Biotechnology Workshop: Practicing Problem-based Learning through Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

When research activities in a Biology subject come up, a common response from students is that the research will either be fun or, to the contrary, boring. However, what if the research is made up like that well-known criminal TV series, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)?

The Biotechnology department from Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) designed a workshop for high school students with a theme of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). The workshop, which was held on Saturday, 11 April, 2015 at UPH Karawaci, welcomed 32 students from high schools in the Jabodetabek area, such as SMAK 7 Penabur, SMA Permai, SMA Madania Bogor, and SMA Santo Yoseph. 

The workshop participants and the Biotechnology crews 

The CSI workshop was organized by two lecturers from Biotechnology, Jap Lucy and Agustina I. Susanti, who were assisted by some Biotechnology department students. The participating students were given a role as a CSI trainee and divided into 6 (six) groups, with the Biotechnology students serving as the CSI officials. The workshop began with a body found at a crime scene. Then the trainees were asked to investigate the physical evidence from the body through DNA samples from items such as fingernails, scratches, and hair. Next, the students discussed the possible causes of death of the body. After this, they conducted some interrogations with all suspects in different locations in order to uncover their alibis, take fingerprints, and bring their DNA samples to the UPH Biotechnology laboratory. Afterwards, they returned to the initial meeting room to confirm who the murderer was. The team that successfully determined the murderer would become the winner.  

CSI trainee is identifying the ‘body’

The participants were analyzing the suspects findings

At the end of the session, Dr. Reinhard Pinontoan, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, UPH, explained to the students the general insights of Biotechnology. ?Biotechnology is not merely about research. In fact, by learning this subject you could help improve the quality of human life. For example, a researcher can find a cancer treatment among other things,? elaborated Reinhard. This workshop hopefully boosted the students? interest in Biotechnology and offers them a chance to take part in the improvement of humankind and our surroundings. (el)

Testimony from participant:  ?This is so fun and educating, especially for the students who have interest in Biotechnology. Indeed, we had no idea how important for human life Biotechnology is. We also now know what the professions are in this major. I have become interested in studying Biotechnology since it involves fun, tension, and curiosity to figure things out.?    Riven Melvin ? Grade 11 SMAK 7 BPK Penabur

Dr. Reinhard Pinontoan, the Head Department of UPH was introducing Biotechnology subject

SMAK 7 BPK Penabur as Best Team

The badge of ‘UPH Scientist’ for the Best Team