Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 13th Edition © 2021

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, published by Pearson, takes students beyond the headlines and popular conceptions to show them the logic and technological skills required for a successful forensics investigation.

  • Define the nature of physical evidence
  • Explore modern techniques’ limitations
  • Updated information on blood stain patterns, genotyping, and bite mark comparison
  • Powerful Pearson Revel® Platform
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Criminalistics Career Tech Program with Digital Support

Reveal the essence of forensic science through lessons that are designed for clarity and comprehension.

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Wide Subject Appeal


Criminalistics offers the kind of foundational depth needed to pursue further education and a career in the field. The course remains accessible enough it can still be taken as an elective.

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Updated Information


The textbook covers advancements in technology and procedures that reflect what students will likely encounter while working in the forensic science field.

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Flexible Testing Capabilities

Teachers can gauge their students’ progress and understanding with tests, including presets and customizable questions, available through the TestGen® software.

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Fact vs. Fiction


The popularity of forensics in TV shows, the news, and now podcasts draws many to the subject. Now discover how the profession works with logic and technology at the forefront of public response.

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Criminal Justice CTE Teaching Solutions

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  • Case File Boxes
  • Headline News
  • Inside the Science
  • Application and Critical Thinking Questions
  • Webextras

Case File Boxes throughout the text present brief, real-life case examples that are illustrative of the forensic science topics and techniques described in the chapters.

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Headline News Stories at the beginning of each chapter introduce readers to the chapter topics by describing high-profile crimes and the related forensic science techniques used in the investigations.

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Inside the Science Boxes throughout the text explore scientific phenomena and technology in relation to select chapter topics, and are accompanied by Review Questions for Inside the Science at the end of the chapter.

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Application and Critical Thinking Questions at the end of each chapter challenge students to demonstrate their understanding of the material through a variety of question types, including hypothetical scenarios and sets of images for visual identification and analysis. Answers to these questions are provided in the Instructor’s Manual.

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Expand the coverage of the book through video presentations, Internet-related information, animations, and graphic displays keyed to enhancing reader’s understanding of the subject’s more difficult concepts.

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Online Platform for your Forensic Science Career Technical Education Program

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Pearson Revel® is an immersive learning experience that enlivens familiar and respected course content with media interactives and assessments. Revel improves results by empowering students to actively participate in learning. More than a digital textbook, Revel delivers an engaging blend of author content, media, and assessment.

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Additional Resources for Criminalistics

Download Teacher Resources
  • Downloadable Teacher Resources
  • Instructor Manual
  • Test Bank with TestGen®
  • Visual Aid Presentations

Access the complete collection of Teacher Resources provided for Criminalistics.

Download Teacher Resources
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Each chapter of the downloadable Instructor’s Manual includes the following support materials for instructors:

  • Chapter overview of the main topics presented in the text
  • Learning objectives from the main text
  • Lecture outline with teaching notes
  • Additional assignments and class activities
  • Demonstrations and lecture-starters
  • Questions (and answers)
  • Answers to Virtual Lab Activities (Chapter 16)
  • Suggested answers to end-of-chapter assignments in the main text, namely the Review Questions, Inside the Science, Application and Critical Thinking, and Case Analysis


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The Test Bank includes multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and True/False questions for each chapter. TestGen helps you quickly create paper quizzes and tests that supplement the content in your textbook, without creating extra work for you.

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Available in PowerPoint® format, pre-made presentations correlate to the content of each chapter, so teachers can easily use them during an in-person lecture or an online class.

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Frequently asked questions about Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science

  • What topics are included in the Table of Contents?
    • Introduction
    • The Crime Scene
    • Physical Evidence
    • Crime-Scene Reconstruction: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
    • Death Investigation
    • Fingerprints
    • Forensic Biometrics
    • The Microscope
    • Firearms, Tool Marks, and Other Impressions
    • Matter, Light, and Glass Examination
    • Hairs and Fibers
    • Drugs
    • Forensic Toxicology
    • Metals, Paint, and Soil
    • Forensic Serology
    • DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool
    • Forensic Aspects of Fire and Explosion Investigation
    • Document Examination
    • Computer Forensics
    • Mobile Device Forensics
  • What grade levels is this text appropriate for?

    Grades 9-12

  • What types of courses is this text best suited for?
    This text is designed for introductory forensic science courses.
  • What Student Resources are available?
    Available Student Resources include the print Student Edition and student access to the Pearson Revel® course.
  • What Teacher Resources are available?
    Available Teacher Resources include the downloadable Instructor's Manual, TestGen® Test Bank, Visual Aid PowerPoint® presentations, and teacher access to Pearson Revel®.
  • What are the digital license options?
    Student digital access to Pearson Revel® can be purchased for 1 year. Criminalistics also offers Institutional licensing for Revel, meaning that students will not need an access code to join their course. Contact your Savvas Account Manager for more details.
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PEARSON, MYLAB, REVEL, Pearson Logo are trademarks owned and/or registered by Pearson plc and/or its affiliates. All other third party marks associated with these products are the property of their respective owners. Copyright in the works referenced herein is owned by Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson Education has control over the editorial content in these instructional materials.

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