A Classic Case of Serial Murder

Forensics Meets Photonics

By Karen Altendorf, Alan Cheville

Abstract

In this case study, a newly appointed medical examiner uncovers an unusual trend in drowning cases, which she suspects may be the work of a serial murderer. To prove that she is right, she must rely on instrumentation designed and tested by a team of students from the local university. Students read the case, then design and build a device for the detection of blood stains. The case was developed for use in an undergraduate laboratory course sequence in photonics for junior and senior level students. It would be suitable for any undergraduate course in physics, chemistry, or electrical engi eering that covers topics in optics, photonics, or spectroscopy.

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Date Posted

03/23/2005

Overview

Objectives

To provide a means for students to apply the knowledge they gain from their textbook on topics in photonics (including fluorescence and absorption; optical filters; dispersive optics; optical sources; optical detectors; and how these devices are used in fluorescence and absorption measurements) to a real-world situation.
To create a relevant laboratory exercise to stimulate the students’ desire to learn.
To mimic the environment found in academic and industrial research laboratories in order to give the students a sense of what real research entails.
To provide exercises in teamwork and written communication.

Keywords

Fluorecein; fluorescence detection; measuring fluorescence; bloodstain detection system

Subject Headings

Analytical Chemistry

Electrical Engineering

Forensic Science

Physics

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Laboratory