Forensic Ballistics
This course intends to provide students fundamental knowledge regarding branches of ballistics, classification of firearms, classes of bullet and cartridge cases, source and origin of gun powder, and primer. Provide basic knowledge in differentiating class and individual characteristics found in firearms, bullet and cartridge cases. Identify appropriate agencies that can handle issues related for firearm examination and apply knowledge in criminal law, procedure and evidence in qualifying a case related to firearm investigation and in court presentation.
Chapter 1: Overview of Forensic Ballistics
- History of Forensic Ballistics
- Relevant Personalities
- Branches of Ballistics
- Classification of Firearms
- Class Characteristics and Individual Characteristics of Firearms
- Uniqueness of Firearm Markings and Barrel Markings
- Basic Parts of Ammunition
- Primers
- Gunpowders
- Bullets and Cartridge Cases
Chapter 4: The Forensic Ballistics Laboratory
- Laboratory Equipment Used in the Examination of Firearms, Cartridges, Fired Bullets, and Allied Matters
- Crime Scene Processing for Firearms, Bullets, Ammunition, and Firearm Accessories in the Crime Scene
- Marking the Evidence
Chapter 5: Court Presentation of Forensic Ballistics Evidence
Laboratory Activities
Supplementary Videos
- Fundamentals of Ballistics, https://youtu.be/CgXz-njLLV4
- Firearm Science - Internal Ballistics, https://youtu.be/cW-SMKwdJrk
- Firearm Science - Terminal Ballistics, https://youtu.be/LWFaJXlFBCI
- Evolution of Weaponry, https://youtu.be/VEv7M5gzLWk
- Big Idea: Gunpowder, https://youtu.be/w4qySC_DpWE
- The deadly irony of gunpowder - Eric Rosado, https://youtu.be/mqHVRgCkCDE
- Firearm Basics: Types of Bullets, https://youtu.be/aE_w02SdjqI
- Firearm Basics: Cartridge Case Material, https://youtu.be/iPhei-JvKus