Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division: MS
Course Number: CHEM 110
Course Title: Chemistry of CSI: Forensic Chemistry
DATE PREPARED: 01/27/2012
DATE REVISED: 02/10/2012
PCS/CIP CODE: 1.1-430106
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: August 2012
CREDIT HOURS: 4
CONTACT HOURS: 5
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 2
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Prerequisite: Completion of Math through Beginning Algebra level or assessment. This course
is an introduction to chemistry using forensic science as the primary theme. Topics include the
scientific method, evidence collection, atomic structure, chemical bonding and reactions,
properties of solutions, drug chemistry, arson investigation, explosives, time of death
estimations, nuclear chemistry, poisons, and DNA analysis. This course is intended for nonscience majors who have never taken a chemistry course and may serve as a prerequisite for
General Chemistry I (CHEM 161). Not for credit if completed CHEM 161 or equivalent.
TEXTBOOKS:
Johll, Matthew E. Investigating Chemistry: A Forensic Science Perspective, 3rd Edition. New York, NY: W.H.
Freeman and Company, 2012.
Collins, David. Investigating Chemistry Lab Manual, 3rd Edition. New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company,
2012.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
CHEM 110 fulfills 4 of the semester hours of credit in Life and Physical Science required for
the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core
Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and
universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for
transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for information
as well at www.itransfer.org
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of chemistry that relates to
the field of forensic science. Further, students will acquire skills and techniques used to collect and
analyze evidence from crime scenes in order to solve a variety of crimes.
After successfully completing the course, students should be able to:
Learning Outcome
GE
Range of Assessment
Apply the scientific method to solving various crimes. CT1
Case Studies
Use significant figures and dimensional analysis with PS1
Worksheets and Exams
numerical calculations.
Identify and characterize the structure of the atom.
Worksheets and Exams
Distinguish between the two classes of compounds –
Worksheets and Exams
Ionic and Covalent.
Apply stoichiometry to various chemical reactions.
Worksheets and Exams
Determine the type of geometry for a molecule.
Worksheets and Exams
Understand the properties and behaviors of solutions
Worksheets and Exams
including acids and bases.
Determine the type of intermolecular forces present in
Worksheets and Exams
a molecule and predict its effect on the properties.
Classify and name various organic molecules
Worksheets and Exams
including functional groups.
Learn techniques to isolate and identify various
Lab Work and Case Studies
substances including drugs, accelerants, and
explosives.
Understand the chemistry of combustion and apply to
Lab Work, Case Studies,
arson investigations.
Worksheets, and Exams
Apply the gas laws to the chemistry of explosives
Lab Work, Case Studies,
including techniques to detect them.
Worksheets, and Exams
Understand the concepts of rates of reactions and
Lab Work, Case Studies,
apply this to estimation of time of death.
Worksheets, and Exams
Describe the process of nuclear decay and the
Worksheets and Exams
applications of nuclear radiation.
Apply chemical equilibrium principles to poisonous
Lab Work, Case Studies,
chemicals.
Worksheets, and Exams
Understand the four main areas of biochemistry
Lab Work, Case Studies,
including the use of DNA testing.
Worksheets, and Exams
COURSE / LAB OUTLINE:
Lecture
1. Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
2. Evidence Collection and Preservation
3. Atomic Clues
4. Chemical Evidence
5. Chemistry of Bonding: Structure and Function of Drug Molecules
6. Properties of Solutions I: Aqueous Solutions
7. Properties of Solutions II: Intermolecular Forces and Colligative Properties
8. Drug Chemistry
9. Chemistry of Fire and Heat
10. Chemistry of Explosions
11. Applications of Chemical Kinetics
12. Nuclear Chemistry: Energy, Medicine, Weapons, and Terrorism
13. Chemical Equilibrium and Poisons
14. Introduction to Biochemistry and DNA Analysis
Lab
1. Mass and Density
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
3. Soil Examination
4. Thin Layer Chromatography
5. Urine and Blood
6. Blood Alcohol Content
7. Arson and Accelerants
8. Explosives
9. Identification of Blood
10. Fingerprints
11. Fibers
12. Gunshot Residue
13. Footwear Impressions
14. Hair
15. DNA Analysis
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Grades will be determined by a combination of Worksheets, Lab Work, Case Studies, and
Exams. The following is a point break down of those four areas.
Assessment / Evaluation Method
Worksheets & Case Studies
Exams
Lab Work
Point Value
20 – 30%
40 – 50%
20 – 30%
Grades will be assigned based on a 90.00% (A), 80.00% (B), 70.00% (C), and 65.00% (D) scale.
REQUIRED READING AND WRITING:
This course will require approximately 500 pages of reading along with short essay writing for the
Case Studies.