Product Description

This book provides a clear and authoritative introduction to forensic science. It is comprehensive in that it covers the core topics throughout the process of doing forensic science: from collecting evidence at the crime scene; through the analysis of that evidence; through to the presentation of the scientific findings in court.

Scientifically rigorous, the book is primarily aimed at undergraduates starting out on forensic science degree programmes or those taking a forensic science elective module. Due to the book’s accessible and engaging tone related professions such as lawyers or police officers may also find this of interest as may the general reader who simply wishes to learn more about the subject.

Case studies, chapter objectives and summaries and exercises feature throughout to enhance the reader’s learning experience.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37229 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

Review

'I recommend this book to all first-year forensic science students, but it also has something to say to those in more advanced years and even postgraduates. Lawyers, scene of crime investigators and police officers should also find this book of considerable interest.' 
Professor Brian Caddy, Former President of the Forensic Science Society – review for Education in Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry

'The authors convey serious messages in a rigorous but accessible and engaging manner. I would thoroughly recommend this text as an educational resource for all those teaching the early stages of courses incorporating forensic science and as an insightful and well-organised summary for those they teach.'
Professor Robert Hillman, Leicester University -  review for Higher Education Academy, Physical Sciences Centre

From the Back Cover

From reviews of the first edition:

'I recommend this book to all first-year forensic science students, but it also has something to say to those in more advanced years and even postgraduates. Lawyers, scene of crime investigators and police officers should also find this book of considerable interest.' 
Professor Brian Caddy, Former President of the Forensic Science Society – review for Education in Chemistry, Royal Society of Chemistry

'The authors convey serious messages in a rigorous but accessible and engaging manner. I would thoroughly recommend this text as an educational resource for all those teaching the early stages of courses incorporating forensic science and as an insightful and well-organised summary for those they teach.'
Professor Robert Hillman, Leicester University -  review for Higher Education Academy, Physical Sciences Centre

This book is the perfect starting point for any newcomer to the field of forensic science. It examines the entire process of conducting forensic science, from the collection of evidence at the crime scene, through the examination of that evidence, to the presentation of scientific findings in court. The book is scientifically rigorous but written in a friendly and engaging style making it the ideal companion for undergraduate students beginning a forensic science course; as background for MSc students; as a reference for related professions such as lawyers or police officers; or simply for the casual reader who wants to learn more about this fascinating area.

Key features

• Clear coverage of the core topics in forensic science
• A guest chapter on the rapidly-developing technique of DNA profiling
• Case studies appear throughout, putting everything in real-life context
• Chapter objectives and summaries highlight the key aspects of each topic
• End-of-chapter exercises help to reinforce learning
• A glossary of commonly used forensic science terms
• Additional material on forensic science techniques is provided in separate boxes

New to this edition

• A brand-new chapter focusing on the interpretation and evaluation of evidence
• New material on polarised-light microscopy
• New coverage of forensic archaeology

Dr Andrew Jackson is Principal Lecturer in forensic science at Staffordshire University, UK.
Dr Julie Jackson is a freelance science writer, with a background in biology.
Dr Harry Mountain is a Senior Lecturer in molecular biology at Staffordshire University, UK, with a special interest in forensic genetics.

Customer Reviews

Excellent book for research and information!
This book covers the vast techniques and areas covered within forensic science. It offers case studies and detailed information on topics such as documents, hair and fibres, fingerprints and DNA Profiling. The book is able to keep the reader interested as it includes current information on the Forensic sector and the combination of diagrams and photographs. I would encourage all those interested in Forensic Science to read this book as it will provide a good overview of what is incorporated and is easy to understand.

Great book!
I bought this book as an aid for my Forensic Science degree course and it has been extremely helpful. It contains useful and informative sections on items such as DNA, footwear impressions analysis, explosives, fibres, court procedures etc. The illustrations are also good. I found the book easy to digest and understand, definately recommended, regardless of whether you are studying this as a subject or just want to know more about forensic science.

Excellent
Andrew Jackson is one of the lecturers on my Forensic Science course at Uni, so it was no surprise to find this book was listed as a core text. I used it practically every day in my first year and now I'm starting my second year I imagine I'll still refer to it for useful information.

I've found it very helpful, interesting and not too complicated (while also not being patronising like some other books).

I would greatly recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by the subject, or for those who have a genuine interest in pursuing it beyond the boundaries of "just for pleasure".