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College studies in forensics...Any firearms related?

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Chris Monturo:
Is anyone aware of any colleges or universities that offer a degree in Forensics that touch on firearms identification?

Do any colleges/universities have comparison microscopes?

Any info appriciated.

Thanks
Chris

AFTE Admin:
Chris,

I graduated from the Metropolitan State College of Denver.  My degree was a BS in Chemistry with a Criminalistics emphasis.  We spent 1-2 lecture periods on firearms identification.  In addition to the lecture there was also a firearms id lab that went along with it.

Jay Stuart
SEMO Regional Crime Lab
(573) 290-5130 Cape Girardeau, MO

Cole:
The Master's program at University of Illinois at Chicago dedicates a few class sessions to Firearms and Toolmarks, mostly in the Physical Pattern Evidence Analysis class.  I don't exactly know where that stands now that Striupaitis has retired, though.  There are a couple of comparison microscopes in their lab, though they're not great.  Why do you ask?

bskarp:
Chris,
I went to George Washington University for my Master of Forensic Sciences. I took a semester of Firearms Identification. The class was ok but could have used more hands-on laboratory work. From what I recall we didn't have a comparison microscope to use.

Brian Karp
Oakland Police Dept.
Firearms Examiner

kathanas:
I will be graduating from George Washington University in May. They have 2 comparison microscopes and teach a comprehensive class in Firearms and Toolmarks. There are 6 labs that accompany the class that cover a land and groove comparison, cartridge case comparison, two toolmark comparisons (hammer impression and tool striation), a serial number restoration, and finally a distance determination. I found all to be informative, challenging, and fun. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Karin Athanas
Forensic Laboratory Specialist II
Virginia Division of Forensic Science, Northern Lab

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