups for missed labs.
Grade Computation:
Your final grade will simply be determined by taking your cumulative total (+ 10 LABS) and dividing by the total
possible (multiplied by 100 to convert to a %). A – 90% or better B – 80-89% C – 70-79% D – 60-69% F – 59%
or less. By simply keeping a 2 column tally (1 column for the points possible and the 2nd for the points you earn) you
may determine your grade at any point in the semester (i.e. divide total points earned by total possible and multiply by
100).
Attendance
Your registration fee buys you the right to occupy a seat in the classroom during the scheduled hours of the
class. Whether you choose to occupy that seat is your decision. However, if you choose not to attend class
you must accept the following consequences:
1.
You will miss information that is not available in the text or elsewhere that you will be responsible
for on exams.
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Missing a class (lecture or lab) means missing an entire unit (e.g. fingerprints, trace evidence,
etc.).
You may not make-up any missed exams or lab work.
It is recognized that there are going to be legitimate reasons why class/lab cannot be attended. For that
reason, the lowest lab score (presumably a zero for non-attendance) will be dropped.
Classroom courtesy and decorum
You are requested to abstain from texting, e-mailing, making internet searches, etc. during class. If you are
unable or unwilling to comply with this request, please do not come to my class (I will be happy to
recommend an addiction counselor if you fall into the “unable” category). Such activities fall under the
heading of “Class Distractions” in the University guidelines and will be dealt with accordingly.
“The Bottom Line” – I intend to come to class on time and prepared, give you my full attention and
treat you with courtesy and respect. I expect nothing less from you.
Cheating
Students suspected of cheating will be dealt with according to University guidelines
On-Line materials, announcements, etc.
All power point presentations used in class will be posted on Blackboard and available prior to the class
they are presented in. Additionally, special assignments, reading materials and announcements will also be
posted.
You should check the site at least the day prior to each upcoming class:
http://webctvista.unt.edu/
Extra Help
Students desiring extra help with the lecture material or who have questions, are advised to consult with the
TA’s or to come by my office either during my regular office hours or by appointment
Useful websites
The following websites are particularly pertinent to this class: You will find information that will expand
on the lecture material and the text as well as provide you with some insight into career opportunities in
criminalistics at these websites.
www.aafs.org - American Academy of Forensic Sciences
www.firearmsid.com - Forensic firearms website
www.afte.org - Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners
www.swafs.org – Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists
Special Instructions for the On-Line Microscopy Exercise (Feb 17)
You are to complete the following 3 tutorials: Magnifying microscopy, Stereo microscopy and Polarized
light microscopy. You are to answer the following questions and present a hard copy to the lab TA by
5:00 p.m. Monday, Oct 4:
Magnifying Microscopy – There are 6 samples to be examined at 6 different magnifications. Prepare
a chart that indicates which particular color is found at the center of the crosshairs for each
sample/magnification. What do you think is responsible for any changes in color that you observe?
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Stereo Zoom Microscopy – List the samples that are provided. At what magnification are you able to
see as much of both of the eyes of the insect sample? At what magnification can you see only 1
complete (distorted somewhat) hexagon for the packing foam?
Polarized Light Microscopy – Which of the samples is most likely present in copious quantities on the
beaches of South Padre Island in March of most years? Which 3 samples show mostly shades of
yellow, tan, black and blue under crossed polars? Which sample has a feather-like structure?
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