CHE2NAC
FORENSIC AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CHE2NAC
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This is an elective second year chemistry subject involving lectures and a laboratory component. The successful prosecution of individuals or companies for crimes involving chemicals would be impossible without comprehensive forensic evidence. In this subject, students will explore concepts of analytical chemistry as a basis of developing the required skills of a chemist working in forensic science. The analytical skills to prepare and analyse different types of real-world samples using a variety of instrumental techniques, and the ability to critically assess results to judge their validity will be discussed in lectures and developed in practical classes. The instrumental techniques include, but are not limited to, molecular fluorescence spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorIan Potter
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must have passed (CHE1GEN or CHE1CHF) and CHE1APL.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects CHE2MEC, CHE2ENC, CHE2NAN
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 8th Edition (or later) | Recommended | Harris, D.C. (2010) | FREEMAN, 2010 |
| Readings | Forensic Chemistry, 2nd Edition (or later) | Recommended | Bell, S. (2014) | Pearson |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe and apply chemistry techniques and instrumental methods for analytical and forensic science analysis.
- Activities:
- Students will develop their knowledge of the key concepts of forensic and analytical chemistry through interactive participation in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Describe and apply separation science techniques for the isolation, purification and identification of chemical species.
- Activities:
- Students will develop their knowledge of the key concepts of forensic and analytical chemistry through interactive participation in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Interpret and assess data from analysis of samples using chemistry techniques and instrumental methods.
- Activities:
- Students will develop their knowledge of the key concepts of forensic and analytical chemistry through interactive participation in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Describe the chemistry of combustion and explosives, and methods for the forensic analysis of arson and explosive residues.
- Activities:
- Students will develop their knowledge of the key concepts of forensic and analytical chemistry through interactive participation in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
05. Describe the preparation and characterisation of polymer materials, and the analysis of inks and paints using analytical methods.
- Activities:
- Students will develop their knowledge of the key concepts of forensic and analytical chemistry through interactive participation in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
06. Demonstrate practical skills needed to conduct chemical synthesis and chemical analysis, and be able to interpret and report results from observations and measurements to characterise compounds and materials.
- Activities:
- Students will participate in laboratory classes specifically designed to demonstrate and explain the concepts of analytical chemistry. Students will be able to prepare compounds and analyse samples using chemical methods and instrumental techniques discussed during class.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorIan Potter
Class requirements
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic exams (2.5 hrs) or similar assessment tasks during semester | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Topic quizzes, tests or assignments (600 word equivalents) | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Laboratory reports (1400 word equivalents) | Hurdle for accreditation with RACI. Students must complete a minimum 75% of lab assessment, and must obtain a score of at least 50% for the laboratory component of the subject. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |