An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience
2. Edition April 2012
514 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Based on a proven classroom approach, this text briefly introduces various earth science topics and discusses aspects of geology that are not traditionally emphasized in undergraduate courses.Taking a problem-based learning approach, this resource presents background case information, forensic exercises and suggestions on how to develop them, and helpful pointers on utilizing additional references and materials. This book is ideal for undergraduate courses, and also provides reference material for developing modules appropriate for high-schools or middle schools.
An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience provides fundamental training in geoscience as developed through the lens of its forensic applications. It incorporates a range of topics including geophysical methods of grave detection, the mineralogy of art, identification of microfossils, and comparison of soil trace evidence samples. Each topic is introduced using core concepts that are developed with increasing complexity in order to give readers an understanding of the underlying scientific principles involved and a taste of the wide range of possible forensic uses. A variety of detailed reference tables have been compiled for the text and each chapter contains lists of references to applicable textbooks and journal articles. Examples of real criminal cases are also presented in each chapter to make the connections between theory and real world application. The goal of this book is to give readers a familiarity with the wide range of ways in which geoscience principles and geological materials can be utilized forensically.
Additional resources for this book can be found at: http://www.wiley.com/go/bergslien/forensicgeoscience.
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. A Brief, Selective History of Forensic Science with an Emphasis on Geoscience
Chapter 2. Minerals: The Basic Building Blocks of Geology
Chapter 3. Rocks: The Story Books of the Earth
Chapter 4. Maps: Getting a Sense of Place
Chapter 5. Sand: To See the World in a Grain of Sand
Chapter 6. Gems and Gemstones: Those Most Precious of All Minerals
Chapter 7. Soils: Getting the Dirt on Crime
Chapter 8. The Geology of Art
Chapter 9. Fossils and Microfossils: Traces of Life
Chapter 10. Geology and People: Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Archaeology
Chapter 11. Environmental Forensics: Tracking Pollution to its Source
Index