Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Works from Home: Challenges Encountered by Criminology Students During the Conduct of their Laboratory Activities at Home

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the challenges encountered by the respondents in performing Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory Works at home particularly on the activities about Fingerprints, Drugs , Fire and hair and determine the coping strategies utilized by the students to overcome those challenges. This study utilized a survey research design and was conducted in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. The respondents of the study were the 67 Criminology students enrolled in Forensic Chemistry in 2021 who experienced conducting laboratory activities in the said subject at home. The common challenges encountered by the respondents among the four (4) laboratory works conducted at home were lack of materials or equipment available; difficulty of collecting samples; and limited lessons and discussion about the topic in the module. The usual strategy used by the respondents to cope with the common challenges encountered were approached relatives to get samples or materials required for the activity and utilized internet as resources to supplement limited lessons and discussion about the topic in the module.