Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites: Accepted into BS Forensic Science Program and University Advanced Standing

Lays the foundation of forensic microscopy. Describes the major variants and functions of the compound microscope including the stereo, polarized light and comparison varieties. Establishes acceptable performance criteria and image quality as it relates to compromises among resolution, magnification, and visibility. Presents the use of specialized contrast enhancement methods and illumination techniques. Explains the theory and use of the polarized light microscope in the examination of crystalline materials. Describes the use of the microscope as a quantitative measuring tool. Introduces instrument systems calibration methods for both the microscope as well as imaging software. Describes the collection and examination of micro-traces and the use of micro-trace catalogs.