“Introduction to Forensic Science” as a temptation into a science-based career

CHED 1595

Jonathan K. Schoer, jonathan.schoer@valpo.edu, Department of Chemistry, Valparaiso University, 1610 Campus Dr. E, Valparaiso, IN 46383
The course “Introduction to Forensic Science” at Valparaiso University was designed to satisfy the university's requirements for non-majors; however lecture material and laboratory exercises were selected to provide students not necessarily focused on a career in science with opportunities to assess their level of interest and aptitude for such a career. The course was developed after attending a CWCS workshop. To maximize the opportunity for students to change their major and complete degree requirements in 4 years, enrollment in the course was limited to 24 students of which >90% were freshmen. Questionnaires were designed and administered at the start and end of the semester to assess the likelihood of a student changing their degree plan as a result of the course. Final results are pending the completion of the semester, but informal discussions indicate that approximately 20% of students in the course are considering a change in their degree plan.
 

Center for Workshops in the Chemical Sciences (CWCS)
8:30 AM-11:40 AM, Tuesday, March 27, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N230B, Level 2, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007