CH2112: Forensic Chemistry

School Cardiff School of Chemistry
Department Code CHEMY
Module Code CH2112
External Subject Code 100417
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Mark Elliott
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2018/9

Outline Description of Module

This module introduces the fundamental, theoretical and practical concepts of forensic chemistry. It will explain some of the key concepts relating to the classification of drugs, toxicological investigations, trace and contact evidence, body fluid analyses, and the use of modern analytical instruments in forensic chemistry.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Knowing (these are things that students will need to be able to do to pass the module)

Demonstrate awareness of the types of forensic evidence and how they can be used to lead to criminal convictions.

Describe how to apply fundamental chemical principles to forensic problems for a range of types of evidence.

Describe the application of modern instrumental methods to the resolution of chemistry problems of a forensic nature.

 

Acting (performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

Appreciate the relationship between structure and function for a range of molecules found in crime scene evidence.

Propose plausible investigation routes for the evaluation of a range of crime scene evidence covering a range of scenarios.

 

Being (performance in this area will enable students to obtain more than a basic pass)

Research and assess examples of forensic evidence as obtained from specific crime scenes, and to communicate the results of a forensic investigation in a critical manner.

How the module will be delivered

Content will be delivered primarily using lectures (16 h across one semester). This will address the ‘Knowing’ and ‘Acting’ learning outcomes, while guidance in the retrieval of information will address the ‘Being’ learning outcome.

Workshops (4 x 2 h, two formative, two summative) will be used to deliver practical skills, analytical skills and to reinforce key principles.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Chemistry-specific skills will focus on developing an understanding of molecular structure (drugs, substances of abuse, biological molecules), and how this relates to methods for chemical analysis.

An appreciation of the social importance of forensic chemistry (and hence chemistry in general) will be developed through examination of case studies.

Analytical and numerical skills will be practised by application of quantitative analytical methods to toxicological problems.

This module develops a number of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, information retrieval and numeracy, all of which are important for enhancing employability.

How the module will be assessed

Formative assessment: Two of the four workshops will be assessed formatively, and feedback provided, either orally or in written form.

Summative assessment: A written exam (1 h) will test the students’ ability to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application of the syllabus content. Two workshops will be assessed summatively, assessing aspects such as practical forensic chemistry, information retrieval and analysis.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

 

Students who are permitted by the Examining Board to be reassessed in this module during the same academic year will set an examination (1 h) during the Resit Examination Period.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 80 Forensic Chemistry 1
Written Assessment 20 Workshops And Assignments N/A

Syllabus content

An introduction to forensic science and how chemistry is key to the success of this field. Brief introduction to drugs – cannabis, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD and barbiturates.

Identification of the drugs of abuse: schemes for identification of trace and bulk samples. Sampling techniques, presumptive tests, thin layer chromatography and instrumental techniques (GC, IR, GC-MS, GC-IR). Drug quantification.

Introduction to toxicology. Factors affecting toxic dose – carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, age and size, state of health, history of exposure, paradoxical reactions. Chemistry of poisoning; mode of action of poisons, ingestion, metabolism and excretion. Schemes for identification.

Contact and trace evidence. Amounts of material transferred and persistence of material. Recovery of trace materials. Characterisation and comparison of glass, fibres, paint and hair.

Analysis of body fluids. Description of blood and its components. Composition and analyses/tests. Semen; saliva.

Modern analytical instrumentation. GC/HPLC, MS, GC-MS, FTIR. Description of each technique and the merits and disadvantages of each.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Crime Scene to Court: The Essentials of Forensic Science, 2nd Edn. Ed. P. C. White. Royal Society of Chemistry, 2004.

Background Reading and Resource List

N/A


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