Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of forensics and its role in criminal investigation

• EXPANDED – The Introduction now covers the reliability and controversy surrounding forensic bite mark comparison.
• UPDATED – Changes in terminology and interpretation of blood stain pattern evidence are reflected in Chapter 4, “Crime Scene Reconstruction: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.”
• NEW – Information on the use of Rapid DNA systems, Probabilistic Genotyping and Forensic Genetic Genealogy is included in Chapter 16, “DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool.”
• UPDATED – The impact of Carpenter v. United States and an overview of the use of a StingRay device are included in Chapter 20, “Mobile Device Forensics.”
• NEW – Numerous case files have been added to select chapters to illustrate how forensic technology has been applied to solving crimes of notoriety.
• NEW and UPDATED – Information throughout the text has been updated and many new figures have been added to illustrate concepts discussed in the chapters.

Key features engage students and foster critical thinking

• Headline News stories at the beginning of each chapter introduce readers to the chapter topics by describing high-profile crimes and the related forensic science techniques used in the investigations.
• Inside the Science boxes offer students the option of delving into the more difficult technical aspects of the subject.
• Application and Critical Thinking questions at the end of each chapter challenge students to demonstrate their understanding of the material through a variety of question types, including hypothetical scenarios and sets of images for visual identification and analysis.
• Case File boxes present brief, real-life case examples that illustrate how the forensic science topics and techniques in the chapter were used in solving crimes of notoriety.
• Webextras serve to expand the coverage of the book through video presentations, Internet-related information, animations, and graphic displays keyed to enhancing readers’ understanding of the subject’s more difficult concepts. Webextras are accessible on the book website.

Clear and comprehensible writing for the non-scientific student

• The text assumes no prior knowledge of scientific principles or techniques when discussing criminalistics. The areas of chemistry and biology relating to the analysis of physical evidence are presented with a minimum of scientific terminology and equations. The discussion involving chemistry and biology is limited to a minimum core of facts and principles that make the subject matter understandable and meaningful to the nonscientist.
• The author strives to make the technology of the modern crime laboratory clear and understandable to all students—the nature of physical evidence is defined, and the limitations that technology and current knowledge impose on its individualization and characterization are examined.
• Discussions of the scientific topics focus on state-of-the-art technology without delving into extraneous theories that may bore or overwhelm the non-science student—only the most relevant scientific and technological concepts are presented.

Dynamic content designed for the way today’s students read, think, and learn brings concepts to life

• Videos and interactives integrated directly into the author-created narrative keep students engaged as they read through each chapter. Thanks to this media-rich presentation of content, students are more likely to complete their assigned reading and retain what they’ve read.
  • Virtual Laboratory Exercises give students a first-hand look at the types of tests and examinations performed in the crime lab. Using 360-degree photography, microscope imagery, and explanatory videos, these laboratory exercises bring the content to life and give students an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a forensic scientist.
  • Author Explanatory Videos, embedded in the narrative, provide students with a verbal explanation of an important topic or concept and illuminating the concept with additional examples.
  • Student Survey Questions appear within the narrative asking students to respond to questions about controversial topics and important concepts. Students then see their response versus the responses of all other students who have answered the question in the form of a bar chart.
• Embedded assessments such as quizzes and concept checks afford students opportunities to check their understanding at regular intervals before moving on. Assessments in Revel let instructors gauge student comprehension frequently, provide timely feedback, and address learning gaps along the way.
• The Revel mobile app lets students read, practice, and study — anywhere, anytime, on any device. Content is available both online and offline, and the app syncs work across all registered devices automatically, giving students great flexibility to toggle between phone, tablet, and laptop as they move through their day. The app also lets students set assignment notifications to stay on top of all due dates.
• The Revel audio playlist (available for most titles) lets students listen and learn as they go. And the Revel skill for Amazon Alexa gives them the power to listen on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices using simple voice commands.
• The writing functionality in Revel enables educators to integrate writing — among the best ways to foster and assess critical thinking — into the course without significantly impacting their grading burden.
  • Self-paced Journaling Prompts throughout the narrative encourage students to express their thoughts without breaking stride in their reading.
  • Assignable Shared Writing Activities direct students to share written responses with classmates, fostering peer discussion.
  • And Essays integrated directly within Revel allow instructors to assign the precise writing tasks they need for the course.
• Highlighting, note taking, and a glossary let students read and study however they like. Educators can add notes for students, too, including reminders or study tips.

Superior assignability and tracking tools help educators make sure students are completing their reading and understanding core concepts

• The assignment calendar allows educators to indicate precisely which readings must be completed on which dates. This clear, detailed schedule helps students stay on task by eliminating any ambiguity as to which material will be covered during each class. When they understand exactly what is expected of them, students are better motivated to keep up.
• The performance dashboard empowers educators to monitor class assignment completion as well as individual student achievement. Actionable information, such as points earned on quizzes and tests and time on task, helps educators intersect with their students in meaningful ways. For example, the trending column reveals whether students’ grades are improving or declining, helping educators to identify students who might need help to stay on track.
• LMS integration provides institutions, instructors, and students easy access to their Revel courses via Blackboard Learn™, Canvas™, Brightspace by D2L™, and Moodle™. With single sign-on, students can be ready to access an interactive blend of authors’ narrative, media, and assessment on their first day. Flexible, on-demand grade synchronization capabilities allow educators to control exactly which grades should be transferred to their LMS Gradebook.

Revel is built for digital learning, but we’ve got you covered if you need print, too 

• Revel gives students everything they need in an integrated digital learning environment. But if students need a looseleaf print reference to complement their Revel experience, they can purchase one from within their Revel course at any time.