Hooke College



BIO600: HAIR IDENTIFICATION FOR DNA ANALYSTS (FORMERLY COM701)
This special forensics course is an initial introduction to forensic hair identification for DNA analysts and others responsible for the identification of hairs.  This course introduces the student to the principles and practice of human and animal hair identification. Using microscopy and DNA analysis, the course concentrates on the practical use of stereomicroscope and polarizing microscope for the forensic identification of human hairs. This determines their suitability for DNA analysis and microscopical comparison. 
 
The course does not provide hands-on instruction in the microscopical comparison of hairs or DNA analysis, although the subjects are discussed, because both are essential to the forensic hair comparison. Instruction is provided in the characterization of hair roots for purposes of selecting hairs for DNA analysis.
 
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be capable of beginning hair examinations and initial identifications, under direct supervision, with the student continuing the necessary study and practice required for proficiency.  Competency and continued proficiency needs to be proven in the home laboratory to the satisfaction of the home laboratory.
Date Times & Locations Instructor(s) Credits Cost
11/8/2010 -
11/10/2010
 
Westmont, IL
Mon: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tues: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wed: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
 
Bisbing
Wiley
 
2
 
 
$1,545.00
*CLOSED

Are you interested in this course, but it is either not offered or not at a time that works with your schedule? Let us know and we will notify you when it is available next.

E-mail:

Offline registration is available by calling the registrar at 630-887-7100 or by downloading the offline registration form, completing it, and faxing to 630-887-7412.

* If a scheduled course is full, you may be placed in a waiting list.

Course Outline
  1. HAIR EVIDENCE:  History and Value; Hair Variation; Sampling
  2. HAIR MICROSCOPY:  Köhler Illumination; Balanced Illumination; Contrast; Mountants; Photomicrography
  3. HAIR STRUCTURE:  Gross Appearance; Surface Features; Internal Structure; Hair Micrometry
  4. TRANSFER:  Persistence; Contamination Control
  5. GROWTH AND REPLACEMENT:  Follicles; Roots
  6. BIOLOGICAL PROFILE:  Identification; Species Origin; Racial Origin; Somatic Origin; Tips; Deposition; Microtraces
  7. CONCLUSIONS:  Report; Testimony
What You Will Learn
  • Sample preparation
  • Basic theory and technique in the use of polarized light microscopy
  • Practical skills for use by hair examiners such as sample handling and photomicrography
  • Basic techniques for hair identification
  • History of hair examination and general hair terminology
  • Transfer and persistence of hair evidence
  • Hair morphology; development of the hair follicle, structure of the hair follicle, growth stages and loss of hair, structure hair shaft
  • Differences in human hair and animal hair
  • Racial group and body area determinations
  • Selection of hairs for DNA analysis
  • Evidential value of hair evidence
  • Conclusions and interpretations of human hair identifications for report writing and expert witness testimony.
Who Should Enroll
  • Inexperienced forensic scientists and criminalists with new responsibilities for hair analysis.
  • Experienced forensic hair examiners who desire additional training.
  • DNA analysts who require training for hair analysis.
Student Learning Resources
  • Detailed course manual, including John G. Delly’s new book “Essentials of Polarized Light Microscopy".
  • Olympus BX51 microscope for each student
  • Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope for each student
Suggested Prerequisites

 

Satisfactory Completion Requirements

Students are expected to successfully complete a variety of tasks in the form of hands-on exercises, laboratory exercises, identifications of unknowns, and quizzes. In addition, the students are required to have 100% attendance during the course, participate in class, complete a student evaluation form and pre and post course assessment forms. 

The student is notified at the end of the course whether or not they have successfully completed the requirements of the course based on:
 
  • 100 % attendance
  • class participation
  • completion of all course material
  • completed and signed student evaluation form
  • completed pre and post course assessment forms. 
 
Upon successfully meeting these requirements, a student is awarded a certificate of completion and IACET CEU credits, if available. Those who have not successfully passed the course requirements do not receive a certificate or IACET CEU credits.
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