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Course number & title: CHEM 252 The Chemistry of Crime Scene Investigation
Department(s): Chemistry/Geology/Physics
Credit hours: 3
Prerequisites: High School Chemistry
Fees and charges: $25 laboratory fee for equipment and supplies
Effective catalog date for this master syllabus: Spring 2006
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1. Catalog description:
This course relates real world applications of analytical chemistry to the investigation of crimes.
The underlying chemical principles involved in forensic analysis are addressed. Also, the
exploration of scientific inquiry as it relates to developing hypotheses and providing proof of a
crime is investigated. Meets Tier II credit for natural sciences
2. Course content:
This course addresses specific applications of analytical chemistry to the analysis of criminal
investigation. Since many techniques used by crime laboratories have just recently been
developed, the course will rely on primary journal sources for classroom discussion. Students are
expected to read assigned material on their own time and come to class prepared for critical
discussion. The course will consist of some of the topics from the list below:
Trace Analysis Every contact leaves a trace (Dr. Edmond Locard, 1910 French
Criminologist). Since physical contact is involved in almost every crime, the analysis of
trace evidence plays a crucial role in crime scene investigation. Current experiments
include: ink identification, cocaine analysis, powder identification*, arson accelerants,
gunshot residue, blood analysis*, and hair and fiber analysis.
*see attached handouts for these experiments
Drug Analysis Forensic drug analysis deals with the identification of illicit drugs. Two
types of analysis are made: (1) Identification of chemicals found at a crime scene, (2)
Analysis of tissue and body fluids to identify drugs and drug metabolites. Types of analysis
include: Cocaine and methadone analysis, Analysis of an unknown powder*, analysis of
bodily fluids for drug metabolites.
*see the attached module
Toxicological Analysis Monitoring raw drinking water for contamination due to spills,
point source or non-point source pollution, or sabotage using the newly acquired
Microtox Rapid Toxicity Testing System.
Significance of Chemical Evidence in Court An important aspect of all forensic
chemistry is maintaining the chain of custody (the time-course in which evidence was
handled and a log of all persons involved in handling evidence) in order to ensure the
accuracy of the findings. Students will also examine the application and validity of
forensic evidence in court cases.
Particular activities that will enhance students understanding of the topics in this course are:
Laboratory exercises
Chemical demonstrations
Cooperative activities
Writing assignments allowing students to observe a chemical phenomenon, record
observations, draw conclusions and formulate models
3. Student learning objectives:
Forensic chemistry is defined as analytical chemistry as it pertains to law enforcement. This
course will examine the analytical and biochemical techniques used by law enforcement crime
laboratories in criminal investigations. This class has six major student outcomes:
1. Students will gain a historical perspective forensic analytical chemistry. Students will
examine the impact of the technology on the both the science of criminal investigation and
the criminal investigators.
2. Students will be engaged in forensic decision-making and real-world chemical
measurement.
3. Students will be engaged in the use of the scientific method through the development and
testing of hypotheses and theories by means of laboratory and writing assignments.
4. Students will learn about the inter-relationship of mathematics, logic, and science in
formulating scientific models.
5. Students will critically evaluate and be able to critique the strengths and weaknesses of
scientific data used in developing court cases.
6. Students will gain an understanding of analytical and biochemical principles pertaining to
crimes involving trace evidence.
4. Student assessment criteria:
Class preparation and class presentations, laboratory reports, writing assignments, and
examinations
Instructional Approach:
Note: Additional items for the student syllabus would be the instructor's name, office phone, email address, office number, etc.; more specific assessment criteria; resource materials/required
text(s); attendance policy; class preparation and participation; academic responsibility/integrity
statement; accommodation statement for students with disabilities; day to day schedule of
assignments, tests, major projects, final exam, etc.