Though real-world crime scene investigations rarely unfold the way they do on "CSI: Miami," the show and its spinoffs have catapulted forensic science into everyday conversation -- and now, a new program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Beginning next fall, students will have the chance to major in chemistry with a concentration in forensic chemistry. The concentration will be the first of its kind in the Twin Ports, UWS officials say.
"Nowadays, jurors demand forensic evidence, having watched all these [shows]; therefore, prosecutors are under pressure to provide forensic data," said Michael Waxman, a UWS chemistry professor who helped develop the program.
That demand increases workloads for labs and the need for workers to fill federal and state crime labs, toxicology labs and coroners' offices. UWS will combine classes from its chemistry, biology and criminal justice departments to streamline a program that some students already had begun to combine to work in forensic science.
There is a statewide need for workers versed in both science and crime, said Ralph Seelke, a biology professor at UWS.
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"There are backlogs of samples to be tested," he said. "The employment outlook should be good for these students."
The biology courses will deal with genetics and DNA, because investigations sometimes involve getting biological information from relatives. Several chemistry courses, including analytical and organic, and two criminal justice courses -- managing criminal investigations and criminal procedure and evidence -- will be required.
Criminal investigations have become more technical in recent years, said Gary Keveles, director of UWS's criminal justice program.
"It used to be gumshoe: a lot of walking and talking," he said. "Now it's being supplemented by hard science."
In criminal investigations, care has to be taken to preserve evidence. Criminal justice classes will teach scientists what kinds of evidence are permissible, problematic and not allowed in investigations, Keveles said.
"This is an exciting opportunity for students to find a particular kind of schooling that will lead to good-paying jobs," he said, noting that sometimes bodies for autopsies are sent downstate because resources in the area are lacking.
"This is another footprint that perhaps the Northland is becoming more cosmopolitan," he said.
