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Fundamentals of Forensic Science [Hardcover]

Max M. Houck (Author), Jay A. Siegel (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)


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Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Second Edition Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Second Edition 3.9 out of 5 stars (8)
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Book Description

April 28, 2006 0123567629 978-0123567628 1
Unlike other introductory textbooks on the topic, Fundamentals of Forensic Science presents a complete look at the forensic sciences, emphasizing the biology, chemistry, and physical sciences that underpin forensic science. By covering the principles that are central to forensic science, and by discussing topics that are typically excluded from generalized discussions of "criminalistics," this book provides a depth and breadth of information that no other textbook contains. Written by two of the leading experts in forensic science today, Fundamentals of Forensic Science approaches the field from a truly unique and exciting perspective.

Ranging from traditional topics such as crime scene investigation, spectroscopy, and DNA analysis, to the less-commonly covered --but just as essential-- topics of pathology, entomology, and anthropology, Fundamentals of Forensic Science is everything a student or practicing professional needs. Organized along the timeline of a real case, it begins with an introduction and history of forensic science, covers the basic methods of analysis used in most forensic examinations, addresses the biological, chemical, and physical elements relevant to the field, and concludes with an examination of how forensic science intersects with the law.

- Vivid, full-color illustrations that diagram key concepts and depict evidence encountered in the field
- Straightforward unit organization that includes key terms, numerous feature boxes emphasizing resources on the World Wide Web, historical events in forensic science, practical issues in laboratory analysis, and topics for further reading
- Effective pedagogy -including end-of-chapter questions- paired with a clear writing style makes this an invaluable resource for professors and students of forensic science


Editorial Reviews

Review

"[This book] approaches the field from a truly unique and exciting perspective . . . everything a student or practicing professional needs." - The Journal of Law Enforcement

"Fundamentals of Forensic Science is an excellent textbook that would be an equally useful reference for security managers and investigators in both the private and public sectors." - Security Management magazine

Book Description

Introductory text that takes the most complete look at the core topics within forensic science.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 688 pages
  • Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (April 28, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0123567629
  • ISBN-13: 978-0123567628
  • Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.4 x 1.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #613,179 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Max M. Houck is an internationally-recognized forensic expert with research interests in forensic science, education, and the forensic enterprise and its industries. He has worked in the private sector, the public sector (at the regional and federal levels), and in academia. Dr. Houck has published in a wide variety of areas in the field, in books, book chapters, and peer-reviewed journals. His anthropology and trace evidence casework includes the Branch Davidian Investigation, the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon, the D.B. Cooper case, the US Embassy bombings in Africa, and the West Memphis Three case, among hundreds of others. He served for 6 years as the Chair of the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Dr. Houck is a founding Co-Editor of the journalForensic Science Policy and Management, with Dr. Jay Siegel; he has also co-authored a major textbook with Dr. Siegel, Fundamentals of Forensic Science. Dr. Houck lives and works in the Washington, DC area. 

Houck is a graduate of Michigan State University and Curtin University in Perth, Australia, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, among other professional organizations.

 

Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
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4 star:
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3 star:
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Average Customer Review
3.9 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Attention to Detail is Important, June 7, 2006
By 
George R Dekle "Bob Dekle" (Lake City, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   
This review is from: Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Hardcover)
Attention to detail is important in almost all areas of endeavor, but especially so in forensic science. This book violates that fundamental in the first chapter. In describing the trial of Theodore Robert Bundy for the Chi Omega Sorority murders, it refers to the testimony of a certain forensic odontologist, and says that as a result of the testimony of the forensic odonotologist, Bundy was executed. This is incorrect. Bundy was not executed for the Chi Omega murders, but for the subsequent murder of a young girl. Forensic science figured prominently in that conviction also, but it was microanalysis and shoetrack comparison, not forensic odontology, that was instrumental in sending Bundy to the electric chair.

As to the circumstances of the odontological evidence at the Chi Omega trial, the book is again in error on its details. It says a plaster cast was made of a bite mark on one of the victims. The plaster cast was taken of Bundy's teeth, not of the bite mark. The bite mark was photographed.

What was accurate about the account of the Chi Omega trial was that Bundy was convicted and that forensic odontology played a role in the conviction and little else.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive but easy to read, June 15, 2009
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This review is from: Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Hardcover)
I purchased this book as a requirement for my introduction to forensic science class, which I took in a summer session so it was really condensed. I am not a science buff, but I fully understood all of the concepts presented in the book. Although a little bulky the font is rather large so the reading goes relatively fast. There are quite a bit of illustrations to compound the information provided. But be warned...some of the illustrations are a little graphic in nature! The subject bares that fact. My only complaint is there is no electronic version of the book which means you have to carry to book around if you want to get some reading done in your spare time. Otherwise it's a great buy for anyone looking to break into the field or just has a general interest in the subject.

LW
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fundamentals is easy to read but a wealth of forensic information, April 27, 2006
This review is from: Fundamentals of Forensic Science (Hardcover)
Forensic Scientists Max Houck and Jay Siegel have just released a forensic science text which is perfect for beginners but offers much for seasoned scientists. The book's thoroughness is revealed across its 672 pages. Topics include a discussion of criminal justice and forensic science, analytical tools and introductions to biological science, chemical science, and physical science. Forensic science's relationship with law is in the concluding chapter.

The work is ideal for introductory forensic students. There are plenty of crime scene photos and diagrams to make the words on the page come to life. The authors do not skimp on technical aspects but make sure that those technical aspects are explained well. Each chapter contains important words in bold. A novice will quickly be drawn into this work but not overwhelmed by it. A knowledgeable professor, interested students, and this book should provide for a successful course. The text will serve also as a quick reference book for forensic science. The book is good for professors, for students, and as a reference. It is a must-have book for all of those who teach forensic science.

Daniel W. Phillips III, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky 42728

phillipsd@lindsey.edu
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
The Oxford English Dictionary lists one of the first uses of the phrase "forensic science" to describe "a mixed science" (Oxford English Dictionary, 2005). Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
fire scene investigator, breath testing instruments, accelerant residues, friction ridge prints, cortical fusi, known hair sample, synthetic polymer composed, bomb seat, questioned hairs, analyte components, fracture match, friction ridge analysis, footwear impressions, bloodstain pattern analysis, liquid phase extraction, questioned document examiner, drug chemist, friction ridges, hair examinations, plain whorl, fire residues, estimating sex, ignitable liquids, manufactured fibers, forensic entomologist
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, New York, Test Your Knowledge, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Boca Raton, Michigan State Police, Academic Press, Englewood Cliffs, Supreme Court, Amido Black, Controlled Substances Act, Forensic Science Division, Judge Pollak, Courtesy of Cheryl Lozen, Forensic Science Communications, John Doe, San Diego, Bureau of Alcohol, Harvard University Press, Los Angeles, Oxford English Dictionary, West Virginia, World Trade Center, Erik Dahlberg, Federal Bureau of Investigation
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