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The Open University

Forensic science and fingerprints

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

This free course, Forensic science and fingerprints, covers how science can make fingerprints easier to study, how they are used in court and some of the questions about the extent to which fingerprint identification is sound and scientific. Students will learn the principles used in classifying and matching fingerprints (often called marks).

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Introduction to fingerprints
  • 1 Introduction to fingerprints
  • 2 Fingerprints in identification
  • 2 Fingerprints in identification
  • 2.1 The use of fingerprints in identification and the classification of fingerprints
  • 2.2 Certainty and uncertainty in identifications by fingerprint matching
  • 2.3 Context and potential error in fingerprint analysis
  • 2.4 The use of new technologies in fingerprint matching
  • 3 The development of latent fingerprints
  • 3 The development of latent fingerprints
  • 3.1 The electromagnetic spectrum
  • 3.2 Interactions of light and matter
  • 3.3 Chemical tests
  • Acid-base reactions
  • Redox reactions
  • 3.4 Final activities
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.0 rating, based on 5 Class Central reviews

4.6 rating at OpenLearn based on 47 ratings

Start your review of Forensic science and fingerprints

  • Dhrumit Asari
    Content of course is an overview, which only covers the heading and some facts.
    The detailed method for analysis of fingerprint detection and development is not given.
  • Profile image for Pallavi Tripathi
    Pallavi Tripathi
    course content is very good...but i have not received my completing certificate.
    fingerprinting analysis is thoroughly explained and the plus point is that case study is also included which is very useful.
  • Profile image for Shantul Junaid
    Shantul Junaid
    Course content is good. But i didn't get my certificate of achievement I don't know why there is no option of getting it.
  • DHENYPHER CORDEIRO DANTAS
    O curso é totalmente inovador, mostra diversas formas e angulos que sem ele não seria capaz de ibservar algumas situações. Também demostra a grande importancia de se estudar, analisar e discutir esse determinado assunto na sociedade atual.
  • Anonymous
    J'ai bcp appreciated le course. Ça m'a donnée lenvie et la curiosity de continuer à pousuivre d'avantage le prochain course merci beaucoup.

    Nenette Mukembe

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