Forensic Science

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.

"A useful and relevant text which serves as a primer for students to
understand current processes and structures.  Well laid out and
illustrated; a very readable text which is objective and factual in its
presentation."
Rob Bird, Coventry University (formerly SIO/Police Superintendent)

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.