JCER (Journal of Chemistry Education Research)
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Volume 10 No. 1 June 2026

EXPLORING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND DNA APPLICATIONS: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

Emad Yousif (Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad)
Hamsa Thamer (Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad)
Raghda Makia (Biotechnology College, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad)
Khalid Zainulabdeen (Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad)
Waled Abdo Ahmed (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Education, Dhamar University, Dhamar)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Jun 2026

Abstract

Forensic chemistry is a rapidly growing sub discipline of forensic science that plays an essential role in criminal investigations through the examination and analysis of physical evidence, including drugs, explosives, and toxic compounds. Despite increasing demand for forensic chemists in the job market, awareness and knowledge of forensic chemistry among university students particularly undergraduate students in chemistry and biotechnology remain insufficiently explored. This study employed a validated questionnaire to investigate the level of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of 20 undergraduate students at Al-Nahrain University, Iraq, regarding forensic chemistry, DNA analysis, and biotechnology. The results indicated that the majority of participants demonstrated a satisfactory level of awareness: 80% were aware of forensic science, 82% recognized the connection between DNA analysis and forensic science, 84% understood the relationship between DNA and biotechnology, and 91% appreciated the importance of DNA evidence in crime scene investigations. Additionally, 79% expressed interest in pursuing future studies in forensic science. The findings underscore significant educational implications for forensic chemistry curricula, career development pathways, and the broader enhancement of scientific literacy regarding forensic science among university students.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jcer

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry Education

Description

JCER (Journal of Chemistry Education Research) adalah jurnal peer-reviewed yang secara periodik terbit 2 (dua) kali setahun pada bulan Juni dan Desember dengan jumlah 5–8 artikel setiap kali terbit. JCER berisi tulisan/artikel hasil pemikiran dan hasil penelitian dalam disiplin ilmu kependidikan ...