This module will build on and expand knowledge of analytical chemistry gained at Level 4. You will learn the principles that underpin a range of instrumental analytical techniques and their role in confirming the identify of suspect samples, determining their elemental composition and or quantifying components of mixtures. To achieve this, a thorough understanding will be gained of the theory and application of chromatographic techniques with different detection methods. The role of molecular and atomic spectroscopic techniques in qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well the benefits of other specialist techniques. It will place both qualitative and quantitative analysis in a forensic context and address the ability to elucidate structural and undertake quantitative analysis in relation to case scenarios.
Practical sessions will provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding to the practical analysis of samples. Data generated by the practical exercises will allow students interpret results from their analysis with a fuller appreciation of the impacts of factors such as sample preparation.
Online materials and tutorial exercises will support the theoretical principles of the techniques, illustrating the collection and processing of data.

Written Exam 1 - This will require students to show understanding of the theory of a range of chemical analysis techniques. This exam will also focus on the qualitative uses of the instrumental methods introduced in semester 1. It will utilise a combination of short and longer answer questions (learning outcome 1)

Written Exam 2 - This will require students to show understanding of the theory of a range of chemical analysis techniques. As well as the qualitative use of the techniques introduced in semester 2, the exam will require students to appropriately interpret data of a quantitative nature. It will utilise a combination of short and longer answer questions (learning outcomes 1-2)

Laboratory Notebook - Students will make a contemporaneous record of laboratory work, including any adjustments to procedures, observations, raw data, and initial interpretations. (learning outcome 3)

Laboratory Reports - Students will produce scientific reports presenting the results of chemical analysis in an effective manner. They will discuss their findings providing evidence of appropriate interpretation and evaluation of the results generated. Context to the analysis will be provided by relevant forensic scenarios. (learning outcomes 2-4)

Interactive lectures will introduce the theory underpinning a range of analytical techniques. These will also explain the role of the instrumental methods in analysing different types of suspect samples.
Practical sessions will provide hands-on experience of the use of analytical instrumentation. Students will work in groups of about 4.
Tutorial sessions will provide experience of interpreting experimental data therefore supporting the theory and the production of the laboratory report.
The remaining independent study will involve directed reading, revision preparation of coursework and production of formative activities.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE THEORY AND LIMITATIONS OF A RANGE OF CURRENT ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES.

1) Knowledge & Understanding

2) Learning

7) Application

2. EFFECTIVELY INTREPRATE INSTRUMENTAL DATA FROM A RANGE OF CURRENT ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES.

1) Knowledge & Understanding

4) Analysis

7) Application

3. OPERATE A RANGE OF CURRENT ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENT, ADJUSTING METHODS DYNAMICALLY TACKING INTO ACCOUNT RESULTS GENERATED. ACCURAATELY RECORD OBSERVATIONS, EXPERIMENTAL DATA, INTERPRET, EVALUATE AND REPORT EXPERIMENTAL DATA.

3) Enquiry
5) Problem Solving

6) Communication

4. COMMUNICATE KNOWLEDGE IN THE FORM OF WRITTEN REPORTS; APPROPRIATELY INTERPRET ANALYSIS RESULTS, SHOWING UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR SIGNIFICANCE AND THE UNDERPINNING THEORY.

6) Communication
7) Application

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Rouessac, F. and Rouessac, A. (2007) Chemical Analysis: Modern Instrumentation Methods and Techniques, Wiley.

Bell, S. (2013) Forensic Chemistry. 2nd edition. Pearson.

Moffat, A. et al (2020) Clarkes analysis of drugs and poisons. Online edition. Pharmaceutical Press.

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Chemical analysis is crucial to modern forensic investigations, as such this module will introduce students to a range of current and state-of-the-art in analytical techniques. A thorough understanding will be gained of the theory and application of chromatographic techniques with different detection methods. Similarly, the theory and role of molecular and atomic spectroscopic techniques in qualitative and quantitative analysis will be addressed, along with other specialist techniques.
Students will gain hands-on experience of the preparation of samples for analysis and then generate practical data from their use of the analytical equipment. As such students will develop a range of laboratory skills allowing them to interpret the analysis of a variety of forensic evidence.