Forensic Science
Forensic Science Laboratory Manual and Workbook
By Prof. Sunita Hooda, Prof. Geetu Gambhir, Edited by Ceraudo M.
The Forensic Science Laboratory Manual and Workbook is an essential guide designed to help students, trainees, and professionals understand and apply the practical aspects of forensic science. It provides step-by-step instructions, detailed protocols, and exercises covering a wide range of forensic disciplines, including fingerprint analysis, bloodstain pattern examination, DNA profiling, toxicology, ballistics, trace evidence analysis, and document examination. By combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory activities, this manual enhances the learner's ability to apply scientific methods in solving real-world criminal investigations. The workbook sections include structured exercises, observation tables, result analysis, and critical thinking questions, encouraging users to develop problem-solving and analytical skills. Safety guidelines, proper evidence handling techniques, and chain-of-custody protocols are emphasized throughout to ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to legal standards. Each chapter is crafted to reinforce key concepts through case studies, sample reports, and practice problems, preparing readers for both academic assessment and professional forensic work. Whether used in a classroom, a training program, or a working laboratory, the Forensic Science Laboratory Manual and Workbook offers a comprehensive, practical framework for mastering modern forensic techniques and contributing effectively to the pursuit of justice. This book serves as a practical guide combining forensic theory with hands-on laboratory exercises to train students and professionals in forensic science techniques. Contents: 1. Introduction, 2. Forensic Science Developments, 3. Interpretation of DNA Evidence, 4. Computer Forensic Investigation, 5. Forensic Medical Toxicology, 6. Fingerprint Matching Algorithms, 7. Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation, 8. Principal of Post Mortem Toxicology, 9. Forensic Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticals.
About the Authors
Prof. Sunita Hooda is a Professor at Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, India, with over thirty-three years of teaching and research experience. She holds an M.Tech. and Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, specializing in Polymer Chemistry. Her research focuses on the "Investigation of Synthetic and Natural Polymers in Environmental Monitoring." She also has expertise in fabricating nanocomposites and customizing them for specific applications. Dr. Hooda has successfully led several research projects funded by various organizations and has published around 85 research papers in reputed national and international journals. She has presented her work at over 40 national and international conferences and workshops. Recognized for her excellence in teaching, she received the Best Teacher Award from the Delhi Government. An accomplished author, Dr. Hooda has written six books and contributed ten chapters at school, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. She has supervised three Ph.D. students and is currently guiding two more. Additionally, she has mentored over seventy undergraduate and postgraduate students in summer projects and internships. Prof. Geetu Gambhir, a distinguished academician and researcher in Organic Chemistry, and has served in the academic community of University of Delhi for over 25 years. Currently a Professor at Acharya Narendra Dev College (DU), she holds a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Delhi. With over 18 years of research experience. Her work focuses on designing biopolymers and organic frameworks integrated with nanometallic oxides for environmental monitoring and the mitigation of antibiotics, steroids, and heavy metal ions from wastewater. She has published 17 papers in reputed journals, presented over 30 conference papers, authored 2 books, and developed 55 e-learning modules for the MHRD's e-PG Pathshala initiative. Dr. Gambhir has mentored over 50 undergraduate students through DBT Star/ELITE projects and serves as an external co-guide for Ph.D. research. She has led student societies, judged science fairs, and organized academic events. Her contributions have earned her awards, including the Teachers Excellence Award (2023) and the International Education Excellence Award (2021).