Division of Science
COURSE SYLLABUS
INDEX NUMBER: CHEM 501QA
COURSE TITLE: Forensic Chemistry I
PROFESSOR: Dr. Salim M. Diab
INITIATING PROFESSOR: Karen D'arcy, Ph. D.
CREDIT HOURS: 1.0 (Weekend Workshop)
TRIMESTER: Winter 2007
Phone: 815-740-3855
E-Mail: sdiab@stfrancis.edu
HomePage:
http://www.stfrancis.edu/ns/diab/etherman.htm
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Each Chemistry Workshop examines a selected topic in the chemical sciences.
Explores the scientific method, chemical, societal, and policy dimensions of a
selected area of chemical practice or chemical discovery. Topics may vary. May
be repeated for credit.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A survey course of techniques of forensic chemistry particularly as they relate
to crime investigation and ongoing analysis of evidence obtained after a crime
is committed. The course is divided to two sections. One deals with the basic
concepts in chemistry needed to solve problems in Forensic science. The other
deals with specialized techniques and applications of forensic chemistry using
case studies
RATIONALE
This course is designed to provide a basic foundation in the field of forensic
chemistry for those students who are interested in the science of crime.
Without having to major in chemistry, the student is allowed to experience the
various analytical and instrumental methods used in investigating crimes.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This course is intended for students who wish to know more about the
fundamentals of forensic chemistry. This course may be of special interest to
practicing teachers who wish to develop a new current topic in their courses.
This course does not qualify as a general education course, but can serve as an
elective course.
EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course students are expected to be able to describe in
some details what Forensic Science entails. Students are expected to be able to
identify, discuss, and critique the main disciplines within the field of
Forensic Science. In addition, students are expected to understand the
historical development of the Forensic Science field including how the more
recent development in chemical analysis and instrumentation impacted on our
ability to solve crime. Students are also expected to use the electronic
literature to search for information, conduct research and to critique the
authenticity of the electronic sources.
INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Lecture (formal and electronic) videotapes (case studies), demonstrations, and
discussion.
TEXT
Forensic Science, Andrew
Jackson and Julie Jackson, 2004, Prentice Hall.
Website Companion: http://www.booksites.net/jackson (contains powerpoint lecturenotes and quizzes)
SUPPLEMETARY COURSE MATERIAL
Lecture Notes for this course: http://www.stfrancis.edu/ns/diab/Forensic1/Lecturenotes1.html
Lecture Note for a full semester course:http://www.stfrancis.edu/ns/diab/ForensicCoursePPT/lecturenotes.html
TOPICS
TO BE COVERED
NOTE: Graduate Students: Select a topic for your research paper
Course Exam - TBA
STUDENT EVALUATION
Undergraduate students must complete
the homework assignments (quizzes) and take the course exam.
Grading:
Web Quizzes and Case Studies - 70%
Course Exam - 30%
Total - 100%
Graduate students
must complete the homework assignments (quizzes), take the course exam, and
write a 10-15 page research paper.
Grading:
Web Quizzes and Case Studies - 50%
Course Exam - 30%
Research paper - 20%
Total - 100%
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Baden, M. M.; Hennessee, J. A. Unnatural Death: Confessions of a Medical
Examiner, Ballantine Books,
Brewer, W. E.; Galipo, R. C.; Morgan, S. L.; Habben, K. H. "Confirmation
of volatiles by solid-phase microextraction and GC/MS," J. Anal. Toxicol.
1997, 21(4), 286-290.
Dwyer, J.; Kocieniewski, D.; Murphy, D;
Evans, C. The Casebook of Forensic Detection, John Wiley & Sons,
Fisher, D. Hard Evidence, Bantam DoubleDay Dell Publ. Group, NY, 1995.
Gerber, S. M., Ed., Chemistry and Crime; From Sherlock Holmes to Today's
Courtroom, American Chemical Society,
Ho, M. H. Analytical Methods in Forensic Chemistry, Ellis Horwood, Ltd.,
Hunt, S. M. Investigation of Serological Evidence: A Manual for Field
Investigators, Charles C. Thomas Publ. Ltd.,
James, R. E. Laboratory Manual for Criminalistics, Prentice Hall, NY, 1980.
Lowry, W. T. Forensic Toxicology: Controlled Substances and Dangerous Drugs,
Plenum Publ. Co., NY, 1979.
Maples, W. R.; Browning, M. Dead Men Do Tell Tales, Bantam
Saferstein, R. Criminalistics; An Introduction to Forensic Science, 5th Ed.,
Prentice-Hall, Inc., NY, 1994.
Saferstein, R. Forensic Science Handbook, Vol. I-III, Regents/Prentice Hall,
NJ, 1993.
Tebbett, I., Ed., Gas Chromatography in Forensic Science, Ellis Horwood, Ltd.,
Terry, I. M.; Robertson, J. C. Instrumental Data for Drug Analysis, CRC Press,
Wecht, C.; Curriden, M.; Wecht, B. Grave Secrets, Penguin books USA, Inc.,
Widmark, E. M. P. Principles and Applications of Medico-Legal Alcohol
Determination, translated from original 1932 ed., Biomedical Publications,
Yinon, J., Ed., Forensic Applications of Mass Spectrometry (Modern Mass
Spectrometry), CRC Press,
DISABILITY STATEMENT
Students who have disability or special needs and require accommodation in
order to have equal access to the classroom must register with the designated
staff member in the Division of Student Development. Please go to Room B1201 or
call (708) 534-4090 and ask for the Coordinator of Disability Services.
Students will be required to provide documentation of any disability when an
accommodation is requested.
Web Links: http://www.stfrancis.edu/ns/diab/Forensic/sources.htm
Email: sdiab@stfrancis.edu