COURSE OUTLINE & SYLLABUS

Organic, inorganic, military, commercial and improvised explosives are included. The identification techniques are based on morphology, optical crystallography, microchemical tests and visual thermal methods. Proficiency in polarized light microscopy is assumed and necessary.

Prerequisite: The Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course serve as a prerequisite for the advanced courses. Students must complete the Forensic Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) course or submit proof of competency to the director before an application to the advanced courses will be accepted.

Day 1
Köhler illumination; Crystal morphology: crystal systems, symmetry elements, axes, forms, interfacial angles, axial ratios

Day 2
Crystal Optics I: refractive index determinations, indices of crystals in each crystal system
Crystal Optics II: Birefringence, retardation, Michel Levy chart, extinction, anomalous optical properties, interference figures

Day 3
Microchemical tests: inorganic ions, organic compounds

Fusion methods: melting points, identity test, form of crystal-front, optical properties of fusion preparations

Day 4
Identification schemes for organic and inorganic high explosives
Isolation and identification of explosive residues

Day 5
Identification of unknowns