CHEM 505 -
Forensic Analytical Chemistry
Section 001, Course # 14329, 3.0 Credit Hrs - Fall 2024
Time/Location: 12:30 - 1:45 TR / Sims 113B
Professor: Dr.
Cliff Calloway, callowayc@winthrop.edu
Office/Phone:
312-B Sims Science Building/323-4945
Office Hours: MTR: 10:00-12:00 {Other times and modes, too....please don't hesitate to contact me.}
Textbook reommended: Saferstein, R. Criminalistics, 13th
ed., 2022.
An older edition is okay. It would also be a good
idea to have an organic and quantitative analysis (or instrumental analysis)
textbook handy.
Pre-requisites: Grade
of C or better in Chem 313 and 314
Co-requisite: Chem 506
Registration
Calendar (important dates for
registration, S/U, graduation, etc.)
Introduction:
"This was a lofty chamber, lined and littered with countless bottles. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. There was only one student in the room, who was bending over a distant table absorbed in his work. At the sound of our steps he glanced round and sprang to his feet with a cry of pleasure. 'I've found it! I've found it,' he shouted to my companion, running towards us with a test-tube in his hand. 'I have found a re-agent which is precipitated by hemoglobin, and by nothing else.' Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features. 'Dr. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,' said Stamford, introducing us."
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet, 1887
Copyright:
National Library of Medicine
Course Goals:
Forensic Science plays a critical role in our society and public intrigue has certainly increased with the popularity of several recent television shows. You will see that Forensic Science is a broad, interdisciplinary subject. In its broadest context, forensic science can be thought of as the application of scientific principles to all matters of the law. This can include criminal or civil procedures. In this course, we will be concerned with criminal justice aspects. However, even in this context, consider the scope..biochemical applications to bloodstain analysis or the examination of other body fluids. Knowledge of biology would be required for the examination of human tissues, physiological fluids, pollen, and leaves. Physics is often used in crime scene reconstruction..velocity analysis and metrology to determine the amount and/or direction of force. Materials science is needed during the examination of concrete, paint, glass, dyes, and ceramics. Anthropology relates to the examination of bone, teeth, bite marks, and hair. Mathematics, statistics and probability are important when considering the frequency of occurrence of artifacts and distribution patterns. Geology and microscopy are other important disciplines used in the forensic sciences.
"Forensic Chemistry" would then be the
application of chemistry and chemical principles to matters of the law.
Winthrop University's faculty adopted a set of four University Level Competencies (ULCs) that describe the qualities our students develop during their Winthrop career. It is easy to see that this course involves solving problems and developing written communication skills. However, you will also learn the responsibilities of chemists to the greater good of our planet and society, as well as the global nature of the chemistry enterprise. Within the discussions of chemical analysis instrument design and applications to forensics, I think you will find this course fits well with all four competencies.
Competency 1:Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems.
Winthrop University graduates reason logically, evaluate and use evidence, and solve problems. They seek out and assess relevant information from multiple viewpoints to form well-reasoned conclusions. Winthrop graduates consider the full context and consequences of their decisions and continually reexamine their own critical thinking process, including the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.
Competency 2:Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible.
Winthrop University graduates value integrity, perceive moral dimensions, and achieve excellence. They take seriously the perspectives of others, practice ethical reasoning, and reflect on experiences. Winthrop graduates have a sense of responsibility to the broader community and contribute to the greater good.
Competency 3:Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live.
Winthrop University graduates comprehend the historical, social, and global contexts of their disciplines and their lives. They also recognize how their chosen area of study is inextricably linked to other fields. Winthrop graduates collaborate with members of diverse academic, professional, and cultural communities as informed and engaged citizens.
Competency 4:Winthrop graduates communicate effectively.
Winthrop University graduates communicate in a manner appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. They create texts - including but not limited to written, oral, and visual presentations - that convey content effectively. Mindful of their voice and the impact of their communication, Winthrop graduates successfully express and exchange ideas.
Student Learning
Outcomes:
By the end of this
course, you should:
Letter grades will
be assigned as follows:
94
- 100%: |
A |
90-93%: |
A- |
86-89%: |
B+ |
82-85%: |
B |
78-81%: |
B- |
74-77%: |
C+ |
70-73%: |
C |
66-69%: |
C- |
62-65%: |
D+ |
58-61%: |
D |
55-57%: |
D- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attendance:
You are expected to attend each class meeting
for the full scheduled time. This is a
difficult upper-level course and attendance will help you
concentrate on the appropriate material and reinforce the assigned readings and
problems. You are required to bring
pencil, paper and a scientific calculator to each class. Cell phone calculators are not acceptable.
