Forensic Engineering

Dr. Max M. Houck is an internationally-recognized forensic expert with research interests in forensic science, education, and the forensic enterprise and its industries. He has worked in all aspects of forensic science, including at the FBI Laboratory. Dr. Houck has published widely in books and peer-reviewed journals. His anthropology and trace evidence casework includes the Branch Davidian Investigation, the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon, the D.B. Cooper case, the US Embassy bombings in Africa, and the West Memphis Three case, among hundreds of others. He served for six years as the Chair of the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Dr. Houck is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a founding Co-Editor of the journal Forensic Science Policy and Management.

Section 1. Introduction Introduction Principles of Forensic Science Forensic Classification of Evidence Interpretation/The Comparative Method Forensic Engineering/Accident Reconstruction/Biomechanics of Injury/Philosophy, Basic Theory, and Fundamentals Key Terms Review Questions Discussion Questions

Section 2. Investigations Introduction Collection and Chain of Evidence Accident Investigation—Determination of Cause Human Factors Investigation and Analysis of Accidents and Incidents Major Incident Scene Management Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction Key Terms Review Questions Discussion Questions

Section 3. Transportation Investigations Introduction Railroad Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Aircraft Flight Data Recorders Air-Bag-Related Injuries and Deaths Electronic Data Recorders (EDRs, Black Boxes) Analog Tachograph Chart Analysis Traffic Injuries and Deaths Airplane Crashes and Other Mass Disasters Key Terms Review Questions Discussion Questions

Section 4. Fire Investigations Introduction Chemistry of Fire Physics/Thermodynamics Thermal Degradation Types of Fires Evidence Collection at Fire Scenes Fire Scene Inspection Methodology Fire Patterns and Their Interpretation Analysis of Fire Debris Interpretation of Fire Debris Analysis Suspicious Deaths Key Terms Review Questions Discussion Questions

Section 5. Other Methods Introduction Audio Enhancement and Authentication Investigation and Analysis of Electrical Accidents Investigation and Analysis of Structural Collapses Biomechanics of Human Gait—Slip and Fall Analysis Forensic Chemical Engineering Investigation and Analysis Materials Analysis and Failure Analysis Key Terms Review Questions Discussion Questions

Section 6. Professional Issues Introduction Crime Scene to Court Forensic Laboratory Reports Health and Safety Key Terms Review Questions Discussion Questions