Chemical Aspects of Forensic Science
During the Spring of 2015, I was enrolled in an Honors Seminar course entitled Chemical Aspects of Forensic Science. I had no background with forensic science specifically, but had taken a full year of general college chemistry. I did not know what to expect from this course, but after completing it I am glad I decided to take it as my final credited honors experience. The course had three main parts: gaining knowledge regarding various techniques used for forensic work, creating and presenting a group made crime scene, and solving a murder for a crime scene given to the class by the professor.
The first half of the course focused on familiarizing ourselves with basic forensic techniques including DNA testing, arson, gun shot residue, fingerprints, car paint, pen ink, blood typing, drug use, and so on. We completed experiments in the classroom, watched videos, and had guest speakers for different lectures. I do enjoy watching a few crime scene and murder mystery shows so the material was quite interesting. Along with that, I also learned that what is shown on television in regards to forensics is often skewed and cannot be perceived as the truth, quite shocking I know. After all the the material was given to us, the tables were turned and we were required to put our new knowledge to the test in two ways. First, we had to create a crime scene to present to the class. We had to give enough information to our classmates so they could use learned forensic techniques that would lead to the true killer. After the information was presented, the class asked questions to our group to try and solve our murder. Second, the class as a whole had to follow a similar approach to solving a murder given to us by the professor at the beginning of the semester. We were only allowed to ask yes or no questions stemming from what we knew about the designated crime scene.
Attached below are two icons demonstrating my work throughout this experience. The first is a picture of my fingerprinting form. During one class, we were able to fingerprint ourselves and keep the forms. Looking for and identifying fingerprints at a crime scene is a popular forensic technique based upon statistics. Individuals' fingerprints have combinations of loops, whorls, and arches that create unique patterns. These can be seen more clearly under a microscope. Additionally, I have attached a photo of the mock crime scene my group worked on for our project during the second half of the semester. Our group staged the murder of a wealthy male CEO who was found dead in the upstairs bathroom of his mansion during a Halloween party.
Overall, this course was a unique combination of chemistry, fun, and intrigue. My professor was engaging and provided multiple ways of presenting the material. I enjoyed the creative aspect of the course within the classroom experiments and design of a crime scene. Although it is not likely I will pursue a career with the field of forensics, I am happy I had the opportunity to experience a few months in the life of a forensic scientist.
The first half of the course focused on familiarizing ourselves with basic forensic techniques including DNA testing, arson, gun shot residue, fingerprints, car paint, pen ink, blood typing, drug use, and so on. We completed experiments in the classroom, watched videos, and had guest speakers for different lectures. I do enjoy watching a few crime scene and murder mystery shows so the material was quite interesting. Along with that, I also learned that what is shown on television in regards to forensics is often skewed and cannot be perceived as the truth, quite shocking I know. After all the the material was given to us, the tables were turned and we were required to put our new knowledge to the test in two ways. First, we had to create a crime scene to present to the class. We had to give enough information to our classmates so they could use learned forensic techniques that would lead to the true killer. After the information was presented, the class asked questions to our group to try and solve our murder. Second, the class as a whole had to follow a similar approach to solving a murder given to us by the professor at the beginning of the semester. We were only allowed to ask yes or no questions stemming from what we knew about the designated crime scene.
Attached below are two icons demonstrating my work throughout this experience. The first is a picture of my fingerprinting form. During one class, we were able to fingerprint ourselves and keep the forms. Looking for and identifying fingerprints at a crime scene is a popular forensic technique based upon statistics. Individuals' fingerprints have combinations of loops, whorls, and arches that create unique patterns. These can be seen more clearly under a microscope. Additionally, I have attached a photo of the mock crime scene my group worked on for our project during the second half of the semester. Our group staged the murder of a wealthy male CEO who was found dead in the upstairs bathroom of his mansion during a Halloween party.
Overall, this course was a unique combination of chemistry, fun, and intrigue. My professor was engaging and provided multiple ways of presenting the material. I enjoyed the creative aspect of the course within the classroom experiments and design of a crime scene. Although it is not likely I will pursue a career with the field of forensics, I am happy I had the opportunity to experience a few months in the life of a forensic scientist.
fingerprinting_form | |
File Size: | 1780 kb |
File Type: | fingerprinting form |
forensics_group_crime_scene.pdf | |
File Size: | 29 kb |
File Type: |