Accessibility:
Winthrop
University is dedicated to providing access to education. If a student
requires specific accommodations to complete this course, contact
the Office of Accessibility Services (OA) at 803-323-3290, or,
accessibility@winthrop.edu, as early as possible
to discuss your concerns.
Course Calendar:
Tentative
Schedule*: |
|
|
|
Date |
|
Lecture Sections |
|
T,
20-August
|
|
Introduction
|
Overview |
R,
22-August
|
|
Chapter 1_1 |
Introduction |
T, 27-August
|
|
Chapter
1_2 |
|
R, 29-August |
|
Chapter 2_1 |
The Crime Scene |
T, 3-September
|
|
Chapter 2_2 |
|
R, 5-September
|
|
Chapter
3_1 |
Physical Evidence |
T, 10-September
|
|
Chapter
3_2 |
|
R,
12-September
|
|
Chapter 4_1, Review |
|
T, 17-September
|
|
Chapter 4_2 |
|
R, 19-September
|
|
Exam 1 (Ch. 1-3) |
|
T,
24-September
|
|
Chapter 4_3 |
|
R,
26-September
|
|
Chapter 5_1 |
|
T, 1-October
|
|
Chapter 5_2 |
|
R, 3-October
|
|
Chapter 5_3 |
Mass Spectrometry |
T, 8-October
|
|
Chapter 5_4 |
|
R,
10-October
|
|
Chapter 5_5, Review |
|
T,
15-October
|
|
|
|
R, 17-October
|
|
Exam 2 (Ch. 4-5) |
|
T,
22-October
|
|
Chapter 6_2 |
|
R,
24-October
|
|
Chapter 6_3 |
|
T, 29-October
|
|
Chapter 7_1 |
|
R,
31-October
|
|
Chapter 7_2 |
|
T, 5-November
|
|
No classes |
Election Day |
R, 7-November
|
|
Chapter 7_3 |
|
T,
12-November
|
|
Chapter 8_1 |
|
R,
14-November
|
|
|
|
T, 19-November
|
|
|
|
R, 21-November
|
|
Exam 3 (Ch. 6-8)
|
|
T,
26-November
|
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Final Review & Course Evaluation |
|
R, 28-November
|
|
Thanksgiving
|
|
T, 3-December
|
|
Study Day |
|
R, 5-December
|
|
Final Exam; 11:30
|
|
*Schedule
is subject to change, if weather or events make it necessary.
Menu of Topics:
Exam
1
Exam 2
Exam 3
COVID-19 Statement:
Although COVID-19 has reached an endemic phase it is still important to remain vigilant as we face a recent rise in positive cases. As socially responsible members of this community, everyone is expected to engage in daily health self-monitoring, to stay home (residence hall or off campus housing) from on-campus class, work, or activities if they begin experiencing any COVID related symptoms. When experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, students are expected to contact Health Services by completing the QI form in the Patient Portal and respond to the nurse who will contact them with instructions. COVID positive residential students are required to follow their QI plan for 5 days of isolation off campus so be prepared with a back-up plan as well. By acknowledgement, you agree to Winthrop’s expectations of you regarding health monitoring and reporting.
COVID-Related Absence
Students should contact Health Services regarding a positive test, close contact, or enhanced COVID-like symptoms. Any student who has either tested positive, has COVID-like symptoms, or has close contact with someone who has COVID, must contact Health Services. Students should log in to the Patient Portal to complete a C19 form and upload the positive test, if relevant. Health Services will communicate with the student on what steps to take next, and if need be, the Dean of Students Office will receive absence verification for required isolation and quarantine. Students who verify their absences through the Dean of Students Office often minimize any academic impact caused by missed class time. Students retain a responsibility to communicate with instructors regarding missed work, and complete assignments in a timely manner as they are able. Regular communication with faculty is expected so that student progress in the course is not negatively impacted. Health Services will only provide dates of absence, not medical information. Please note, residential students who test positive must follow their personal COVID Quarantine and Isolation Plan.
In person classes generally will not have a remote option; students should not expect to have remote access to the class lecture or discussion, even in the case of absence.
My advice to help you succeed
in this course:
Read your textbook(s) and notes.
Know how to do mean, standard deviation and
linear regression (slope/intercept) with your calculator.
Work the homework problems by yourself,
without any aid (at least once).
Review & tweak your notes right after class.
Wear sunscreen.
Floss at least once a day.
Talk to your professor, especially if
you're confused.
Even if you have a study group, spend some
quite time alone with the material each day.
Get a good night's rest.
Sing occasionally.
Finally, read your textbook(s) and your notes!