Book description
This text is an accessible, student-friendly introduction to the wide
range of mathematical and statistical tools needed by the forensic
scientist in the analysis, interpretation and presentation of
experimental measurements.
From a basis of high school mathematics, the book develops essential
quantitative analysis techniques within the context of a broad range
of forensic applications. This clearly structured text focuses on
developing core mathematical skills together with an understanding of
the calculations associated with the analysis of experimental work,
including an emphasis on the use of graphs and the evaluation of
uncertainties. Through a broad study of probability and statistics,
the reader is led ultimately to the use of Bayesian approaches to the
evaluation of evidence within the court. In every section, forensic
applications such as ballistics trajectories, post-mortem cooling,
aspects of forensic pharmacokinetics, the matching of glass evidence,
the formation of bloodstains and the interpretation of DNA profiles
are discussed and examples of calculations are worked through. In
every chapter there are numerous self-assessment problems to aid
student learning.
Its broad scope and forensically focused coverage make this book an
essential text for students embarking on any degree course in forensic
science or forensic analysis, as well as an invaluable reference for
post-graduate students and forensic professionals.
Key features:
- Offers a unique mix of mathematics and statistics topics,
specifically tailored to a forensic science undergraduate degree.
- All topics illustrated with examples from the forensic science discipline.
- Written in an accessible, student-friendly way to engage
interest and enhance learning and confidence.
- Assumes only a basic high-school level prior mathematical
knowledge.
