FORENSIC CHEMISTRY - 2019/0

Module code: CHE2033

Module Overview

The purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of forensic chemistry. In this second year module, we focus on the chemistry relating to specific evidence types, namely gunshot residue, explosives, drugs and toxicology, paint and glass. Casework examples are used to give students a broad understanding of how data is interpreted. This module interacts with material that students are taught through analytical chemistry modules and demonstrates the application of relevant techniques to forensic casework.

Module provider

Chemistry

Module Leader

SEARS Patrick (Chemistry)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 3

Independent Learning Hours: 102

Lecture Hours: 29

Laboratory Hours: 6

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

The historical development of analytical techniques for forensic chemistry (e.g. as detection and quantification)

Trace chemical analysis : The forensic analysis of glasses, paints and soils

Fire

The chemistry of fire, fire prevention and fire fighting, arson

Flash points, propagation, products

Recovery and examination of evidence

Explosions

Nature and types of explosives and explosions

Explosives terminology – energetic compounds

Forensic examination in explosions

Recovery and identification of explosion residues

Firearm and Firearm evidence

Forensic examination of firearms, bullets and cartridges

Introduction to drugs and Pharmacology

Legal and illicit drugs

Pharmacokinetics

instrumental methods in toxicology

Assessment pattern

Assessment type	Unit of assessment	Weighting
Coursework	COURSEWORK GROUP EXERCISE	30
Examination	EXAM - 1.5 HOURS	60
Practical based assessment	COURSEWORK PRACTICAL EXERCISE	10

Alternative Assessment

No alternative to Examination Failure of Coursework Group exercise will require completion of a detailed written case study.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

The assessment strategy is designed to assess whether students meet the learning outcomes of the module.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Examination – 1.5 hours

Laboratory write up

Coursework write up – approximately 2,000 words

Formative assessment

Test questions during exam tutorial

Feedback

Laboratory scripts marked and returned during the semester; discussion sessions; practise exam questions

Module aims

To consider the historic development of forensic chemistry and its linkage to advances in analytical technique
To introduce the chemistry underlying the use of physical evidence
To give an understanding of the physical methods used in characterising such evidence
To introduce students to the underlying science, safety and forensic aspects of fire, explosions and firearms
To consider the information available from forensic computing and photography
To introduce the chemistry of drugs and poisons, and their detection
To outline the forensic toxicology of the above areas
To develop team working in approaching a forensic investigation

Learning outcomes

		Attributes Developed
1	Apply chemical, physical and imaging techniques in the examination of physical forensic evidence	CP
2	Understand the science involved in fires, explosions and the discharge of firearms and apply it in a subsequent forensic investigation	KC
3	Appreciate safety aspects of dealing with energetic compounds and firearms, particularly in the context of forensic investigation	K
4	Give an account of drugs and forensic toxicology	K
5	Discuss the chemistry and methods of detection of selected drugs and poisons, and appreciate the role played by forensic toxicology in the investigation of their illegal abuse	KC
6	Approach the solution of multi-faceted forensic problems as an individual or as a member of a team.	CPT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Provide students with hands on experience of current forensic chemistry methods by practical sessions and workshops

Provide students with an understanding of physical evidence and its chemical analysis through lectures, casework examples, videos and discussions.

The learning and teaching methods include:

Workshops (3 x 1 hour sessions)

Laboratory sessions (2 x 1 day sessions)

Lectures (29 total)

Exam tutorial

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE2033

Programmes this module appears in

Programme	Semester	Classification	Qualifying conditions
Chemistry with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons)	2	Compulsory	A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Chemistry BSc (Hons)	2	Optional	A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Chemistry MChem	2	Optional	A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Chemistry with Forensic Investigation MChem	2	Compulsory	A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.