Forensic Science Pre-College Program

This weeklong, hands-on Forensic Science Pre-College program consists of 30 hours of instruction by faculty from the University of Delaware’s College of Health Sciences, Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences. In addition to the classroom and lab-based learning, each participant also spent an entire day touring and learning from different State of Delaware agencies, such as Delaware Division of Forensic Science, Delaware State Police Forensics Firearms Unit, Delaware State Bureau of Identification and Delaware State Police Troop 3’s Evidence Unit. Students acquired the following key competencies during this program: • Describe how to properly document a crime scene and collect physical evidence. • Explain the principles of chemical and immunologic assays commonly used in forensic science. • Demonstrate an understanding of human chromosome structure and genome components essential for DNA profiling and apply mathematical calculations to determine the probability of matching DNA profiles between unrelated individuals. • Recognize and differentiate fingerprint ridge patterns and characteristics. • Comprehend forensic toxicological analysis. • Grasp the role of firearms and ballistics. • Understand the basics of courtroom testimony as an expert witness. To earn the Forensic Science Pre-College program badge, each student must: • Attend and participate in the five-day program of activities and presentations • Conduct a group lab report presentation in front of a panel consisting of Forensic Science Lab Managers, UD Faculty and High School Forensic Science teacher. • Receive panel-provided feedback regarding their formal lab report.