FORENSIC AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CHE2NAC
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Forensic analytical chemistry is an elective second year chemistry subject. In this subject, students explore concepts of analytical chemistry as a basis of developing the required skills of a chemist working in forensic science. The successful prosecution of individuals or companies for crimes involving chemicals would be impossible without comprehensive forensic evidence. The necessary analytical skills will be discussed in lectures and developed in practical classes, that enable students 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. The instrumental techniques include, but are not limited to, molecular fluorescence spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and ion mobility mass spectrometry. Learning activities include lectures, tutorials, and laboratory classes.
School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Ian Potter
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must have passed CHE1GEN or CHE1CHF and CHE1APL.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: CHE2ENC, CHE2NAN
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Ian Potter
Class requirements
Lecture/WorkshopWeek: 31 - 43
Three 1.0 hours lecture/workshop 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* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1hr Exam 1 (Topics 1-3): during or end of semester (1000 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| 1hr Exam 2 (Topics 4-6): during or end of semester (1000 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Assignment or Quiz 1: during semester (250 words equivalent) | 5 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Assignment or Quiz 2: during semester (250 words equivalent) | 5 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Assignment or Quiz 3: during semester (250 words equivalent) | 5 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Assignment or Quiz 4: during semester (250 words equivalent) | 5 | 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 |