Simulated crime scene as a transformative pedagogical practice: an immersive experience in forensic biomedicine education

Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde

Abstract

The Simulated Crime Scene is a transformative pedagogical practice developed within the Criminal Forensics and Toxicology course of the Biomedical Science undergraduate program at PUC Minas, Poços de Caldas campus, Brazil. Consolidated over four editions (2024/02, 2025/01, 2025/02, and 2026/01), the experience employs Problem-Based Learning (PBL), experiential learning, and simulation to integrate knowledge from Forensic Biomedical Science, Toxicology, and Criminalistics. In controlled and realistic scenarios, students perform crime scene documentation, evidence identification, collection and preservation, chain-of-custody procedures, laboratory analyses, and the preparation of forensic reports. The practice fosters critical thinking, decision-making, teamwork, interdisciplinarity, and technical and scientific writing, bridging the gap between academic education and the complex situations encountered in Forensic Sciences.