247-9 Implementation of Geo-Forensic Curricula: Leveraging interdisciplinary learning through the integration of core geoscience content and innovative forensic methodology.

Session: Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Evolving Geoscience Curricula for a Changing World, Part I

Presenting Author:

Authors:

Abstract:

Geoscience and forensic science curricula both emphasize interdisciplinary learning, field training, and laboratory experience, which leverages the opportunity to integrate instruction. Interdisciplinary learning encourages students to explore connections between various STEM (I.e., science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) topics to solve environmental and crime scene complexities. Expertise in both the field and laboratory prepares students to complete the scientific method, from initial sample collection to evaluating analytical results. 

The geoscience curriculum produces scientists with a foundation to observe environmental processes, collect reliable samples, and conduct accurate laboratory analyses. For example, to locate rare earth elements (REE) a geoscientist is required to understand physical chemistry (e.g., elemental complexation, thermodynamics, etc.), collect REE-rich samples systematically, and then analyze samples with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). During groundwater remediation, physio-biochemistry expertise is vital (e.g., redox potential, biodegradation, fluid flow, etc.), ground penetrating radar (GPR) is employed, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is utilized. 

Similarly, the forensic science curriculum trains students to make observations in the field at crime scenes, collect justified evidence, and use precise analytical methodologies to ground-truth results when solving criminal activity. Along with geoscientists, forensic scientists utilize interdisciplinary STEM knowledge (chemistry, physics, & biology) and field-laboratory skills (GPR, ICP-MS, GC-MS, etc). 

An integrated geo-forensic focused curriculum is successfully implemented at an emerging MSI (i.e., minority serving institute) liberal arts university in the Northeast to: (1) serve as a medium to educate geoscience and criminal justice students with valuable STEM content, (2) provide authentic learning outcomes for student recruitment, and (3) outline diverse, but convergent, career paths for both geology and criminal justice students. The curriculum guides students from required introductory geoscience and criminal justice courses to a series of upper-level elective geo-forensic courses (e.g., 200 to 300-level). The upper-level geo-forensic courses consist of, but are not limited to, Forensic Sedimentology, Forensic Instrumentation, Forensic Geochemistry, Forensic Microscopy, and Forensic Geophysics. Course content covers a wide range of STEM topics with field and laboratory components to help prepare students for diverse career paths in either the geo- and/or forensic sciences (e.g., private industry, government, law enforcement, & academic).

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-8968

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