Forensic ChemistryLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Forensic Chemistry is an interdisciplinary course that delves into the fascinating world of chemistry and its application in solving criminal cases. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience, students will gain an understanding of how chemistry contributes to the collection, analysis and interpretation of evidence in criminal cases.

Learning objectives:

• Evidence collection: techniques and procedures for collecting, preserving and documenting chemical evidence to ensure the integrity of samples
• Analytical techniques: introduction to a wide range of chemical analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectrometry and microanalytical methods commonly used in forensic investigations
• Identification of substances: developing skills to identify and classify different substances, e.g. drugs, explosives, toxic compounds
• Toxicology: studying the field of forensic toxicology, including the analysis of biological samples for the presence of drugs, alcohol and other toxic substances
• Fire Investigation:studying the chemistry of fire investigation and the analysis of fire debris to determine the cause of fires.
• Analysis of case studies and real-life examples
• Gaining practical experience in laboratory chemical analysis, interpretation of results and documentation of findings

Content

• Review of analytical chemistry in the context of forensics
• Spectrosopic and chromatographic techniques in forensic analysis
• Applications of forensic chemistry, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), GC-MS and HPLC-MS and the analysis and interpretation of results using these techniques
• Analysis of crime scene and trace evidence: e.g. examination of fibres, paints, glass
• Microscopy techniques: light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Drug analysis and toxicology
• Topical subjects in forensic chemistry

Qualifications

Analytical Separation Methods
Spectrometry
Organic Chemistry
Gene Technology and Basics in Bioinformatics

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Students will demonstrate a basic level of competence in the application of evidence collection methods and analysis techniques, but a deeper understanding and practical application will require further development. Uncertainty exists in the identification and classification of substances, which is reflected in the accuracy of analytical results.

Mastery of the principles of forensic toxicology and fire investigation chemistry is still developing and further training in their practical application is needed. In laboratory work, the student should strengthen skills in interpreting and documenting findings and their application in chemical forensic analysis.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Students will understand evidence collection techniques and the basics of analytical methods, but consistency in preserving evidence, documenting evidence and conducting analyses needs to be improved. Identification and classification of substances is adequate, but errors or limitations are occasionally encountered.

The basics of forensic toxicology and fire investigation chemistry are mastered, but there are occasional shortcomings in the accuracy of analyses. In laboratory work, the student demonstrates a basic level of competence, but interpretation of findings and documentation require further attention.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Students will demonstrate a deep understanding and high level of competence in the key areas of the course. They will have a thorough command of evidence collection techniques, apply forensic analytical methods effectively, and accurately identify and classify substances through chemical analysis. Students will excel in practical laboratory work, including interpretation and documentation of analyses. Performance is excellent throughout and demonstrates a strong integration of practice and theory in the field of chemical forensic analysis.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Students will demonstrate a basic level of competence in the application of evidence collection methods and analysis techniques, but a deeper understanding and practical application will require further development. Uncertainty exists in the identification and classification of substances, which is reflected in the accuracy of analytical results.

Mastery of the principles of forensic toxicology and fire investigation chemistry is still developing and further training in their practical application is needed. In laboratory work, the student should strengthen skills in interpreting and documenting findings and their application in chemical forensic analysis.