Introduction to Forensic Science

Introduction to Forensic Science: The Science of Criminalistics is a new textbook that takes a unique and holistic approach to forensic science. The book focuses on exploring the underlying scientific concepts as presented at the introductory college and senior high school levels. Chapters introduce readers to each of the important areas of forensic science, grouping chapters together by discipline and following a logical progression and flow between chapters. This systematically allows students to understand the fundamental scientific concepts, recognize their various application to the law and investigations, and discern how each topic fits broadly within the context of forensic science. The writing is accessible throughout, maintaining students' interestincluding both science and non-science majorswhile inspiring them to learn more about the field. Concepts are demonstrated with numerous case studies and full-color illustrations that serve to emphasize the important ideas and issues related to a particular topic. The approach underscores scientific understanding, allowing the student to go beyond simple rote learning to develop deeper insights into the field, regardless of their scientific background. The book has been extensively classroom tested to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date survey of various forensic disciplines and the current state of the science, policies, and best practices. Key Features: Presents takes a wholly new, fresh approach to addressing a broad survey of analytical techniques and evidentiary analysis in the field forensic science All conceptsand the underpinnings of forensic practiceare explained in simple terms, using understandable analogies and illustrations to further clarify concepts Introduces topics that other introductory texts fail to address including serology, behavioral science, forensic medicine and anthropology, forensic ecology, palynology, zoology, video analysis, AI/computer forensics, and forensic engineering, among others Highly illustrated with over 900 full-color photographs, diagrams, and illustrations to further highlight key concepts Suitable for both high school senior-level instruction as well as 2- and 4-year university courses for majors, non-majors, and criminal justice students enrolled in introductory forensic science classes Support Materials, including an Instructors Manual with Test Bank and chapter PowerPointTM lecture slides, are available to professors with qualified course adoption.