Forensic Palynology

Palinologia Forense

Curse code:8059225

Ana Maria Aço Monteiro Pintão

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

Provide knowledge of methodologies used in the fields of Forensic Palynology and Botany promoting the development of skills in scientific observation and use of the study of plant structures, pollen grains and spores in forensic practice.

The student must get to know the methodology and principles of the application of palynology in forensic practice:

• The student must be able to identify plant histological and anatomical structures, pollen grains and spores from different species.
• The student must be able to perform sampling control and forensic laboratory and in situ.
• The student must be able to handle the samples and prepare reference collections.
• The student must be able to compare samples and carry pollen analysis.
• The student must be able to carry pollen analysis and make assessment of palynological evidence as evidence in court.
• The student must also be able to prepare an expert report.

Syllabus:

1. Cytological characteristics with importance in the forensic identification.
2. Processes of differentiation of the cellular wall.
3. Deposition of lipids, cork and lignin.
4. Plant fiber.
5. Plastids and pigments.
6. Vacuolar accumulation, inclusions and crystals.
7. Recognition and histological identification of stomata and characteristic secretion hair and glands of different families.
8. Anatomical differentiation of roots, stems and leaves for different Taxa (Cases of application).
9. Adaptations to the environment and ecology.
10. Floral anatomy. Plant breeding.
11. Distinguishing features of pollen grains and spores. Use of forensic palynology and applications.
12. Sampling and treatment of samples.
13. Identification of pollen grains and analysis of samples.
14. Assessment of evidence: Species endemic and rare species; Factors taphonomic; Indices of similarity.
15. Practical cases and preparation of expert reports.

Suggested Bibliography:

• Moore PD, Webb JA & Collinson ME (1991) Pollen analysis, 2nd ed., Blackwell, Scientific Publications, Oxford. ISBN: 0-632-02176-4
• Milne LA, Vaughn MB & Dallas CM (2004) Forensic Palynology, 1st ed., CRC Press, London, NY. ISBN: 978-0-8493-1529-9
• Coyle HM (2004) Modes of Plant Reproduction, 1st ed., CRC Press, London, NY. ISBN: 978-0-8493-1529-9