Applied Forensic Science - Forensic Chemistry

Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics II.

Laboratory experience to accompany General Physics I.

This course is a continuation of General Physics I; calculus skills are required. Topics include: waves, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and thermodynamics. Problem solving and the relationships between physics and the fields of biology, biochemistry, and chemistry continue to be emphasized.

This is a calculus-based course that is designed for natural science and mathematics majors, (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth-space science education, mathematics). The role of physics in other scientific fields will be emphasized as classical mechanics is covered. This portion of the General Physics series will deal strictly with mechanics; topics include: motion in one-, two- and three-dimensions, the laws of motion, work, potential energy, kinetic energy, conservation of energy, linear and rotational motion, and the prediction of motion based on initial conditions.

Any student who has completed Calculus I should take Calculus II to obtain a complete study of the calculus of one variable. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are the integral, anti-derivatives, the Fundamental Theorem, integration techniques, interesting applications of integration, an introduction to differential equations, series, sequences.

This is the initial course in a sequence of courses on the fundamental ideas of the calculus of one variable intended for science and mathematics majors. It is here that truly significant applications of mathematics begin. Topics follow the early transcendentals path, included are functions, continuity, limits, derivatives, maxima and minima and antiderivatives and an introduction to integration. Prerequisite: MATH 118 or MATH Placement score of at least 76. 4 credits.

Course will focus on the proper collection and documentation of physical evidence according to the current laws and court proceedings. Discussion will also include new court rulings regarding evidence and expert witness activities.

This course is an introduction to morphometrics and will cover the statistical techniques most commonly employed in Forensic Science and Anthropology. Topics will include correlation, regression techniques, EDA, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Factor and Principal Components Analysis and Discriminant Function Analysis.

An introduction to the field and laboratory methods involving identification, examination, comparison and analysis of forensic evidence including fingerprints, ballistics, blood spatter, hair and fiber, questioned documents, footwear and tire prints and impressions, as well as the various methods of crime scene documentation.

This course will cover the evidentiary aspect of crime scene investigations including the location, documentation, recovery, and laboratory analysis and interpretation of evidence including: blood, semen, DNA, hair, fibers, ballistics, fingerprints, impressions, questioned documents and fire origins. Microscopy, chemical and biological analytical techniques will be stressed.

The laboratory component to the introductory course will allow the student hands-on activities in regard to identification, collection, processing and analysis of evidence as presented in the classroom lectures, as well as the courtroom presentation.

Course will cover the basics of the multidisciplinary fields of forensic science from crime scene investigation through the laboratory analysis of evidence. The role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness, ethics in the criminal justice system and professional practice of forensic science will also be discussed.

Introduction to the physiological and molecular techniques and methodologies for studying cells, organelles and macromolecules in relation to cellular activities and maintenance of life.

Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.

Experimental work corequisite to CHEM 333.

This course provides an in-depth experience in analytical chemistry by providing students with complete working knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation. Topics include: atomic and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography, light scattering, electrochemical analysis, surface analysis, and thermal analysis. Topics are placed into modern context by exploring ongoing research in current scientific journals. A strong background in chemistry and physics is required.

Experimental work corequisite to CHEM 331 with a focus on basic biochemical techniques including molecular cloning, bioinformatics, and protein overexpression and purification.

Principles of the structure and function of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, membranes, proteins and enzymes, along with an overview of intermediary metabolism and introduction to carbohydrate metabolism through the study of glycolysis.

Experimental lab work that provides hands-on knowledge of topics and techniques covered in CHEM 230, including the statistical analysis and formal reporting of gathered data.

This course provides a foundation in analytical chemistry through the systematic study of steps in the analytical process. Topics include: statistical analysis, equilibria, electrochemistry, chemical separations and spectroscopy.

Lecture and laboratory course will cover basics of processing the fatal fire scene from identifying the source and paths of fire, documentation of accelerants, collecting evidence such as explosive residues and photographic documentation. Seniors only.

This course is intended to examine the forensic application of death investigations, utilizing techniques and methodologies introduced in prior Forensic Science courses. The focus of the course will be on examining important similarities and distinctions among homicide investigations and various other manners of death: suicide, natural, accidental and equivocal deaths. The course will concentrate on the scene examination, documentation of the death scene, exploring the various analyses of time since death, and when appropriate, post-mortem interval and investigative protocols and procedures.

This course will address chemical concepts and practices from a forensic science perspective. Aspects of analytical chemistry will cover chemical details of presumptive testing, instrumentation, and proper statistical treatment of collected data. Students will learn the fundamental principles behind the analysis of chemical and physical evidence for drugs, combustion, polymers, paints and coatings while applying these principles to toxicological information.

The course will provide an overview of forensic investigative techniques used to process various types of indoor crime scenes. Evidence identification, collection, preservation and submission protocols, proper use of standards, chain of custody issues, and crime scene reconstruction techniques will be discussed in the course. In addition, the role of the crime scene technician as an expert witness will be explored.

The course is an introduction to basic techniques of crime scene photography. Includes discussion of cameras, digital images, lighting, photographic protocol, images as physical evidence and courtroom presentation.

This course will focus on thermodynamic and kinetic methods utilized to predict and describe change. The laws of thermodynamics as they pertain to physical change and chemical reactions will be studied in depth and with mathematical rigor. In the kinetics portion of the course, chemical reaction rates and molecular reaction dynamics will be studied.

Experimental work corequisite to CHEM 338 with a focus on protein characterization via kinetic, immunological and spectroscopic methods.

A comprehensive survey of the pathways and regulation of intermediary metabolism. Topics include anabolic and catabolic aspects of carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleotide metabolism, photosynthesis and respiration, and the integration and regulation of mammalian metabolism.