CSI Clarkson

When Clarkson University first-year chemistry students arrived on the scene, the body had already been taken away. Now it was up to the students to figure out exactly what happened and who was responsible by extracting evidence from the mock crime scene and testing it in the laboratory. Read more.

When it comes to real-world learning, the Clarkson chemistry program is one of the best — right from the start. In addition to the bachelor of science degree, Clarkson also offers graduate degrees in chemistry.

Since chemistry is the underlying foundation of much of modern forensic science, Clarkson offers a freshman forensic chemistry laboratory, where you can look at:

• The chemistry of field test methods for identification of controlled substances
• Detection and analysis of firearms residue
• Luminous detection of bloodstains
• Hair and fiber analysis

Students are asked to investigate and process a model crime scene. They must collect evidence, identify suspects, and link a perpetrator to the crime through forensic analyses. Participants then present their evidence at a mock trial in the role of the prosecution's forensic scientist.

Being a chemist means being an explorer, a problem solver, a visionary. Chemists deal with the properties, structure and composition of matter; they study changes in matter and in related energy relationships. And that puts them on the leading edge of discoveries that are transforming our lives and our world. Chemistry today includes a wide range of activities: from training a single molecule to store information to cleaning polluted water and removing smog from air. From improving time-release medications to making tougher coatings for rockets in space.