FORENSIC PATHOLOGY– FORENSIC PATHOLOGY – FORENSIC PATHOLOGY – FORENSI BY ISLA MACKAY – BY ISLA MACKAY – BY ISLA MACKAY – BY ISLA MACKAY – BY ISL FORENSIC PATHOLOGY– FORENSIC PATHOLOGY – FORENSIC PATHOLOGY – FORENSI

What is Forensic Science? Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice, especially relating to the collection, examination and analysis of physical evidence (Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary). It is impossible to analyse forensic evidence without maths. It helps the scientists to perform calculation and determine the facts of a crime. MATHS + FORENSIC SCIENCE = CLEVER CRIME DETECTION!

The Maths Involved in Forensic Science. Mathematical concepts and equations are helpful in proving what occurred during a crime in data and numbers. The most important aspects are as follows: Measurements Proportions Patterns Trigonometry Geometry Probability Angle calculation Trajectory Basic arithmetic

Different Aspects of Maths MEASUREMENTS Eg. Size of a shoe print. Exact measurements of every piece of evidence found at the crime scene are essential. Investigators need to measure distance, weight, volume, and temperature to get the numbers correct. PROPORTIONS Eg. Length of a bone. The length of a bone in proportion to the persons height will help determine the height of the deceased and wither it was a child or an adult.

TRIGONOMETRY This is the study and measurement of triangles, it can be helpful in the study of blood spatter analysis. The investigators draw lines from the victim’s body to t he blood spatter then use angles and distances to calculate this third point of the triangle. This can help to determine where the attacker was standing, his height and what force he must have used. PROBABILITIES This is used to determine how likely a finding is to be correct. For example, determining the probability of two DNA samples belonging to the same person. Explaining probabilities to the jury is a common way maths is applied to forensic evidence.

Fingerprint Analysis Each person’s fingerprints are unique. This is why it is so useful in determining a potential suspect. Maths can be used to measure and define specific patterns in a solitary fingerprint, particularly the grooves and whorls in each person’s own fingerprint. However, as you know technology is advancing everyday meaning that an individual can be identified solely with a computerised finger scanner.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Interpreting blood stains at a crime scene helps to recreate the actions which caused the blood shed. Maths is required in examining the shape, distribution and location of the blood stains. Also by the shape of the spatter, scientists are able to determine which direction the blood source has moved in.

This just shows how complicated geometry and trigonometry can be used in calculations! Angles and assessment of trajectory are vital.

Time of Death. The most common method of calculating the time of death is via temperature. Normal body temperature is 37.5oC. In death, the body loses 1.5oC per hour until it reaches the temperature of the environment surrounding it. The formula for this is : 37.5oC – 1.5oC

The Trajectory of a Bullet Trajectory is the path bullets take during flight. Several factors affect this: Gravity Velocity The weight of the bullet (mass) The air resistance Complicated equations may be necessary to determine the exact pathway of the bullet.

Conclusion Mathematics is widely used in forensics for a range of different investigations. It is challenging and interesting. Maths will become an increasingly vital tool in this profession and analysts will require solid training and a good understanding of mathematical concepts.

Bibliography merriam-webster.com/ Prezi.com www.forensicsciencesimplified.org www.applied-maths.com www.maths.org www.forensicoutreach.com Careers Advice – Library book

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