Facilities & Labs
The Forensic Sciences Department houses state-of-the-art laboratory facilities that are available to students doing thesis research and class laboratory assignments.
Microscope and Chemistry Laboratories
The Microscope Lab hosts numerous microscopes and other instruments for trace evidence analysis and ballistic examinations among other techniques.
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A Mettler hot stage and comparison microscope are available for refractive index measurements. Two comparison microscopes and numerous transmitted light microscopes provide a means to examine hairs, fibers, glass, and soil. |
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Two ballistic comparison microsopes are used for examining cartridges, bullets, and toolmarks. |
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The comparison microscopes are a necessary tool in the analysis of hairs and fibers. |
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Students have access to the mass spectrometer in the chemistry department. |
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The forensic science department has its own scanning electron microscope. |
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View of the forensic chemistry laboratory. |
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Another view of the forensic chemistry laboratory. |
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Molecular Biology Laboratory - The Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory is 1100 square feet and includes an autoclave, PCR hood, gel-electrophoresis equipment, digital photography equipment, and water purification system in addition to PC and Macintosh computers. |
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The ABI 310 Autmated sequencer is used for DNA sequencing, mtDNA analysis, and STR analysis for human and other species. |
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The department has two thermal cyclers used for PCR amplification and sequence analysis. The laboratory has separate laboratory space for pre and post amplification analysis to reduce contamination. |
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PCR Preparation Hood - Digital image capture is available for analysis of gel electrophoresis documentation. |
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Off-campus The Security Management and High Technology Crime Investigations Programs are located off-campus at:The Arlington Graduate Center 3601 Wilson Blvd. Suite 400 Arlington, VA The facility is conveniently located adjacent to the Virginia Square Metro station. Visit http://www.ocp.gwu.edu/arlington for more information. |