Spring, 2020 for the first time an eight week version of U74.130 forensic science is being offered.
The textbook for this course is the fourth edition of the book “Criminalistics” by James Girard.
This course is designed for non science majors. If you have an interest in the criminal justice system or in science, this course is for you. If you are someone that wishes to be better informed about the interface between science and public policy, this course is for you. If you are considering going to law school, this course is for you.
Forensic science is undergoing a reappraisal. The introduction of DNA matching decades ago uncovered wrongful convictions. Now a number of techniques that had been accepted without authentication have been shown to not be valid.
During the in class face to face portion guest speakers will present material, hands on exercises will be done in class and students will give oral presentations on readings.
The course consists of material both from the textbook and from outside sources.
Some of the outside sources include
[1] National Geographic article July 2016
National Geographic article “How Science is Putting a New Face on Crime Solving:
[2] Bear Brook Murders
Isotope Evidence Bear Brook
[3] PBS Frontline 2012 Season Episode 10
The Real CSI episode
[4] PBS NOVA October 17, 2012 episode
Forensics on Trial
[5] Forensic Geology
The Gravel Page
[6] Amanda Knox misapplication of DNA
Amanda Knox Fallibility of DNA Forensics
[.,] Washington University Forensic Science Symposium with Radley Balko and Peter Neufeld
Reform in Forensic Science
[.] 2016 PCAST forensic science report
Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity
[,,] June 2016 article in “The Atlantic” magazine “The False Promise of DNA testing”
The False Promise of DNA Testing