Skip To Main Content

Forensic Laboratory Science

Forensic Laboratory Science

SCI140 | One-Semester Course
ELECTIVE⬜9⬛10⬛11⬛12 
⬜DMACC ⬛NCAA⬛RAI 

Three Big Ideas: Intro to Forensics, Items of Evidence, The Body as Evidence

Forensic Laboratory Science is a one-semester, hands-on, inquiry-based science course that explores the techniques and principles used by crime scene investigators. Students will learn how science helps solve real-world mysteries by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence. Topics include fingerprinting, DNA analysis, blood spatter patterns, hair and fiber examination, handwriting analysis, and forensic chemistry.

Through labs, simulations, and mock crime scenes, students will apply concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy to investigate evidence and draw conclusions. Emphasis is placed on careful observation, accurate data collection, and logical reasoning.

By the end of the course, students will understand how forensic scientists use scientific methods to support criminal investigations and will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Apply the scientific method to investigate and solve simulated crime scenes through systematic observation, data collection, and analysis.
  2. Demonstrate proper evidence collection and preservation techniques, maintaining the chain of custody and minimizing contamination.
  3. Analyze fingerprints, hair, fibers, and other trace evidence using laboratory tools such as microscopes and chemical tests.
  4. Interpret blood spatter and DNA evidence to draw conclusions about possible events and individuals involved in a case.
  5. Conduct forensic chemistry tests (such as pH, chromatography, and flame tests) to identify unknown substances.
  6. Compare and contrast different types of physical evidence and explain their value and limitations in criminal investigations.
  7. Use scientific reasoning to reconstruct events based on patterns, cause-and-effect relationships, and measurable data.
  8. Communicate findings effectively through written lab reports, visual presentations, and expert witness testimonies.
  9. Evaluate the reliability, ethics, and potential biases involved in forensic science methods and criminal investigations.
  10. Collaborate with peers to solve complex problems, demonstrating teamwork, leadership, and respect for diverse perspectives in a scientific context.