Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

Introduction to forensic chemistry

Meet Research Fellow, Dr Alan Brailsford and hand over the pills secured at the crime scene for chemical analysis.

Welcome

Last week you gained an in-depth understanding of how forensics uses DNA. Welcome to Week 3, in which you’ll find out more about the forensics lab and the importance of the chain of custody. You’ll learn how physical characteristics can provide crucial evidence, and see how chemists are able to extract information at the molecular level using chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Enjoy this chance to find out how investigators use the latest methods to gather data, and don’t forget to comment, ask questions or just tell us how you’re feeling at this stage.

This article is from the free online

The Science Behind Forensic Science

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now