Geologia Forense

Code:

PD_CF63

Acronym:

PD_CF63

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Forensic Sciences

Instance: 2021/2022 - SP (of 13-09-2021 to 31-07-2022)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Programme in Forensic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PDCF	0	Ciências Forenses_13	1	-	6	28	162
		Current Studies Plan	1	-	6	28	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Forensic Geology involves the direct application of geologic principles, practices, and procedures to an array of forensic problems and legal issues. Therefore this curricular unity intends to improve the knowledge involved in the analysis of geological material that relate directly to forensic sciences, such as: soils, sediments, minerals, rock fragments, pigments, gemstones, among others and, also in the interpretation, presentation and explanation of geological evidence in order to promote best practice in its future application.

Learning outcomes and competences

The syllabus is in coherence with the curricular unit since it has been conceived to fulfill an integrated way starting with the basic concepts and principles of Forensic Geology and Entomology, followed by their application to selected practical examples in order to attain a global approach of forensic application.

Working method

Presencial

Program

In this curricular unit scientific and technical knowledge will be provided on:

-  Types of materials that relate directly to the Forensic Investigations, including soils, minerals, rock fragments, pigments, gemstones and dust;

-  General properties of geological materials;

-  Analytical methods used in the analysis of geological materials, including the instrumental equipment and the advantages or disadvantages of their use for forensic application (this will be carried using different laboratory techniques available DGAOT for the characterization of the geological materials with forensic interest, including analyses of color, particle size distribution, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility, among others.

Mandatory literature

K Pye; Geological and soil evidence: forensic applications, CRC Press, 2007
A Ruffell; Geoforensics, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2008
Ritz, Dawson e Miller; Criminal and Environmental soil forensics, Springer, 2009
Murray e Tedrow; Forensic Geology Practice, Englewood Cliffs, 1992
Murray; Evidence form the Earth: forensic geology and criminal investigation, Mountain press pub, 2004

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course subject consists of a set of laboratory classes. Each topic begins with the presentation of fundamental concepts. Afterwards, a set of laboratory tasks is proposed. Finally, the students will be able to interpret the obtained results.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Teste	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	56,00
Trabalho laboratorial	28,00
Total:	84,00

Eligibility for exams

Type of evaluation: Final examination. 

Terms of frequency: Presence in 75% of the lab lessons.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam = 100%