Author Description

This module of Forensic Science and Policing is part of a series which found its origin when I was searching for a suitable text to support the unit Forensic Science and Policing taught by me at The University of Western Australia's [then] Centre for Forensic Science. Unfortunately, I was unable to find anything that brought together the materials necessary for those undertaking such a unit from an Australian perspective.I made the decision to publish this material in modules rather than as one whole book for a number of reasons. During the course of my studies I found I purchased several textbooks and really had recourse to only a few chapters - an expensive exercise for students. Also, textbooks tend to get out of date very quickly with the development of new techniques, technology, and processes; module electronic publishing overcomes those issues to a degree.When taken as a whole, the book does not purport to be an in-depth dealing with the various subject matters it touches on, rather it is intended for those with little or no understanding of many of the elements that go together to form the conjunctive often called 'forensic science'. Reading the modules may cause you to question what you thought you knew, question what you see on television and at the cinema, and to question commonly accepted and held positions. If it does those things, then it has achieved its purpose. On another front, if it encourages you to further study specific topics, or expand your understanding or appreciation of the world of 'forensics'; then it has achieved a higher purpose.