American University of Sharjah (AUS) is now offering for the first time a course in forensic chemistry. This initiative accords with the directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS, which requests the university to provide a high standard of education to students. With the strong support of the Commander of Sharjah Police, Major General Hamid Mohammed Hudaidi, a partnership has been established with the Police Forensic Science Laboratory, directed by Colonel Dr. Abdel Qader Al Amri.

The course will provide practical and theoretical experience in forensic science to students. As part of this collaboration, Dr. Al Amri will give several lectures to AUS students, faculty and staff, which commenced on October 26, 2014.

The first lecture gave an overview of forensic science and the role of forensic chemists in the various stages of investigation, from crime scene to court reporting. The lecture explored the collection of physical evidence at the crime scene and discussed the importance of sample collection, labeling, packaging and preservation of physical evidence. Dr. Al Amri emphasized the connection between standard operating procedures, specific interpretational skills and the acceptability of results by the judiciary system. He also highlighted the serious consequences of some bad practices in this field.

At the beginning of the lecture, Dr. Fawwaz Jumean, Head of the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, presented a token of appreciation to the Sharjah Police on behalf of AUS.