"Chemical Analysis: Modern Instrumentation Methods and Techniques", Francis Rouessac and Annick Rouessac, Wiley (2000)

Many other analytical chemistry texts are suitable and will be cited as and when required to support a learning activity

Entry to postgraduate programme in Forensic Science

Suitable computer capable of accessing to the WWW, and the University Server and of running Blackboard. Library facilities as necessary

Two ~ 1500 word essays will form the summative assessment.. One will be set after completion of activity 4, and will be set around the application of the techniques dealt with to a forensic analysis situation, such as detection of performance-enhancing drugs, analysis of explosion residues. The second will be set at the end of week 8 and will be aimed at the application of the remaining techniques to forensic analysis. Possibilities are their application to the analysis of paints, inks, glass or fibres.
Regular, probably at weekly intervals, exercises will be set through the on-line quiz facility on Blackboard. These will provide regular feedback, and will be aimed to identify lack of understanding at an early stage and recommend remedial action.
PASS CRITERIA
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of subject matter; evidence of reading beyond VLE study guide with good use of relevant examples. Tasks completed competently
MERIT CRITERIA
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments expressed cogently and lucidly. Tasks completed soundly, with evidence of critical analysis of literature beyond VLE study guide.

The module makes use of Blackboard as the VLE. Activities will be posted on the module on a weekly basis. Each activity will contain notes, either as word files or power point presentations. A specific core text is used for further reading around the principles of a particular analytical technique, and learners will be directed to further reading through citations or directly through a network link. You will need to spend at least 15h per week study time, with some dedicated times for answering on-line formative assessments and for taking part in chat rooms.

Content taught through VLE, the module will have nine activities. Activities 1-3 will deal with separative methods and will include solvent extraction, chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.. Mass spectrometry will be considered in activity 4. Activity 5 will cover molecular spectroscopy and activity 6 atomic spectroscopy. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy are both covered in activity 7, and activity 9 will cover X-ray and electrochemical methods. The final activity 9 will provide an opportunity to reflect on your learning, provide feedback and complete any outstanding assignments. All analytical techniques will consider their suitability to and applications in forensic science. Theoretical aspects are dealt with alongside practical to allow evaluation and appraisal of a specific technique. More detail of the material dealt with in each technique is contained in the module handbook.

Learn about a range of chemical analytical techniques, their scientific basis and be able to evaluate and compare the appropriateness of each method for the analysis of forensic-related evidence.