This module will introduce students to a range of analytical techniques, which are used in forensic case work. This will be supported with tutorials/lectures, allowing you to undertake exercises with members of the delivery team. These will address the principles that underpin the analytical techniques and their role in confirming the identify of suspect samples, determining their elemental composition and or quantifying components of mixtures. Theoretical and practical aspects will both be considered to allow evaluation and appraisal of techniques. This will consider their suitability to applications in forensic science. For instance, it will introduce the theory relating to separative methods, and their role in qualitative and quantitative analysis. The theory relating to molecular spectroscopy will similarly allow the identification and quantification in a forensic context to be addressed. With the theory and application of techniques such as atomic spectroscopy, thermochemical and electrochemical methods also being included.

The module will provide hands on experience of a range of analytical equipment encountered in forensic science. This will provide experiments that allow comparison of techniques and methods. The types of experiment, which might be included are analysis of drugs to evaluate the potential of different chromatographic techniques, especially GC and HPLC; analysis of environmental samples to allow comparison of a range of spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. These practical sessions will provide the opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding to the practical analysis of forensic chemistry samples. Data generated by the practical exercises will allow students to interpret results from their analysis with a fuller appreciation of the impacts of factors such as sample preparation.

Coursework (Essay) - Learning outcomes 1 and 2

You should produce a 1500-word essay; the subject of which will be provided to you but will cover an application of techniques to a forensic analysis situation, such as detection of performance-enhancing drugs, analysis of explosion residues, identification of a suspect powder or comparing techniques for analysis of particular evidence type/item.

Set Exercise (Data Interpretation) - Learning outcome 3

You will undertake the interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data; this will involve two sets of instrumental data. In relation to qualitative data you will be asked to interpret the structure of an unknown compound based on spectroscopic data. In relation to quantitative data, you will be required to determine the original concentration of an unknown sample.

Report (Chemistry Laboratory) - Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4

Your final assessment in this module will be a 3000-word extended laboratory report. You will acquire data and observations from practical sessions conducted to produce a scientific report based on the results generated.

As well as lectures you will be directed to further online resources that will contain notes, either as presentations, documents and simulated experimental data that you can access at any time. You may also be directed to further reading through citations or directly through hyperlinks to support your independent study on this module.

The module will involve a schedule of practical sessions involving the use of forensic chemistry (analytical) techniques. This includes an induction to the analytical suite and introduction to the different instruments and techniques to be used, with the remaining sessions involving different forensic chemical analyses. Many of the exercises will involve you working in small groups.

There will be scheduled question and answer sessions related to the summative assessments 1 and 2. Students having the opportunity to ask questions relative to summative 3 during the practical sessions. During the course of the module there will be regular formative assessments with some aligned to the summative assessments listed above, these will be used to provide feedback and feedforward.

Module Learning Outcome

1. Combine fundamental scientific principles to appraise a range of forensic chemical / analytical techniques with confidence.

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome

2. Evaluate the appropriateness of different techniques for the analysis of forensic-related evidence of a chemical nature.

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Application

Module Learning Outcome

3. Effectively undertake quantitative and qualitative interpretation of data obtained through use of a range of analytical equipment

University Learning Outcome

Learning
Application
Reflection

Module Learning Outcome

4. Produce accurate and reliable practical reports that critically interpret results in the context of a study.

University Learning Outcome

Analysis
Communication
Application

Access to the internet and Blackboard as the VLE, by means of laptop or desktop computers.

Suitably equipped analytical laboratory and chemicals, including those covered by the Home office drugs licence.

Bell, S. (2022) Forensic Chemistry. 3rd edition. Harlow: Pearson.

Moffat, A. et al (2020) Clarke’s analysis of drugs and poisons. Online edition. London: Pharmaceutical Press.

Rouessac, F. and Rouessac, A. (2007) Chemical Analysis: Modern Instrumentation Methods and Techniques, 2nd edition. Chichester: Wiley.

Skoog, D. et al (2021) Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 10th edition. Boston: Brooks/Cole

Learn about a range of forensic chemistry (analytical) techniques, their scientific basis and be able to evaluate and compare the appropriateness of each method for the analysis of forensic-related evidence. You will also gain hands on experience of using analytical equipment. This will allow you to develop skills in the use and operation of a wide range of forensic chemistry (analytical) techniques, to obtain reliable and accurate results and undertake meaningful interpretation.