SQU holds exhibition on forensic chemistry

MUSCAT: The Chemistry Group at the College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University organised on Sunday an exhibition on Forensic Chemistry to shed light on the applications of chemistry across the forensic science field.

Through various stations at set up at the venue, the group members, with the support of Royal Oman Police Forensic Department, demonstrated how forensic chemists analyse nonbiological trace evidence found at crime scenes in order to identify unknown materials and match samples to known substances.

They also explained how drugs or controlled substances taken from scenes and people are analysed in order to identify and quantify these materials.

The Chemistry Group members explained how working in a lab, Forensic Chemists runs tests on samples collected by investigators. They use a variety of techniques, including microscopy, optical analysis (such as UV, infrared, X-ray), gas chromatography and other technologies.

They carefully document their findings and write reports that are used to support criminal investigations. Forensic chemists may also testify to their findings in court.

The exhibition provided the opportunity to learn about scientific investigations and the legal system alongside the fundamentally important aspects of chemistry.