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FORENSICS: The DNA Detectives

The DNA Detectives will explore more in-depth concepts in Forensic Biology and will analyze biological evidence taken from crime scenes.

The DNA Detectives with return to study more in-depth Forensic Biology. The DNA Detectives is a focus group in Forensic Biology.

• DNA purification from buccal cells, saliva, and plants
• Learn how to use lab equipment used in molecular biology labs
• DNA typing of biological samples collected from the crime scene

FORENSICS: The CHEM Detectives

The Chem Squad will explore more in-depth concepts in Chemistry and examine evidence such as alcohols, drugs and bomb residues.

The Chem Detectives and the rest of The Science Detectives will be will be teaming up this year to examining various evidence collected from the crime scene. The Chem Detectives is a focus group specializing in examining the chemical nature of things.

• Unknown chemicals
• Unknown drugs
• Latent prints
• Gun shot residues

FORENSICS: The BONE Detectives

(The BONE Detectives have been cancelled 2006.05.19 - it has been replaced with a lecture instead).

Police investigators often turn to forensic anthropologists when all other leads fall short and no information about the identity of an unknown individual(s) can be found.

Every student will have an opportunity to be The Bone Detective and learn what it takes to analyze skeletal remains from a forensic anthropologist.

FORENSICS: The BUG Detectives

Have you ever wondered how investigators determine how long ago a victim of a gruesome and heinous crime has died?

The Bug Detectives will get an introduction to forensic entomology. Here, bugs that feed off of the remains can give clues to determine time-of-death.

FORENSICS: The CODE Detectives

The Code Detectives is a focus group specializing in computer science. This group is for students that have a high interest in learning forensic opportunities using skills in computing.

The Code Breakers will learn to detect unauthorized entry into computer systems. Learn to uncover stealth activities, detection of anti- IT security and tracing of computer viruses.

FORENSIC Research Update

(The FORENSIC Research Update has been cancelled 2006.05.19 - it has been replaced with Research Instrumentation - Tools for Investigative Analysis).

Have you ever wondered how criminalists in crime laboratories come up with ways to detect the unknown? This year, we will include a day session to focus on research opportunities in forensic science. Perhaps what you really want to do is create instruments or develop techniques used by various analysts.

You'll see and hear about leading edge technological breakthrough in scientific research that will revolutionize capabilities in forensics.

Field Trips

Criminal Investigations and CSI

Hear real crime stories from one of the detectives in the Tucson Police Department's Violent Offenses Section - Homicide. Police detectives are not forensic scientists but they use forensic data to help them investigate crime. You will be exposed to what it takes to become criminal investigator.

CSI - You will begin your first investigation as a CSI at the mock crime scene. The first experience will be at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center (SALETC). Various crime scenes will be on the training grounds will be investigated. Proper evidence collection techniques will be taught and used so that the forensic analysts can properly investigate them.

Forensic Investigations

All the Detectives will play a role in several scientific investigations. Everyone will be exposed to multiple disciplines. However, when we analyze the samples collected from the crime scene, we will break into three focus groups and learn to analyze evidence similar to what is done in crime laboratories. DNA Detectives will analyze DNA evidence, the CHEM Detectives will analyze chemical samples and the CODE Detectives will learn about computer forensics. All the forensic labs will be conducted at several locations at The University of Arizona. We will then visit the crime laboratory to understand how to interpret the results of the analysis.

On the Campus of The University of Arizona

Biotechnology Imaging Facilities

Scanning Electron Microscopy lab exercise

Genomic Analysis and Technology Core Facility

Tour of the Fragment Analysis Facility used in DNA Genotyping and DNA Sequencing

Various mock crime scenes on campus

Forensic Entomology lab exercise

Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory

We will be touring the Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory to give an idea what it's like to work in a crimelab.

Arizona Superior Court in Pima County

We will visit the court to see what goes on in the courts, observe some of the activities in progress and we will sit in criminal trial. Since we'll be in a real trial, we may see testimonies from various forensic experts.

We will return to the courts at the conclusion of the course for moot court in which students will have the opportunity to testify as forensic analysts.

Course Information

Instructor: Al Agellon
Course Preceptor: Katy Ruiz (UofA)
Assitant Instructors: Cathy Burg (Amphitheater USD), Janice Lacanette (Unassigned) and Don Davis (Paradise Valley USD)
Dates: June 12-23, 2006
Times: 8:30AM - 4:00PM (typically), please see the schedule for details
Course Schedule & Guest Lecturers: SEE THE COURSE SCHEDULE
Locations: On Campus: Lab and main meeting room - Koffler Building 541, Off Campus: Crime Laboratory - Tucson Police Department Headquarters, SALETC, Court Room - Superior Court in Pima County.
Cost: $350.00 (Refund Policy)
Student Registration: CLOSED

Student and Parent Information

Dress Code:

We expect the students to follow the typical school dress code. Shorts or skirts are not permitted while off-site or during days where there is a chemistry lab exercise.

On Campus : Nothing loose or dangling, no sandals or flip-flops, ALL FOOTWEAR MUST BE CLOSED-TOED.
Off-Site: We will be visiting the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center, the Tucson Police Dept. Crime Lab, the AZ Superior Court in Pima County and the UA College of Law Courtroom. Semi-professional attire is expected especially during the courtroom visits. Expectations will be reinforced during the first day of class.

What to Bring:

Always bring something to write with.

Bottled water, sun protection such as sunscreen and hats, picture I. D.

Pack a LUNCH with ice packs - we do not have a refrigerator for food storage.

$$Money$$ - if you are going to buy lunch at the Student Union. There are shops for stuff there and at the UA Book Stores. You'll also need money to park a vehicle at the parking garage.

Special Rules:

Students are not permitted to separate from the course without a written permission from a parent or guardian.

Where to Meet:

On the first day of camp, parents are required to sign the students in. At this time we will ask parents to check the list of adults that are approved to pick up students.

Parents may authorize their children to drive and check themselves in. A note authorizing the student to do this must be submitted prior to or on the first day of camp.

Roll call will always occur at the designated meeting area in front of the Graham Residence Hall (CHECK THE SCHEDULE FOR LOCATIONS ).

If the students are authorized by their parents to drive in, they may park their car in the Second St. Garage 114, Sixth St. Garage 18o or Cherry Ave. Garage 115. There is a daily charge to park - please contact the Parking & Transportation Services for questions and rates. Students must report to the designated meeting area (will be reminded of location 1 day prior).

Dismissal:

Dismissal will generally be at 4:00PM except on few occasions. Please refer to the course schedule for dismissal times and pick up locations.

Scholarships

The Bio5 Institute for Collaborative Bioresearch has provided two scholarships to assist two extremely motivated and talented students from low-income families.

Download the High School Scholarship Application -Deadline EXTENDED to: May 22, 2006

2006 Scholarship Recipients

Course Development

This course is co-developed with the staff of the Tucson Police Department - Crime Laboratory to foster interest in higher education/learning in life and physical sciences. We at the Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Biotechnology aim to promote the understanding of biotechnology and the role of forensic science in our society.

Outreach Program and Workforce Development Program

Crime Laboratory

Sponsors and Supporters

The sponsors and supporters of the forensic course have made this program possible. Please view the list.

Teacher's Professional Development Course

The dates will run June 7th - 23rd. Registration info is updated at the Professional Development web site.

Download the teacher's course brochure