CHM 132 CSI: REALITY - CHEMISTRY FROM THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR
Over the past decade, a host of television shows (e.g., “CSI,” “Law and Order”) and prominent real-life cases have fostered a new American obsession: forensics. This affection for forensics, while increasing interest in science, has also negatively impacted our society by de-emphasizing the real science behind the various forensic techniques. This phenomenon has been dubbed the “CSI Effect,” resulting in a generation of “armchair scientists.” This course will examine the hard science of forensics, focusing on physical, chemical and instrumental methods. Also, through a variety of readings and responses, online discussion board forums, and web-based activities we will evaluate the implications of the “CSI Effect” on modern society. This course is intended for science and non-science majors alike, and will fulfill the non-lab science Elon Core Curriculum requirement. Does not count toward chemistry major or minor.