Forensic Psychology & Criminology

Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis

Submit Abstract Register Now

Forensic analytical chemistry is defined as analytical chemistry as it pertains to law. We recently taught a course that covered many facets of forensic science, such as drug analysis, toxicology, trace analysis, arson analysis, and DNA/serology. Representative case examples from each discipline were discussed in detail. Guest lecturers were used to cover topics such as methods in crime scene investigation, case studies involving trace evidence, and the role of the forensic pathologist. The material was presented to illustrate "real world" applications of analytical chemistry.Forensic chemistry is a timely subject that serves as a palette from which we can stimulate the interests and abilities of our students. With the backdrop of forensic decision-making, the real world relevance of chemical measurements is obvious to students.