CSI Wenham: Outreach to the community using forensic science

CHED 402

Dwight J. Tshudy, dwight.tshudy@gordon.edu, Department of Chemistry, Gordon College, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984
Forensic science is a hot topic these days, as television shows like the CSI series have been exposed the general public to forensic science although in a sensational and less scientific fashion. Students (and faculty alike) on campus have shown keen interest in the subject matter. This interest can be used as a basis and a launching point to present and discuss scientific principles and ideas. The chemistry department at Gordon College has offered a chemistry-based forensic science course for non-science majors for the past two years with much success. Responses from the students in the course have been positive. The topic has also been used as a way to bring chemistry to the wider campus community through a presentation to faculty. An overview of the course will be provided along with some lessons learned.