2024
Introduction to Forensic Science
Name: Introduction to Forensic Science
Code: QUI13794I
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area:
Biochemistry, Biological Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Presentation
This course aims to provide students with a set of knowledge in the field of forensic science, including research methodologies in areas such as forensic toxicology, human osteology and osteometry, forensic entomology and the use of stable isotopes.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The general objective of this curricular unit is to provide students with a set of knowledge in the field of forensic science that allows them to have additional training in this area. Real cases will be used as an example and students' critical thinking will be stimulated. At the end of the curricular unit students should have acquired the following skills:
1) Understand the steps of a criminal investigation
2) Know how to select the methodology to carry out the analysis of drugs and poisons
3) Know how to select the most appropriate methodologies for assigning a biological profile to an individual of unknown identity
4) Use of stable isotopes in forensic sciences.
1) Understand the steps of a criminal investigation
2) Know how to select the methodology to carry out the analysis of drugs and poisons
3) Know how to select the most appropriate methodologies for assigning a biological profile to an individual of unknown identity
4) Use of stable isotopes in forensic sciences.
Contents
Forensic science, definition and characterization.
Forensic toxicology, classification, methods of administration and chemical structures of the drugs and poisons most used. Analysis techniques and methods.
Human osteological landmarks useful in the attribution of a biological profile to skeletal remains. Identification of precise personal traits that can assign an identity of unknown deceased.
Stable isotopes- Principles and analysis. The use of stable isotopes to determine the provenance of substances, animals and humans. Presentation of case studies.
Forensic entomology. Necrophagous insects and life cycles. Presentation of case studies.
Forensic toxicology, classification, methods of administration and chemical structures of the drugs and poisons most used. Analysis techniques and methods.
Human osteological landmarks useful in the attribution of a biological profile to skeletal remains. Identification of precise personal traits that can assign an identity of unknown deceased.
Stable isotopes- Principles and analysis. The use of stable isotopes to determine the provenance of substances, animals and humans. Presentation of case studies.
Forensic entomology. Necrophagous insects and life cycles. Presentation of case studies.
Teaching Methods
This Curricular Unit is expected to have a lot of interaction with students in the sense of making classes dynamic and promoting students' critical sense. Classes are taught using the use of real and fictional cases where films, images or news from the Social media will be used.
The evaluation will be carried out on a continuous evaluation basis through four written works and respective oral presentations (25% for each work). In case of non-approval in the continuous assessment, a written exam (100%) will be carried out.
The evaluation will be carried out on a continuous evaluation basis through four written works and respective oral presentations (25% for each work). In case of non-approval in the continuous assessment, a written exam (100%) will be carried out.
Certificações
