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Forensic and Analytical Science

Unit Code: HES6512

Duration	Contact Hours	Campus	Prerequisite	Corequisite
1 Semester	60 hours	Hawthorn	Nil	Nil

Credit Points: 12.5 Credit Points

Related Course/s:

An elective unit of study in the Graduate Diploma of Science (Biotechnology) and Master of Science (Biotechnology) and a Group C unit in the Master of Science (Biotechnology) *Global Leadership Program

Aims & Objectives:

To become proficient in the theory and application of separations and spectroscopic methods. After successfully completing this unit, you should be able to:
* Describe chemical and biochemical techniques used by forensic scientists to assist the judicial system to help solve crimes, or to help prove that a law has been broken. To visit a laboratory where forensic analysis is carried out.

* Understand the theoretical basis and areas of application for the most commonly used areas of high-sensitivity, highly selective instrumental separation science (chromatography) and the most widely used but diverse methods of detection of chemicals (spectroscopy).

* Be familiar with the molecular structures, sizes, compositions, polarities and charges of organic chemicals used in forensic applications so that an understanding of the appropriate analytical technique to be used for their accurate measurement can be identified.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, Web-based unit presence.

Assessment:

Indicative weightings: Tests (35-40%), assignments (5-10%), examination (50-55%).

Generic Skills Outcomes:

This unit will provide discipline-based knowledge and professional capabilities and experiences contributing to students’ progress in attaining generic skills such as: • teamwork skills • analysis skills

• communication skills • problem solving skills • ability to work independently

This unit will provide discipline-based knowledge and professional capabilities and experiences contributing to students’ progress in attaining generic skills such as:
• teamwork skills

• analysis skills
• communication skills

• problem solving skills

• ability to work independently

Content:

Forensic Science:
* Introduction to forensic science; Chronological landmarks in the history of forensic science.

* Legal aspects of forensic science and the admissibility of forensic evidence in the legal system.

* Drugs in racing, sport and the workplace.

* Forensic application of Infra Red (IR), Mass Spectroscopy (MS), High Performance Liquid. Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC).

* DNA fingerprinting.

Analytical Science:

* Chromatography as a separation process, systematic relationships governing the chromatographic process, typical GC and HPLC instrumentation and processes, and adaptations to commonplace applications.

* Basic spectroscopy principles and instrumentation, atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy.

Reading Materials:

Bowater, IC, Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, (printed notes), Swinbume Press

Textbooks:

Skoog, DA, West, DM, Holler, FJ & Crouch, SR, Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 8th edn, Thomson-Brooks/Cole, 2004.
McMurray, J, Organic Chemistry, 5th edn, Brooks/Cole, London, 2000

Morison, RT & Boyd, RN, Organic Chemistry, 6th edn, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 1992