COURSE OUTLINE:

1.Introduction to Criminalistics

Class Discussion - Crime Investigation, Kirk

A.Uses in Forensic Science
B.Ethics in Forensic Science
C.Class Discussion on selected cases decided in other countries and the Philippines
D. Role of Forensic Science/Criminalistics
E. Expert Witness
F. Scientist vs. Technician
G. Laboratory vis-à-vis the Police Function
H. Present Difficulties and Needs
I. Future of Forensic Science

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2. Role of the PNP Forensic Group on Catastrophes:

A.Disaster Victim Identification and Protocols

B.Victim Identification Protocols in Explosion Incidents
C.Mandates of the PNP on dealing with Physical Evidence involving other types of Catastrophes
D.Protocols and MDRR legal provisions, PNP’s linkage with Government and Non-government Agencies
E.Role of Criminalistics on Digital Evidence, Computer Chemistry and Medicine Analysis:

1)Legal Provisions governing Digital Evidence, Computer Chemistry and Medicine Analysis
2)Situational Cases where Criminalistics is applied on Digital Evidence, Computer Chemistry and
Medicine Analysis
3)Decided Cases and Court rulings on the application of Criminalistics on Digital Evidence, Computer
Chemistry and Medicine Analysis – three (3) cases

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3.Investigative Processes

A.Pieces of Physical evidence

1. Forms, quantity/quality, impact and behavior
a. Density Determinations
1) Liquid - Mohr-Westphal - Pycnometer
2) Solid - Westphal - Displacement - Micro displacement - Flotation
3) Comparative Density - Flotation - Density gradient
2. Forensic Ballistics/Firearms (basic knowledge, preliminary examination, and gunshot residue)
3. Pattern evidence (fingerprints, footwear, tires, etc.)
4. Trace evidence/traceology (fibers, hair, glass, paint, soil, etc.)
5. Biological evidence (blood, semen, saliva, etc.); entomological considerations
6. Digital/electronic evidence; questioned documents; drugs & alcohol; sexual assault; injury
documentation
7. Forensic Graphology
8. Odorology (using odors in the investigation of crime)

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B.Crime scene management, quality issues, Theory of Phase Contrast, Probability and Measurement, Non-
destructive enhancement and documentation techniques and search techniques; evidence collection and packaging
C.Concepts of Identification and Individualization, evidence transfer, detection, and recognition; science; ethics &
bias
D.Fires and explosions; additional QA/QC issues; communication of activities and findings
E.Crime scene/incident reconstruction and additional crime scene considerations
F.DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing can go beyond just the basic DNA testing in order to allow for DNA profiling in
cases where a body has decomposed. ...
G.Facial reconstruction. ...
H.Magnetic fingerprinting. ...
I.Laser ablation. ...
J.Digital surveillance XFT devices
Bottom of Form
K.Related Cases study/moot court

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4. Microchemistry
A. Microscale work in Criminalistics
B. Chemistry on a Microscale
C. Techniques of Microchemical Crystal Tests
D. Inorganic Analyses
E. Organic Analyses
F. The Microscope in Criminalistics
1. Stereo Microscope
2. Comparison Microscope
3. Conventional Research Microscope
4. Microscope as a Testing and Measuring Tool

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B. Scientific Studies on Glass:

1)Types of glass and their composition

2)Forensic examination of glass fractures under different conditions
3)Determination of direction of impact
4)3R-rules: cone- fracture, rib marks, hackle marks, backward fragmentation, color and fluorescence,
density comparison
5)Physical matching and measurements
6)Refractive index by refractometer, refractive index by Becke line technique,
7)Elemental analysis,
8)Interpretation of glass evidence
9)Standard Operating Procedures for examination
10)Discussion on important case studies of glass evidence.

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C. Scientific Studies on Paints:

1)Types of paint and their composition, macroscopic & microscopic studies

2)Pigment distribution and colorimetry
3)Micro-chemical analysis- solubility test
4)TLC
5)Pyrolysis chromatographic techniques
6)IR absorption spectroscopy of paint samples & X-ray diffraction
7)Elemental analysis
8)Interpretation of paint evidence
9)Standard Operating Procedures for examination
10)Discussion on important case studies of paint evidence.

