The College of Microscopy offers this Special Forensics course as an initial introduction to forensic hair comparison. This course introduces the student to the principles and practice of forensic hair comparison using microscopy and DNA analysis. The course concentrates on practical use of stereomicroscope, polarizing microscope and comparison light microscope for the forensic comparison of human hairs for the purpose of individualization. This course does not provide hands-on instruction in DNA analysis, although the subject is discussed because it is essential to the forensic hair comparison. There is instruction in the characterization of hair roots for purposes of selecting hairs for DNA analysis.
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be capable of beginning hair examinations, under direct supervision, and continuing the necessary study and practice required of proficiency. Competency and continued proficiency needs to be proven in the home laboratory to the satisfaction of the home laboratory.
