Class Code:
M403
Subject Area:
- M - Microscopy and Trace Program
Class Location:
California Criminalistics Institute / Sacramento
Class Description:
This five-day (38 hour) course will provide students with an understanding of the application of chemical microscopy techniques to the identification of organic and inorganic high (detonating) explosives in a forensic context. Polarized light microscopy methods including: fusion, micro-chemical and crystallographic techniques will be applied to both pre-blast materials and post-blast residues. Identification schemes will be developed for both. This course is intended for criminalists and forensic chemists who may be called upon to identify high explosive materials and is intended to be a follow-on course to C152: Analysis of Low Explosives offered by CCI. Class is limited to 12 students. This course is POST reimbursable, Plan IV.
Instructor:
TBA
Teaching Methods:
Classroom lectures, slides, and practical exercises
Objectives:
Students will be required to isolate and identify a number of unknowns. Students will also be expected to pass a written test at the conclusion of this class.
Prerequisites:
Completion of M101 Basic Practical Microscopy, or M205 Advanced Microscopy or McCrone Research Institute courses 1202, 1504, or equivalent. Completion of C152 Analysis of Low Explosives is strongly recommended but not required.
Preparation:
Pre-course reading material (Polarized Light Microscopy) will be mailed in advance of the class.
Tuition:
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies. A $600.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
Course Contact:
- CCI (916) 464-0600, FAX (916) 464-5818