Microscopy: Method Selection and Forensic Application (UGC-NET Unit II)
Published:
Questions
30
Duration
30 min
Faculty-reviewed
0
Updated
17 May 2026
About this mock
UGC-NET Forensic Science Unit II drill on microscopy method selection at the scenario band. Each question presents a specimen or casework situation and asks which microscope family or protocol the analyst should reach for, covering polarising light microscopy for fibres, minerals, asbestos and crystalline drugs, comparison microscopy for hair, bullets and tool marks, stereo microscopy for paint layers and tape, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) for GSR and pollen, phase-contrast and hot-stage methods for glass refractive index, and epifluorescence for chemically enhanced latent prints. Citations span ASTM E1492, ASTM E1968 (PLM paint), SWGMAT Hair Guidelines, ENFSI Paint Working Group, McCrone PLM, and Saferstein 12e.
Sources & references
Questions in this mock are written and verified against the following sources. Citations are recorded per question and shown in the explanation after submission.
- cited in 3 questions
AFTE, Theory of Identification as it Relates to Toolmarks
AFTE Journal Vol. 30 No. 1, comparison microscopy of bullets and cartridge cases
Open source - cited in 3 questions
SWGMAT, Forensic Human Hair Examination Guidelines
Section on the microscopy workflow for questioned and reference hairs
Open source - cited in 2 questions
SWGMAT, Forensic Fibre Examination Guidelines
Section on polarising light microscopy and birefringence measurement
Open source - cited in 2 questions
McCrone WC, Polarized Light Microscopy
Chapter on isotropic and anisotropic materials, crossed-Nicol observations
Open source - cited in 1 question
- cited in 1 question
ASTM International, Standard Guide E1588-20
Gunshot residue analysis by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry
Open source - cited in 1 question
SWGDAM, Recommendations for Sperm Identification
Brightfield microscopy of Christmas-tree stained smears
Open source - cited in 1 question
NIOSH, Method 9002 (Asbestos in Bulk by PLM)
Polarising light microscopy with dispersion staining for asbestos identification
Open source - cited in 1 question
Hillier ML and Bell LS, Differentiating Human Bone from Animal Bone
Journal of Forensic Sciences, histological identification by transmitted light
Open source - cited in 1 question
ENFSI Glass Working Group, Forensic Examination of Glass
Section on physical fit examination under stereo microscopy
Open source - cited in 1 question
Bodziak WJ, Footwear Impression Evidence
Chapter on low-angle illumination and dust impression imaging
Open source - cited in 1 question
ASTM International, Standard Practice E1968-11
Microscopical examination of paint cross-sections by PLM
Open source - cited in 1 question
Saferstein R, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 12th edition
Chapter on microscopy of opaque surfaces and tool marks
Open source - cited in 1 question
Pollanen MS, Forensic Diatomology and Drowning
Chapter on diatom recovery from bone marrow and microscopic identification
Open source - cited in 1 question
Clarke's Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, 4th edition
Section on microcrystal identification tests under polarising microscopy
Open source - cited in 1 question
ASTM International, Standard Guide E2285-08
Examination of mechanical and electronic image-capture devices for questioned documents
Open source - cited in 1 question
IAWA Committee, IAWA List of Microscopic Features for Hardwood Identification
Three-plane sectioning and transmitted-light microscopy protocol
Open source - cited in 1 question
UNODC, Recommended Methods for the Identification and Analysis of Cannabis and Cannabis Products
Section on macroscopic and microscopic examination, trichome morphology
Open source - cited in 1 question
Bryant VM and Mildenhall DC, Forensic Palynology
Chapter on scanning electron microscopy of exine ornamentation
Open source - cited in 1 question
IAI / OSAC Friction Ridge Subcommittee, Standards for Latent Print Examination
Section on Level-3 detail capture and required magnifications
Open source - cited in 1 question
ASTM International, Standard Test Method E1967-19
Determination of refractive index of glass samples using the oil-immersion method and a phase contrast microscope
Open source - cited in 1 question
McCrone, Polarized Light Microscopy
Chapter on mineral grain identification and refractive-index immersion methods
Open source - cited in 1 question
ASTM International, Standard Guide E2937-13
Forensic examination of pressure-sensitive tapes
Open source - cited in 1 question
ASTM International, Standard Guide E2808-11
Microspectrophotometry of paint and other materials in the visible region
Open source
How our mocks are built
Questions are written and edited by the ForensicSpot team and cited from peer-reviewed forensic textbooks, official syllabi and primary case law. Each one is verified before publishing. Detailed explanations show after you submit, so the test stays a real test. See a mistake? Tell us.
Common questions
What does the Microscopy: Method Selection and Forensic Application (UGC-NET Unit II) mock cover?+
UGC-NET Forensic Science Unit II drill on microscopy method selection at the scenario band. Each question presents a specimen or casework situation and asks which microscope family or protocol the analyst should reach for, covering polarising light microscopy for fibres, minerals, asbestos and crystalline drugs, comparison microscopy for hair, bullets and tool marks, stereo microscopy for paint layers and tape, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) for GSR and polle
How many questions and how long is the test?+
30 multiple-choice questions, 30 minutes total. Difficulty: medium. Tier: Premium.
Who is this mock for?+
Forensic science students and aspirants who want timed, exam-style practice with explanations and verified source citations on NET. Useful for postgraduate entrance preparation and for BSc / MSc forensic students testing their recall under time.
Are the questions reviewed?+
Each question carries a verified source citation. Faculty review for individual questions is in progress.
Do I need an account to take this mock?+
Yes, a free ForensicSpot account is required to start a timed attempt — this lets you save progress, see per-question explanations after submission, and track your topic-level performance over time.