This unit gives insight in many different concepts of forensic science.
One of the common beliefs is that people in ordinary life expect a forensic scientist to solve any crime whatsoever. This unit puts the high expectations on forensics in proper perspective. On the one hand this will moderate the expectations on forensics, on the other hand it will show that a good mix of small clues will lead to a solution of a crime.
As far as moderating the expectations is concerned, students should be aware of the statistics involved. A lot of clues will lead to average values from which minor derogations are possible. For instance, based on footprints the suspect is identified as being around 1.88 m tall and having a mass of 90 kg. In this case it is still possible that the criminal has a mass of 85 kg and is 1.95 m tall. Students will have to learn to work with this. Students have to be flexible and versatile in using theories, keeping a good eye on the procedures.
Because forensics is built up from different sciences, some aspects of this module will be familiar to the students while other parts are completely new. It is important to the check these familiar subjects on misconceptions.
Problems and misconceptions the teacher should be aware of might be:
- Fingerprints are the same for identical twins.
- Fingerprints change during time.
- Difficulties with statistic calculations.
- Problems with impetus, impulse, kinetic energy, gravity, inertia.
- DNA is different for identical twins.
- Difficulty with three-dimensional thinking