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Forensic Biology

Use technology to apply biological principles to criminal investigations while employing forensic techniques to collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes.

About this Workshop

Campus: Wellesley College | Rising Grades: 10,11,12

Harnessing the knowledge and technology in the field of biology, forensic biology applies what we know about the study of living things to the work of legal investigations. This workshop focuses on the specific biology and related forensic techniques that can help solve criminal cases, including microorganisms and the processes of death and decomposition, biological fluid identification, wound patterning, genetic fingerprinting, forensic genealogy, and more. Through hands-on laboratory experiments and in-the-field activities, practice collecting and processing evidence from mock crime scenes, then analyze the samples and connect what you learn to real cases. Consider the ethical questions surrounding DNA privacy, the use of open databases, and limitations of certain types of evidence in legal cases.

Highlights

Crime Scene Techniques
Process physical evidence in a mock crime scene, including fingerprint lifting, footwear casting and impressions, and presumptive blood tests.

Entomological Investigation
Study death and decomposition using an experiment involving insect identification.

Biological Fluid Identification Use chemical indicators to determine unknown fluids such as blood and saliva.