01/04
NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE
COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
ADJ 276 - HAIR AND
FIBER MORPHOLOGY (3 CR.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Teaches identification
and examination methods (analytical and comparative) for human and animal
hair and natural and manmade fibers as physical evidence in criminal investigations
and prosecutions. Lecture 3 hours per week.
GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
The purpose of this
course is to provide the student with an introduction to the forensic examination
of hair and fiber evidence.
ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES
None
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of
this course, the student should be able to:
-
Describe the laboratory
equipment and procedures used in the analysis of hair/fiber evidence.
-
Explain the procedures
for preparing hair/ fiber samples for microscopic examination, including
permanent and temporary whole mounts and cross-sections.
-
Distinguish phylogenetic
classification of hairs from common domestic animals, apparel furs, and
game animals.
-
Distinguish racial and
somatic origin of human hairs when possible.
-
Explain structure, microstructure,
chemistry and growth biology of hair.
-
Describe microscopically
observable characteristics of hair.
-
Describe generic classes
of fibers.
-
Identify different natural
and synthetic fiber types.
-
Describe recognition of
characteristic treatments to and/or additives in fibers.
-
Describe optical properties,
physical properties, and chemical properties of fibers.
-
Familiarization with microscopical,
microchemical, microspectrophotometric, and chromatographic methods of
fiber examination.
-
Describe microscopic structures
of fibers used in textiles, cordage, and other industrial applications.
-
Evaluate legal significance
of hair/ fiber evidence testimony.
MAJOR TOPICS TO BE
INCLUDED
-
Laboratory analysis of
hair and fiber evidence
-
Classification of hair
and fiber evidence.
-
Biology and chemistry
of hair
-
Microscopic characteristics
of hair evidence
-
Classification of fiber
evidence
-
Microscopic characteristics
of fiber evidence