The public profile of forensic science has dramatically increased in recent decades and during this period there has been considerable expansion in the application of modern analytical techniques to the examination of forensic problems, particularly as a consequence of the development of portable instrumentation. The availability of new techniques has led to a greater choice of tools that can potentially be employed to analyse forensic specimens. An understanding of a broad range of analytical tools is required by the modern day forensic chemist and is an important aspect of their training.

Forensic Analytical Techniques: 

• Clearly describes all the important analytical techniques used in forensic science
• Provides detailed descriptions of how each technique works and how to prepare specimens for analysis
• Offers explanations of how to analyse the data obtained
• Targets a growing market in courses in forensic sciences at senior  undergraduate/graduate level and in dedicated professional forensic laboratories
• Provides a resource for the teaching of forensic analytical techniques
• Presents examples of specific applications of analytical techniques to forensic problems
• Follows an open-learning approach enabling readers to assess their understanding with the use of discussion questions and self-assessment questions

This book is designed for students who are undertaking a forensic chemistry based program and require a sound knowledge of analytical techniques. It also provides a useful reference for forensic practitioners who may be interested in investigating new forms of evidence or techniques.

The Analytical Techniques in the Sciences series of books provides coverage of all of the major analytical techniques and their application in the most important areas of physical, life and materials science. Each text is presented in an open learning/distance learning style, in which the learning objectives are clearly identified. The reader's understanding of the material is constantly evaluated by the use of self-assessment and discussion questions.