Graphic by Yujin Kim ’23
Choate has a large assortment of fascinating electives. From “Chemistry of Food” to “Music Production,” there are numerous ways for students to explore new topics and pursue their passions. Despite all of the options offered, I believe that there is a crucial class missing from the course catalog: “Introduction to Forensic Science.”
Forensic scientists analyze crime scene evidence using scientific methods. A prime example of forensic science is the study and analysis of fingerprints. On crime TV shows, it is common to see items such as firearms, tools, and steering wheels tested for fingerprints to identify possible suspects. Though fingerprint analysis is a crucial part of forensic science, there are many other sides to a forensic scientist’s job. According to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), disciplines in the field of forensic science include forensic molecular biology, forensic chemistry, trace evidence examination, handwriting analysis, and forensic toxicology. An introductory level forensics course would not teach students how to perform all of these tasks. Rather, this class would focus on the examination and identification of basic forms of evidence such as fingerprints, fibers, and blood samples. Students would learn how to collect, preserve, and analyze this evidence in order to help solve mock cases.
Due to the nature of the course, “Introduction to Forensic Science” would require two terms. The first term could be solely focused on teaching students about forensic methods. During the second term, students would be utilizing these methods. The latter part, of course, would mostly take place in the lab, where students would work in teams. As mentioned prior, solving mock cases would be a large part of the “hands-on” curriculum. By repeatedly solving such cases, students would become more accustomed to assessing crime scene evidence. The course’s final project would be to solve a “real case.” Working in groups, students would identify an unsolved “crime” and work to solve it based on their knowledge of forensic science. For example, if the dorm fridge is constantly getting ransacked, a group of students could work to identify the culprit. By analyzing clothing fibers found on the fridge shelves or empty food containers found in the trash, the suspect could be caught!
In the world of crime, forensic science is the key to solving cases. Through several forms of media, such as crime shows like CSI and NCIS, large audiences have been exposed to the importance of this scientific field. As such, introducing forensics to students would teach them how to solve problems by making thoughtful observations and paying attention to even the most minute details.
