2024
Fundamentals of Forensic Sciences
Name: Fundamentals of Forensic Sciences
Code: CMS14332L
3 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/78 hours
Scientific Area:
Health Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Presentation
UC that aims to provide additional training in the area of forensic science that allows students to broaden their skills, in particular those interested in pursuing studies or a profession in this area.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
The general objective of this curricular unit is to give complementary formation in forensic science that allows students to widen their competences, particularly to those interested in following studies or profession in this area.
At the end of the course unit the learner is expected to be able to: Understand the following competences
1) Understand all the steps of a criminal investigation;
2) To understand the functions of a forensic expert;
3) Approach correctly a crime scene for evidence collection;
4) Evaluate, for the analysis of each evidence, the available techniques and know how to select the correct methodology;
5) Know how to plan the work, carry out the techniques and analyse the results.
Students will also be expected to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, namely in the following dispositions: truth-seeking, open-mindedness, analytical mind, systematicity, intellectual curiosity and cognitive maturity.
At the end of the course unit the learner is expected to be able to: Understand the following competences
1) Understand all the steps of a criminal investigation;
2) To understand the functions of a forensic expert;
3) Approach correctly a crime scene for evidence collection;
4) Evaluate, for the analysis of each evidence, the available techniques and know how to select the correct methodology;
5) Know how to plan the work, carry out the techniques and analyse the results.
Students will also be expected to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, namely in the following dispositions: truth-seeking, open-mindedness, analytical mind, systematicity, intellectual curiosity and cognitive maturity.
Contents
Forensic science; definition, characterization, history and services in Portugal.
Criminal investigation and functions of a forensic expert.
Analysis of crime scenes and chain of custody.
Lofoscopy.
Forensic analysis of traces in cases of fire and explosions.
Forensic analysis of traces of fibres and hair.
Forensic analysis of traces of gunshot residues.
Forensic toxicology, classification, methods of administration and chemical structures of the most common drugs and poisons.
Osteology and human osteometry and attribution of a biological profile to skeletonized remains: estimation of sex, age at death and population affiliation. Identification of distinctive features that can give an identity.
Forensic medicine.
Criminal investigation and functions of a forensic expert.
Analysis of crime scenes and chain of custody.
Lofoscopy.
Forensic analysis of traces in cases of fire and explosions.
Forensic analysis of traces of fibres and hair.
Forensic analysis of traces of gunshot residues.
Forensic toxicology, classification, methods of administration and chemical structures of the most common drugs and poisons.
Osteology and human osteometry and attribution of a biological profile to skeletonized remains: estimation of sex, age at death and population affiliation. Identification of distinctive features that can give an identity.
Forensic medicine.
Teaching Methods
The teaching methodology used is framed in the problem-based learning (PBL) that enables students to develop critical and creative thinking, allowing a more consolidated and satisfying knowledge. In the lecture classes, interaction with students is promoted by using real and fictional cases, with the use of films, images and news from the media. Students have to solve practical exercises and riddles. In laboratory classes students have to analyse, with the appropriate methodologies, the evidences provided by the teacher which is part of a fictitious case, which the students have to solve. From each experimental a report is produced which should have a critical analysis of the results with its integration and elaboration of a logical reasoning leading to the resolution of the case. Evaluation: problem solving 5%, practical work 35%, written monograph with presentation and discussion 60%.