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5. Forensic Photography – (Light Review I) Significance and Impact as Crime Evidence
A. Limitations of Forensic Photography
1. Dispersion
2. Refraction
3. Diffraction
4. Refractive Index
5. Spectra (Continuous & Discontinuous)
B. Traditional Photography and Digital Photography (advantages and disadvantages)
C. Film Photography and Digital Photography
1. Difference as to Advantages and Disadvantages in Law Enforcement
2. Breaking Down the Pros and Cons
3. Film and Digital Camera
D. Issues and Responses to Forensic Digital Photography
E. Forensic Photography: Prospect through the Lenses
1. Principles and Procedures of Forensic Photography
2. Capturing the Image
3. Photographs of Specific Type of Physical Evidence
3. Procedures on Proper Documentation

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F. Lens Aberrations (Definition, types, causes, remedial measures & significance to
evidentiary value)

G. Refraction, Dispersion and Optical Glass for Photographic Lenses - Light Review II
1. Refractive Index
a. Utility of Measurement in Forensic Science
b. Refractometers
c. Absolute and comparative refractive index of a glass particle
d. Becke line
e. Oblique Illumination Method
f. Dispersion staining
g. Phase contrast
2. Dispersion
a. Chromatic Aberration
b. Achromatic Lens
3. Optical Glass

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6.Crystals and Polarized Light
A. Isotropic, Anisotropic Materials
B. Double Refraction - Birefringence
C. Polarization by Reflection; Dielectric Mirror
D. Nicol Prism
E. Dichroism, Pleochroism
F. Dichroic Filters - "Polaroid"
G. Ray Velocity Surfaces
H. Indicatrix Models

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7. Laboratory Microscopes

A.Microscopy Basics and Image Formation

1. Basic Microscopy
2. Principles of Microscopy
3. The microscope as a measuring instrument/micrometers
4. Theory of Image Formation
5. Formation of Images in the Optical Microscope
6. Magnification defined
7. Empty Magnification
8. Objectives - Achromatic/Apochromatic Lenses
9. Dark Field and Ultra Microscopy

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B.Microscope Lamp
1. Microscope Bulbs and Light Bulbs
2. Light Source
3. Lamp filament
4. Primary and Secondary Radiators
5. Lamp diaphragm
6. Visibility
a. Color images
b. Refraction images

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C.Microscope Condenser/Optics
1. What are condensers
2. Functions of condensers
3. Sub-stage Condensers
4. Condensers and contrast
5. Diaphragms and Condenser Cone
6. Resolution and Physical Optics

D.Microscope Illumination
1. Critical Illumination
2. Köhler Illumination

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E.Microscope Diffraction & Resolution Microscopy
1. Quick Biochemistry Basics
2. Resolution - Resolving Power
3. Abbe's Diffraction Theory of Image Formation

F. Polarizing Microscope - Optical Crystallography

1. Orthoscopic Observations
a. Extinction
b. Retardation
c. Newton's Colors
d. ¼ λ compensator
e. λ compensator
f. Quartz wedge
g. Sign of Elongation

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2. Microscopic Morphology of Fibers
3. Optical Property Measurements on Fibers
a. Birefringence
b. In-parallel and In-perpendicular
c. Drawn and Undrawn fibers
4. Conoscopic Observations
a. Interference Figures
b. Uniaxial Crystals a. ε and ω b. Optic sign
c. Biaxial Crystals
(1) OAP
(2) Principal Refractive Indices
(3) Acute bisectrix
(4) Optic normal
(5) Optic axial angle

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5. Laboratory Examinations on:
A. Fiber and Textile Identification and Examination

1)Classification of textile and/or fibers

2)It’s production, structure and properties - - an introduction to the basics, ropes and cordage,
3)Recovery and collection of fibers and textiles evidence
4)Examination of damaged fibers and textiles
5)Examination of dye fibers and textiles evidence
6)Instrument used in the examination of fibers and textiles
7)Interpretation of fiber evidence, new fibers types,
8)Discussion on important case studies of fiber evidence.

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A.DESIRED FORMAT/PARTS OF INDIVIDUAL REPORT

1. Objectives of the report

2. Brief introduction of the report
3. Body of the report; identify the sub-topics aligned with the objectives
4. Summary
5. Conclusion
6. Recommendation (s) premised from any issues & concerns arising from the
conclusion add Personal insight

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B. RUBRICS FOR INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

DESCRIPTIONS POINTS SCORE

1. Power point format & presentation 5

2. Format & contents of the report 20

3. Fluency & method of presentation/delivery 60

4. Summary, conclusion & recommendation results 5

5. Responses to queries & comments 10

TOTAL POINTS 100

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THANK YOU!

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