|
|
MEI600: FORENSIC TRACE EVIDENCE PARTICLES (FORMERLY COM400)
This course is an initial introduction to microscopical trace evidence examination. This course introduces the student to the principles and practical use of the stereomicroscope and polarized light microscope for the analysis of common microscopic trace evidence (hairs, fibers, paint, and glass). In addition to beginning theory of polarized light microscopy (PLM), the student learns the basic techniques of PLM directly applicable to trace evidence analysis. A more thorough treatment of PLM theory, principles and practices are covered in the INS500: Modern Polarized Light Microscopy course.
|
|
Date
|
Times & Locations
|
Instructor(s)
|
Credits
|
Cost
|
3/29/2011 -
4/1/2011
|
Westmont, IL
| Mon: | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
|
| Tues: | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
|
| Wed: | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
|
| Thurs: | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
|
| Fri: | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
|
|
Bisbing
Chapin
Stoeffler
|
3.5
|
|
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.
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.
- The principles of stereomicroscopy including coaxial and oblique illumination techniques used for inspection and recording of forensic samples. Students will use the Olympus SZX10
- stereomicroscope.
- Hands-on exercises using the stereomicroscope for sample preparation, handling, manipulation and mounting.
- Paint chip examination.
- Mechanical and optical microscope alignment; including illumination considerations, and a micrometry exercise. Student will use the Olympus BX51 polarized light microscope.
- How to use the polarized-light microscope for morphological analysis of trace evidence with hands-on exercises.
- Human and animal hair features.
- The principles of plane polarized-light with hands-on exercises on how to perform refractive index measurements, observations of color, use of dispersion staining, dispersion by Emmons double variation, and phase contrast microscopy.
- Glass examination.
- The principles of crossed polarized-light microscopy with hands-on exercises determining isotropic vs. anisotropic, birefringence using the Michel-Lévy Interference Color Chart, and particle extinction.
- The principles of compensation with hands-on experience using compensators; how to determine sign of elongation.
- Fiber examination.
- Integration of microscopical methods of trace evidence examination.
- Dust analysis.
- Use of a stereomicroscope for initial examination of trace evidence
- Trace evidence sample preparation
- Basic theory and techniques in the use of polarized light microscopy for trace evidence analysis
- Practical skills for use by trace evidence examiners
- Basic techniques useful for trace evidence comparisons
- Inexperienced forensic scientists and criminalists with new responsibilities for trace evidence analysis.
- Newly assigned trace evidence examiners.
- Detailed course manual
- Essentials of Polarized Light Microscopy
- Olympus BX51 microscope for each student
- Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscopes for each student
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.
|
|
