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The Eberly College of Science

Forensic Science Program
Virtual Tours

The Forensic Science Program prides itself on its practical, hands-on approach to learning - students at all levels of education have full access to scientific instruments.

The laboratory facilities and instruments pictured below are used by both undergrad and grad forensic students for 400-level and 800-level classes (taken by juniors, seniors, and grad students). 

Click on any of the gallery images to see the full, uncropped photo. 

Photos and videos will be updated throughout the year as classes occur, so check back each semester!

FRNSC 411

Trace and Impression Evidence

Students at lab benches examine mock case evidence with microscopes in 333 Whitmore Lab for the FRNSC 411 class
Students at lab benches examine mock case evidence with microscopes in 333 Whitmore Lab for the FRNSC 411 class
Students at lab benches examine mock case evidence with microscopes in 333 Whitmore Lab for the FRNSC 411 class
A polarizing light microscope (PLM) and a stereo light microscope (SLM) make up one work station for a student in FRNSC 411.
A student performs a microscrystal test on a slide to create a chemical reaction that will be viewed with the microscope
A student uses a comparison microscope with two stages to compare the striation marks on an evidence sample
FRNSC 413

Biological Evidence

FRNSC 413 students discussing mock case evidence in 168 North Frear Lab
FRNSC 413 students discussing mock case evidence in168 North Frear Lab
A student wearing a green floral hijab examines a hair sample on a microscope slide
Four students reading through the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for an acid phosphatase test in FRNSC 413
Eight students pose for a group photo in the FRNSC 413 lab class
FRNSC 415

Crime Scene Investigation Lab

Spruce cottage and Pine Cottage are used as crime scene labs for FRNSC 415
Students dressed in tyvek suits step over crime scene tape next to a mock crime scene sign on their way to investigate a mock case on the back patio
A mannequin lies in a pool of blood with yellow evidence markers nearby as a part of a mock crime scene for students to investigate
Students crouch down to examine bloody shoeprints on a blue and white tile floor in Spruce Cottage
A fingerprint on a glass slide is enhanced using orange fluorescent powder and illuminated by an alternative light source
A green laser shows the trajectory of a projectile from the window to the floor
FRNSC 421W

Forensic Molecular Biology and DNA

Students will receive mock case evidence items in the pre-PCR lab space with lab benches and equipment for extracting DNA from evidence items
Faculty member Dr. Mitch Holland oversees a student removing mock case evidence from an envelope
A student stands in the post-PCR lab that has two lab benches holding two thermal cyclers for PCR, plus a 3130 XL and an AB 3500 Genetic Analyzer for capillary electrophoresis DNA separation
A student loads a DNA tray containing mock case samples into the opened AB 3500 Genetic Analyzer CE
Faculty member Dr. Holland and a student analyze an electropherogram with DNA results on a computer screen
A green walled computer lab space used by forensic biology students for DNA analysis contains several desk and computers on which students learn to analyze DNA test results
A student uses a micro pipettor to add extraction buffer to a DNA sample in an Eppendorf tube
FRNSC 427W

Forensic Chemistry

Students will receive and test mock case evidence in the forensic chemistry lab space instruments
Separations for illegal drugs, fire debris, ignitable liquids, explosives, and other chemical evidence are performed with the UltiMate 3000 High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and TSQ Vantage Mass Spectrometer (MS)
Faculty member Dr. Campbell reviews mock case data with a student on a computer screen.
A student uses a Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer to analyze a paint sample
A student examines a fiber sample with an ATR/ Microscope Infrared Spectrometer
Separations for illegal drugs, fire debris, ignitable liquids, explosives, and other chemical evidence are performed with the Trace GC Ultra and DSQ II mass spectrometer