CHEM-250 Criminalistics, Crime, and Society FA5 (3)

This course presents the unique and challenging application of science to law. The focus is on the scientific aspects of criminal investigations and judicial process. The course includes an overview of forensic science, the identification of illicit drugs, fibers, hairs, accelerants, gunshot residues, and explosives by chemical analysis, as well as DNA profiling. Emphasis is placed on the techniques of sampling a crime scene and the use of physical evidence to help solve cases. Students learn how to unlock the mystery of crimes through application of physical and chemical techniques.