Forensic Science

From the physics of bullet trajectories to the grim details of human decay, forensic science is a challenging discipline for any student to enter. This program ushers viewers into the prestigious Forensic Science department at the University of Central Lancashire in Great Britain. Tests and coursework involve ballistics experiments used to solve a shotgun shooting case; an introduction to blood splatter analysis at the school's mock crime scene facility; and an ordeal that every first-year forensics school scholar, regardless of his or her personal goals and sensitivities, is required to undergo-the Death and Decomposition lecture. Viewer discretion is advised. (23 minutes)

Criminal investigators must be able to analyze any type of crime scene, be it a criminal's abandoned car or the elegant surroundings of a manor house. This program follows crime scene studies undertaken in the renowned Forensic Science department at the University of Central Lancashire in the U.K. Viewers accompany first-year Police and Criminal Investigation students as they gather evidence from within and outside mock automobiles; attempt to solve an armed robbery of wealthy partygoers through lab analysis of blood, fabric, and glass shards; and confront several other realistic and often gory crime scenarios. Viewer discretion is advised. (23 minutes)

What happens when a deadly crime takes place and law enforcement puts all of its scientific resources into action? Can forensic science really solve a murder? This program follows scientists through a dramatized investigation, from the discovery of the crime scene through various stages of evidence analysis to the presentation of findings in court. Instead of Hollywood hype, viewers are given a realistic portrayal of the forensic science process, including field photography, evidence recording, victim identification, DNA profiling, fingerprint readings (complete with an explanation of print types and ridge analysis) and much more. Set in Australia. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (21 minutes)

This fascinating documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the secret and secretive world of forensic science. Visiting Scotland Yard's laboratories-reputedly the finest such laboratories in the world-the program shows how modern technology can turn a particle of sand or a piece of thread into a clue that leads to solving a crime. (53 minutes)

For coursework involving difficult and sometimes disturbing material, it doesn't hurt to show students what their compatriots in other schools are going through. This five-part series goes inside the Forensic Science and Police and Criminal Investigation program at the U.K.'s renowned University of Central Lancashire. Each episode focuses on a particular group of students as they sift through mock-ups of real-world crime scenes and put theory to the test in complex lab work. Featuring many practical skills and investigative processes needed to work in the criminal justice field, the series also helps shed light on career opportunities and choices. Viewer discretion is advised. 5-part series, 23-26 minutes each.

Although they perform a vital service, police dogs aren't the only creatures to keep track of at crime scenes-wild animals can play a role, too. This program studies the usefulness of canines and the often confusing influence of scavengers as it documents coursework at the University of Central Lancashire's Forensic Science department. In addition to portraying the police skills of man's best friend and the difficulty of locating victims' remains in a forest environment, the program also looks at preparations for a mock trial. Students in the Forensic Law module must organize and present findings as if they are expert witnesses delivering scientific testimony for the prosecution. Viewer discretion is advised. (23 minutes)

Creating a DNA profile, identifying skeleton parts, finding hidden graves-just a few loose ends to tie up before graduation! This program represents the culmination of three challenging years in the Forensic Science department at the University of Central Lancashire. But first, viewers follow a first-year student as she prepares for a genetic profiling exam and a second-year as she studies human infrastructure for an impending bone quiz. After two third-years face a final test in locating clandestine burial sites, it's on to the commencement party-where departing students reflect on their experiences, discuss career plans, and contemplate life after Forensics School. Viewer discretion is advised. (23 minutes)

Fingerprint analysis, crime scene photography, the fine art of grave digging-these are only a few of the highlights on the path to mastering forensic science. This program follows the progress of students in the respected Forensic Science department at the University of Central Lancashire. As part of the Forensic Anthropology course, a third-year student has to put himself in the mind-set of a murderer as he learns how to dispose of human remains. Meanwhile, first-year students knuckle down at the school's mock crime scene facility for a practical test in fingerprinting and crime scene documentation within various simulated scenarios. Viewer discretion is advised. (26 minutes)

Two intruders are surprised by a homeowner while committing a B&E-and when they stab him during the getaway, the heavy charge of aggravated burglary is what awaits them if they are identified. This program follows a team of forensic specialists from the crime scene to the laboratory and Scotland Yard as they locate, collect, and examine the evidence that places the perpetrators at the scene of the crime-and puts them behind bars. High-tech analysis of fingerprints, tool marks, footprints, pollen, fibers, and DNA is featured. (25 minutes)

Once a case goes to trial, evidence is put to its greatest test as it undergoes the scrutiny of cross-examination. In this program, Professors Leriche and Cassiman, genetics experts, examine the ability of lucomalakite green to obtain DNA samples from minute quantities of bodily fluids and discuss the RFLP and PCR tests used to analyze them. In addition, the value of serology-forerunner of genetic testing-is explored in relation to the classic 1950s Jaccoud case, along with the impact of DNA polymorphisms as discovered by Dr. Jeffreys in 1984. Ballistics and soil and glass analysis are also discussed, as well as the 1985 Guy-Paul Morin rape investigation and the 1992 Arizona case in which the genetic profile of a tree helped to bring about a conviction. (55 minutes)

By refining and expanding on the work of the founders of criminology, today's forensic scientists link crime victims to perpetrators in ways that almost defy belief. In this program, Professor Matile of France's Museum of Natural History; Professor Evenot, expert in odontology; and noted anthropologist Professor Perrot discuss the ways in which microscopy, entomology, dental records, and facial reconstruction help police solve crimes. The classic contributions of Lacassagne to ballistics, Revenstorf to forensic biology, Megnien to forensic entomology, and Guerassimov, who is shown actually doing a facial reconstruction, round out the historical background on these remarkable procedures. (55 minutes)

Before detectives set foot on a crime scene, forensic scientists must first painstakingly glean every bit of evidence. In this program, Professor Margot of the Forensic Science Institute of Lausanne describes advances in criminal science. New technology has made it possible to capture footprints with Mylar and static electricity rather than plaster; to cause fingerprints on a shell casing to reappear after the bullet has been fired and ejected; to computerize Identikit composites; and to identify firearms and ammunition by discharging weapons into pseudo-flesh and examining the results. The contributions of Reiss and Locard to crime scene analysis, along with Godart's role in the 1927 Sacco and Vanzetti investigation, provide some of the historical antecedents of modern criminology. (55 minutes)