Forensic science laboratory & equipment.

The module aims to enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics and chemistry, with the main emphasis on organic and analytical chemistry, to provide a firm basis for the study of topics that involve the application of chemical and mathematical principles at Level 5.

The study of mathematics will include trigonometry, algebra and exponential and log functions.

The study of chemistry will include structure and bonding in ionic and covalent compounds, the laws of thermodynamics as applied to chemical systems, the structure, nomenclature and reactivity of the major classes of organic compounds, the concepts of accuracy and precision, sensitivity and selectivity of analytical data.

sample pre-treatment and processing of results, and the basic principles of volumetric and gravimetric analysis.
There will be laboratory classes to give practical examples of the chemical techniques outlined above and to demonstrate the underlying theory.

Entry onto Level 4 of award.

1. Show a knowledge and understanding of fundamental aspects of chemistry.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, LEARNING)

2. Obtain and analyse scientific results in the laboratory in a competent and safe manner.
(ENQUIRY, FORENSIC SUBJECT SPECIFIC 2)

3. Analyse and communicate scientific findings in a written intelligible form.
(ANALYSIS, COMMUNICATION, PROBLEM SOLVING)

4. Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical concepts and their application to solving problems.
(PROBLEM SOLVING)

5. Reflect on personal development of knowledge and skills.
(COMMUNICATION, REFLECTION)

Students will be required to sit two chemistry exams (each weighted at 25% of the module)(LOs 1,3 and 4).

To supplement teaching in the laboratory students will be required to complete a laboratory report (2000 words) covering aspects of synthetic and/or analytical chemistry (LOs 1-4)

An online laboratory portfolio will be completed to showcase competency in laboratory skills and reflect upon development of knowledge, this element is weighted at 25% of the module. (LOs 2 and 5)

Housecroft, C.E. and Constable, E.C. (2010) Chemistry. 4th ed. Harlow: Prentice-Hall

A list of further recommended reading is provided in the module handbook

64 hours of lectures to deliver and explain the core material.  34 hours of tutor led tutorial-workshops to help support the core material including mathematics tutorials. 48 hours of practical classes, comprising 12 x 4 hour laboratory practical sessions to develop laboratory skills, techniques of safe handling of chemical substances and specific skills in chemical synthesis and analysis.  149 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material and to work on assignments.

From drugs to decomposition, firearms to fire debris, chemistry is at the heart of forensic science. This module will provide the foundations of core chemical knowledge to support your learning throughout the rest of your degree.