CJUS 4380
Advanced Criminalistics II
Syllabus
Edward E. Hueske, B.S., M.A
Office 289L Chilton Hall
E-mail Edward.Hueske@unt.edu
Office hours: Mon & Wed 9:00A-11:00A (and by appointment)
Course Packet: A required course packet of selected manuscripts and readings will comprise the main
reference material for the course. The basic reference text for this course is Criminalistics: an Introduction
to Forensic Science by Richard Saferstein (10th edition, Prentice-Hall).
Course Description: This course is the third in a 3-part series in criminalistics. This course will cover four
different sub-disciplines of criminalistics: Latent Prints, Physical Matches, Trace Evidence and Controlled
Substances. The goal of this class will be to provide students with an understanding of the scientific
method, the theory of individualization and the application of critical thinking as applied to these subdisciplines. Hands-on laboratory exercises will be used to further develop lecture topics. The
criminalistics microscopy lab is located in room 275 in Chilton Hall. The criminalistics wet lab is located
in SRB 250.
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
Distinguish between class characteristics and individual characteristics of friction ridge detail
Articulate the scientific and legal requirements for the identification of latent prints to a specific
individual
3. Apply the techniques for enhancement of latent prints in a manner appropriate to a particular
substrate
4. Understand the scientific basis for physical matches
5. Recognize trace evidence at crime scenes
6. Describe what the forensic laboratory capabilities and limitations are with respect to trace
evidence
7. Articulate the distinctions between various categories of hairs and fibers
8. Distinguish between the various categories of controlled substances according to the federal
statutes
9. Understand the laboratory capabilities and limitations regarding the analysis of controlled
substances
10. Recognize common/readily available ingredients used in clandestine drug manufacture
Class Schedule: (Note: this schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen interferences and other
considerations. Whenever required, changes will be announced as far in advance of the impacted
date as possible- ALWAYS CHECK BLACKBOARD THE DAY PRIOR TO EACH CLASS).
Jan 18-20 Introduction; Basic concepts of physical science utilized in criminalistics; Individualization of friction ridge
Detail; Preparation of major case prints; Principles of comparison; Misconceptions & errors in identification
Assignment: Read the handout material. Lab Exercise 1 (SRB)
Jan 25-78 Latent Prints: Basic concepts/ Development processes.
Assignment: Read the handouts. Lab Exercise 2 (SRB)
Feb 1-3
Latent Prints: Basic concepts/ Development processes (cont’d).
Assignment: Read the handouts. Lab Exercise 3 (Chilton)
1
Feb 8-10 Comparison of latent prints; AFIS Lab Case studies: Oklahoma case.
Assignment: Study for quiz; Review the questions at the end of the Latent
Prints section of the text and the handout material.; Study for Exam; Lab Exercise 4 (Chilton)
.
Feb 15 Exam over Latent Prints; Lab Exercise 5 (Chilton)
Feb 17-22
The O.J. Simpson case and trace evidence: Hairs; Assignment:
Lab Exercise 6 (Chilton)
Feb 24-Mar1
Fibers; Shroud of Turin Lab Exercise7 (Chilton)
Mar 3-8
Trace evidence : Paint & soil; Case study: Jennifer Wilson case.
Review the questions at the end of the Trace Evidence section of the text. Lab Exercise 8 (Chilton)
Mar 10
Trace evidence: Glass; Read on-line posting re tempered glass
Mar 15-17
Spring Break
Mar 22-24 Physical matches – the scientific basis. Lab exercise 9 (Chilton)
Mar 29-Mar 31
Physical matches and Daubert;; Study for Exam
Apr 05 Exam over Trace Evidence and Physical Matches
Apr 07
Controlled Substances Analysis ( Laboratory Identification)
(presumptive and confirmatory testing) Lab Exercise 10 (SRB)
Apr 12-14
Controlled Substances Analysis (cont’d): Clandestine Drugs (Video: Clandestine Drug Labs)
Apr 19-21 Controlled Substances (Sources/Distribution)
Apr 26-28 Controlled Substances (physiological effects)
May 03
Controlled Substances Exam
Lab Exercises
The lab exercises are an essential component of the course. Not completing all the lab exercises will negatively impact
the learning experience and will be reflected accordingly in the final grade for the course. Lab exercises will begin the
day following their listing (as shown above) and are to be completed prior to the next lecture period.
Grade Computation
3 scheduled exams plus 10 lab exercises will constitute the basis for grade computation.
Your grade will simply be based upon the total points that you accumulate divided by the total possible.
Attendance
Your registration fee buys you the right to occupy a seat in the classroom during the scheduled hours of the
class. Whether or not you choose to occupy that seat is your decision. However, if you choose not to
attend class you must accept the following consequences:
1.
2.
3.
You will miss information , such as case studies, that is not available in the text or elsewhere that
you will be responsible for on quizzes and exams
You will miss information as to schedule changes that may arise
You may not make-up any missed assignments
2
The choice of attending class or not is yours to make, however you must be prepared to accept the
consequences if you choose not to come.
Classroom courtesy and decorum
Please adhere to the following basic elements of classroom courtesy:
1.
Turn off all forms of electronic communication/entertainment prior to entering class.
2.
It is expected that you are in your seat and prepared to begin class at the designated hour.
3.
Do not bring food into the classroom for consumption during class
Academic dishonesty
Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty will result in initiation of university protocol.
3