Behind the scenes: Forensic Science in action

Forensic science begins at the crime scene where physical evidence is recognised, preserved and collected. Forensic scientists examine physical evidence, to identify persons, substances, objects, contacts between them, and events and actions that transpired in a crime. Forensic techniques continue to advance, even as criminals become more sophisticated and harder to catch.

The process culminates in the presentation of expert findings in court. Indeed, forensic science has been used in prosecution and defence cases in Singapore since the set‐up of a food, drugs and toxicology laboratory in Hill Street in 1885.

The NUS Forensic Science Minor was launched in 2009 and is the first of its kind in Singapore. It is offered under the Faculty’s Major in Life Sciences programme.

Practical sessions teach students about real-life applications of forensic techniques. Students get to think out of the box and learn through experiential hands-on activities to uncover all vital pieces of evidence at simulated crime scenes. These pieces of objective evidence will later serve as tools to exonerate the innocent or incriminate the guilty in court. Students will have a chance to role-play as crime scene investigators and expert witnesses.

If you are fascinated with bloodstain patterns and DNA work, get an upclose look at some of the latest investigative techniques in crime scene re-enactments. Follow us as we go behind the scenes.

Students use light to detect traces of evidence left behind at a ‘crime scene’.

Students dust for fingerprints.

Students collect evidence as part of forensic toxicology to examine drugs and chemicals.

Students analyse samples of unknown materials including powders, liquids and stains to determine the chemical identity or characteristics of their compounds.

Students analyse samples of unknown materials including powders, liquids and stains to determine the chemical identity or characteristics of their compounds.

At a ‘moot court’, our Forensic Science students Javan Seow (left) and Megan Ng (right), present evidence of a probable match of fingerprints as Assoc Prof Stella Tan (centre) adjudicates.