Forensics C

[Jim_R]

Forensics Wiki
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Forensics Test Exchange 2014

[navigator]

Anyone have any general advice on how to study for this event? If I don't have a lab setting to actually go to and perform flame tests, look at hairs under a microscope, etc., is just studying/memorizing everything and doing practice tests without the lab experience sufficient?

[iwonder]

Sadly in most cases it's not. The main issue with this event is time, so you really need to practice and nail down proceudures and lab skills to do well. It's sad to say, but I haven't really found a substitute for it. Maybe someone else has a similar situation or better idea as to what to do.

[computergeek3]

Anyone have any general advice on how to study for this event? If I don't have a lab setting to actually go to and perform flame tests, look at hair's under a microscope, etc., is just studying/memorizing everything and doing practice tests without the lab experience sufficient?

I'm not trying to be glib here, but find a lab near you. Lab experience truly is the best way to prepare for this event.

[navigator]

Sadly in most cases it's not. The main issue with this event is time, so you really need to practice and nail down proceudures and lab skills to do well. It's sad to say, but I haven't really found a substitute for it. Maybe someone else has a similar situation or better idea as to what to do.

I'm not trying to be glib here, but find a lab near you. Lab experience truly is the best way to prepare for this event.

Okay, thanks to both of you for the advice. I'll try to find a lab nearby or see if my school is willing to let me use theirs.

[masser12]

Hi that's my first year doing this event so I don't really know where too start. I was thinking about buying a textbook and start from there, so what book would you recommend for me to buy?

[pikachu4919]

Hi that's my first year doing this event so I don't really know where too start. I was thinking about buying a textbook and start from there, so what book would you recommend for me to buy?

eh...idk about a textbook. While you can learn a lot of the principles for the Qualitative Analysis section in a chemistry textbook and maybe mass spec, a lot of the material covered in Forensics is not really in any particular textbook. Personally, I'd definitely recommend research for everything, especially everything that's not chemistry-related.
In terms of chemistry, the Qualitative Analysis is mostly application of chemical reactions, which is possible to learn from a textbook, but for chromatography and mass spectroscopy, do some research (maybe YouTube for chromatography) because while those are mentioned in textbooks, most don't go into great detail about how to do them.

Thus, to make a long story short, just do lots of research. The wiki on this website is a good source for information, as are many other sites. PM me if you want to.

[allisonc524]

Anyone have any general advice on how to study for this event? If I don't have a lab setting to actually go to and perform flame tests, look at hair's under a microscope, etc., is just studying/memorizing everything and doing practice tests without the lab experience sufficient?

I went into regionals last year without any preparation, and got fourth. Encouraged by that, I studied my arse off in the two weeks between regionals and state, and managed to achieve first. My experience probably isn't typical, but it is possible to do well without lab experience. Although I had been in a competition beforehand, I didn't really do any of the lab work (my partner and I looked at fingerprints and hair, and did absolutely nothing with the powders, etc.) I found the wiki extremely helpful in preparing. Make yourself a flow chart (on your one cheat sheet) for IDing powders, and fill the rest of the space with anything you think you might want to know. Look at the rules sheet and the different parts of the events, and prepare based on that. Know your stuff, and be confident in the lab setting even if you don't have experience. It worked for me, I hope it can work for you.

[heidi456]

Does anyone have helpful information pertaining to the glass analysis portion of this event?

[ZachAndCheese]

Anyone have any general advice on how to study for this event? If I don't have a lab setting to actually go to and perform flame tests, look at hair's under a microscope, etc., is just studying/memorizing everything and doing practice tests without the lab experience sufficient?

The best way to study for forensics is to just test the powders however you can and write down as many observations i.e. physical appearance and reaction to different tests. Same with the other stuff, EXCEPT plastics. Don't burn plastics. Ewe