If you are studying forensic science, or a related course such as forensic chemistry or biology, then this book will be an indispensable companion throughout your entire degree programme. This ‘one-stop’ text will guide you through the wide range of practical, analytical and data handling skills that you will need during your studies. It will also give you a solid grounding in the wider transferable skills such as teamwork and study skills.   This third edition of Practical Skills in Forensic Science builds upon the excellent foundation of its predecessors and provides an easy-to-read guide to help you develop the skills you need to succeed. It retains the key features of earlier editions, with a layout that explains the essential elements of practical techniques and procedures in a step-by-step manner to help you understand their application in the context of forensic science.   Features include: ·   Coverage of a wide range of practical aspects from fingerprint recovery, trace evidence examination, bodily fluid examination and DNA analysis, as well as broader skills such as tackling numerical problems and passing exams. ·   Case examples, guidelines for documentation and reporting results, plus advice on the legal aspects of forensic science provide you with an understanding of the professional role of a forensic scientist. ·   New material on personal development planning, learning styles, e-learning and avoiding plagiarism. ·   Updated sections on software for graphical and statistical analysis. ·   Worked examples and ‘How To’ boxes provide practical guidance and support. ·   Key points highlight critical features of methodology. ·   Use of margin tips, definitions and illustrations throughout. ·   Additional sources of further study identified for every chapter. ·   Safety notes highlight specific hazards and appropriate practical steps to minimise risk. ·   Study exercises (and answers) in each chapter help to reinforce learning.   ALAN LANGFORD is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Criminology and Forensic Sciences at Northumbria University, UK; JOHN DEAN is Professor of Analytical and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Graduate School at Northumbria University, UK; ROB REED is Professor of Biomedical Science and Director of Undergraduate Science Programs at CQUniversity, Australia; DAVID HOLMES is Director of Collaborative Programs in Applied Sciences at Northumbria University, UK; JONATHAN WEYERS is Director of Quality Assurance at the University of Dundee, UK; and ALLAN JONES is Senior Lecturer and Chancellor's Award Fellow in Ecology, Environmental Science and Zoology at the University of Dundee, UK.

Table of Contents:
1 Essentials of practical work 2 Health and safety 3 Making measurements and observations 4 SI units and their use 5 Scientific method and design of experiments 6 Working with liquids 7 Basic laboratory procedures 8 Principles of solution chemistry 9 pH and buffer solutions 10 Introduction to microscopy 11 Setting up and using microscopes 12 Sample preparation 13 DNA analysis – fundamental principles 14 Chromatography 15 Mass spectrometry 16 Basic spectroscopy 17 Atomic spectroscopy 18 X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy 19 Infrared and Raman spectroscopy 20 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy 21 Immunoassay 22 Electrophoresis 23 Personnel and recording the scene 24 Collecting evidence – basic principles 25 Digital evidence 26 Investigating fingerprints 27 Footwear marks and impressions 28 Investigating other marks 29 Document analysis 30 Analysis of biological fluids 31 DNA analysis – forensic applications 32 Analysis of hair 33 Analysis of skeletal remains 34 Forensic odontology 35 Forensic entomology 36 Forensic botany 37 Alcohol analysis 38 Forensic toxicology 39 Bulk drug analysis 40 Analysis of paint 41 Analysis of glass 42 Analysis of fibres 43 Firearms and ballistic evidence 44 Analysis of fires and explosions 45 Finding and citing published information 46 Using online resources 47 Evaluating information 48 Word processors, databases and other packages 49 Using Spreadsheets 50 Fundamental principles of quantitative chemical analysis 51 Calibration and quantitative analysis 52 Using graphs 53 Presenting data in tables 54 Hints for solving numerical problems 55 Descriptive statistics 56 Choosing and using statistical tests 57 Chemometrics and advanced statistics 58 General aspects of scientific writing 59 Giving a spoken presentation 60 Writing a forensic statement and presenting evidence in court 61 Reporting practical and project work 62 Writing essays, literature surveys and reviews 63 Organising a poster display 64 The importance of transferable skills 65 Managing your time 66 Working with others 67 Taking notes from lectures and texts 68 Learning and revising effectively 69 Assessments and exams 70 Preparing your curriculum vitae