School trip to department of scientific service (DSS)
On July 8, 2011 we, block 2 chemistry students, went on a school trip to DSS. There were a total of 40 students and 2 tutors who were on the trip. The purpose of this trip is to prepare us for one of our chemistry topic next year. We were asked to gather in the reception area of the DSS building by Miss lim chien lee, one of the tutor, before 1.30 pm. Firstly we were divided into 3 groups , two group consists of 15 students while the other one consist of 10 students. Each group had an instructor to show us around and each group start at different level of floor. I was in a group of 10 students and our tour start on the second floor.
The first lab that we visit was the Narcotic Laboratory. This is where they analyze drugs, urine and samples. If the urine is tested positive, the drugs are extracted for further test and if negative the result will be sent to the respective sender. The samples are mainly from the Police, Narcotic Bureau, Army and Hospitals. The second lab we visit was the Toxicology Laboratory , here they analyze drugs, alcohol and poison from both the living and the dead. The third lab that we visit was Document Examination Laboratory, the purpose of this lab is to determine whether a document had been tempered or not. The last lab we visited on the second floor was the DNA Laboratory, here they examine evidence for DNA.
The first lab we visited on the first floor was Radiation Safety & Quality Unit, here is where they monitor the use of radioactive instrument from industries and where industries get their permit to use any radioactive instrument. Then we were supposed to visit the Arson Lab however it was cancelled because the scientist in charge of the lab was away.
On the ground floor, we visited Food Safety Lab, Microbiology and Serology Lab. The Food Safety Lab checks processed food to make sure it is safe to consume. Then we went to Microbiology Lab. This lab deals...