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

This course presents the unique and challenging application of science used in law. The course explores fundamentals in physics (such as optics and projectile projections), chemistry (including periodic table, structure of the atom, and chemical reactions), biochemistry (DNA, hair, and fingerprints), and technology (including microscopy, computers, and chromatography instruments). How contamination, probability, collection techniques, and other factors affect legal decisions is discussed. Emphasis is placed on the underlying science of evidence, techniques of sampling a crime scene, and the use of physical evidence to help solve cases. Students develop skills in critical thinking, analytical research and writing, public speaking, creative thinking, team building, and cooperation while learning how to unlock the mystery of crimes through application of physical and chemical techniques. AU Core Habits of Mind: Natural-Scientific Inquiry. Corequisite: CHEM 251. Note: Completion of CHEM-250 and CHEM-251 with grades of C or better fulfills AU Core Habits of Mind: Natural-Scientific Inquiry.