Module Descriptors
CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE
FORE40234
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
30 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 100
Independent Study Hours: 200
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Texts
AND REFER TO THESE TEXTS, TITLE, AUTHOR, PAGES:
Analytical Chemistry, 5th Edn, GD Christian, John Wiley & Sons, 1994
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 7th Edn,
DA Skoog, DM West and JF Holler, Saunders HBJ, 1996
Chemical Principles 2nd Ed P.Atkins and L. Jones Freeman & Co 2002
Analytical Chemistry, 5th Edn, GD Christian, John Wiley & Sons, 1994
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 7th Edn,
DA Skoog, DM West and JF Holler, Saunders HBJ, 1996
Chemical Principles 2nd Ed P.Atkins and L. Jones Freeman & Co 2002
Module Resources
YOU WILL NEED ACCESS TO THESE RESOURCES:
The University library, internet, standard lecture rooms and laboratories. Module handbook, laboratory practical schedules, tutorial sheets.
Blackboard VLE
The University library, internet, standard lecture rooms and laboratories. Module handbook, laboratory practical schedules, tutorial sheets.
Blackboard VLE
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Entry to level 4
Module Indicative Content
The extent of the student's knowledge and understanding of fundamental aspects of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry will be increased to give a firm basis for their study of forensic techniques in level 2. The subject matter will include
- Structure and bonding of simple inorganic species and the testing of the ionic model.
- The use of the laws of thermodynamics and their limitations in predicting the spontaneity of chemical processes and the role of chemical kinetics.
- Surface chemistry, particularly where relevant to forensic applications.
- The structure nomenclature and reactivity of the major classes of organic compounds.
- Rationalisation of some fundamental organic reactions.
- Volumetric techniques including acid-base, complexometric, precipitation and redox titrations
- Gravimetric analysis
- The concepts of accuracy and precision, sensitivity and selectivity of analytical data
- Sample pre-treatment and processing of results.
There will be laboratory classes to give practical examples of the techniques outlined above and to demonstrate the underlying theory
- Structure and bonding of simple inorganic species and the testing of the ionic model.
- The use of the laws of thermodynamics and their limitations in predicting the spontaneity of chemical processes and the role of chemical kinetics.
- Surface chemistry, particularly where relevant to forensic applications.
- The structure nomenclature and reactivity of the major classes of organic compounds.
- Rationalisation of some fundamental organic reactions.
- Volumetric techniques including acid-base, complexometric, precipitation and redox titrations
- Gravimetric analysis
- The concepts of accuracy and precision, sensitivity and selectivity of analytical data
- Sample pre-treatment and processing of results.
There will be laboratory classes to give practical examples of the techniques outlined above and to demonstrate the underlying theory
Module Learning Strategies
THESE LEARNING STRATEGIES WILL OCCUPY YOUR TIME:
- There will be 36x1h lectures to deliver and explain the core material.
- These will be further supported by 32x1h tutorial sessions.
There will be 32h laboratory practical which will illustrate lecture material and give experience of the safe handling of chemical substances and carrying out synthetic and analytical procedures. These practical sessions also provide a good vehicle to increase manipulative and report writing skills.
- There will be 36x1h lectures to deliver and explain the core material.
- These will be further supported by 32x1h tutorial sessions.
There will be 32h laboratory practical which will illustrate lecture material and give experience of the safe handling of chemical substances and carrying out synthetic and analytical procedures. These practical sessions also provide a good vehicle to increase manipulative and report writing skills.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment.
Two written examinations (one 1h and one 2h) will contribute to a combined weighting of 50%. Both examinations will assess learning outcomes 1 and 3.
Practical portfolio 50% (outcomes 1-4). Students will be advised of the requirements for the portfolio and will have an involvement in deciding which experiments to submit. The practical reports will require searching of literature to answer questions and problems. The portfolio will contain a reflective summary of knowledge and skills development.
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via. Tutorial and practical sessions
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment.
Two written examinations (one 1h and one 2h) will contribute to a combined weighting of 50%. Both examinations will assess learning outcomes 1 and 3.
Practical portfolio 50% (outcomes 1-4). Students will be advised of the requirements for the portfolio and will have an involvement in deciding which experiments to submit. The practical reports will require searching of literature to answer questions and problems. The portfolio will contain a reflective summary of knowledge and skills development.
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via. Tutorial and practical sessions