Heartland Community College
Math & Science Division
Course Syllabus for Students, fall 2013
Course Prefix and Number: CHEM 110
Course Title: Chemistry of CSI: Forensic Chemistry
Credit Hours: 4 hrs.
Lecture Hours: 3 hrs.
Laboratory Hours: 2 hrs.
Days / Time Course Meets: lecture, 12:30 – 1:45pm TR; lab, 10:30 – 12:20pm R
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 non-science 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.
Instructor Information:
Instructor Name: R. John Muench
Phone Number: (309) 268-8656
Email Address: John.Muench@heartland.edu
Web Page: Access via Blackboard
Office: ICN 2020
Office Hours: 12 – 1:50pm M; 1 – 1:50pm W; 4 – 5pm W; 4 – 5pm Th
Textbook:
Required: Johll, Matthew E, Investigating Chemistry (2013), 3rd Edition. W.H. Freeman, New York, NY.
Supplies:
Required: Scientific Calculator
Optional: Periodic Chart (your own or one that I supply)
Transferability Information:
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 numerical PS1
Worksheets and Exams
calculations.
Identify and characterize the structure of the atom.
Worksheets and Exams
Distinguish between the two classes of compounds – Ionic and
Worksheets and Exams
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 including
acids and bases.
Determine the type of intermolecular forces present in a molecule
and predict its effect on the properties.
Classify and name various organic molecules including
functional groups.
Learn techniques to isolate and identify various substances
including drugs, accelerants, and explosives.
Understand the chemistry of combustion and apply to arson
investigations.
Apply the gas laws to the chemistry of explosives including
techniques to detect them.
Understand the concepts of rates of reactions and apply this to
estimation of time of death.
Describe the process of nuclear decay and the applications of
nuclear radiation.
Apply chemical equilibrium principles to poisonous chemicals.
Understand the four main areas of biochemistry including the use
of DNA testing.
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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Measurements
Physical and Chemical Properties
Microscopy
Soil Examination
Fingerprints
Stoichiometry and Titrations
Blood Alcohol Content
Explosives
Urine and Blood Analysis
Hair & Fibers
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Footwear Impressions
Gunshot Residue
DNA Analysis
Murder Mystery
Worksheets and Exams
Worksheets and Exams
Worksheets and Exams
Lab Work and Case Studies
Lab Work, Case Studies, Worksheets,
and Exams
Lab Work, Case Studies, Worksheets,
and Exams
Lab Work, Case Studies, Worksheets,
and Exams
Worksheets and Exams
Lab Work, Case Studies, Worksheets,
and Exams
Lab Work, Case Studies, Worksheets,
and Exams
Methods of Instruction: My philosophy is to present the lecture material as straight forward as possible, with an
emphasis on a basic understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry. I give a combination of worksheets, group
work, and exams that are all graded. Thus, each student has a variety of opportunity to show knowledge and skills
gained from the course. Finally, memorization of formulas, weights, chemical symbols, etc. is not required, as I will
supply these for you on the tests.
Course Policies
Attendance: Any student missing more than 25% of the lecture periods (= 8 class meetings) will fail the class.
There are no excused absences unless for school sponsored activity – if you are not here, then you will be counted as
absent. Any student more than ten minutes late will receive a one-half absence. Due to state reporting requirements
if you have not been attending the class on a regular basis and/or not completed more than 50% of the coursework at
mid-term, then you will be dropped from the class and receive a grade of “W”. Attendance in the lab is
REQUIRED – any student missing more than three labs can fail the course.
Method of Evaluation: Grades will be determined by a combination of worksheets, group work, case studies,
exams, and lab work. The total number of points available will be about 1000 and are distributed as follows:
Worksheets / Group / Cases
= 150pts.
Paper
= 100pts.
Exams, 3 @ 100pts.
= 300pts.*
Lab Activities
= 250pts.
Final Exam
= 100pts.*
Overall
= 800 pts.
*Lowest exam or final exam score is dropped.
Grades are all based on a 90.00 – 80.00 – 70.00 – 60.00 scale.
Example Problems: I strongly believe in providing a solid foundation of example problems for each and every type
of problem that I expect the students to do. Thus, at the beginning of each chapter, you will receive a handout of all
the questions that I will do in class.
Worksheets and Group Format: Worksheets for each chapter will be assigned at the beginning of each chapter
and will have a due date. Late worksheets are accepted the next class period with no penalty. After that, a penalty
of 20% will apply. Worksheets turned in more than two weeks late are not accepted for credit. If for any
reasonable reason that you have a problem getting an assignment completed on time, then please talk to your
instructor.
Regular group work assignments are of the in-class variety and are done at the end of the class period. Partial credit
is given on all – so show all of your work. Make-ups are allowed if prior notice is given and if done in a reasonable
amount of time, generally within one week, and with approval of the instructor.
Exam Format: The exam format will consist of short answer, show-your-work, and short essay formats. The
questions will be based on the lecture material, assigned homework questions, and case studies. No make-up exams
are given unless absent for a school sponsored activity – if you miss an exam, then this will be your “drop” exam.
Final Exam: The final exam for this course is approximately 50% comprehensive over the first three exams and
50% new material from the last two weeks. I will drop the lowest exam or final exam score. Thus, the final exam
may be optional for those satisfied with their grade at the end of the semester.
Participation: Students are expected to attend all classes and participate meaningfully in the activities each class
day. For group work assignments, you must be present and participate with your group to receive credit.
Additionally, students are expected to do their own work on worksheets, quizzes, and exams (see “Academic
Integrity” section below).
Make-Up Policy / Incompletes: In general, only worksheets are accepted late – no more than one week late. No
exam or lab make-ups are allowed – unless absent for a school sponsored activity. If you know that you will miss an
exam or lab in advance, then please talk to your me as far in advance as possible. In general, incompletes are only
given in rare circumstances and the instructor must approve these.
Required Writing and Reading: There will be required reading, approximately 200 pages, from the text on each of
the topics listed earlier. A few short essay assignments over criminal cases will be required and an 8 – 10 page
research paper along with a poster will be assigned.
General Information for Students
Testing Services (located in Student Commons Building 2001)
Testing Services provides a secure testing environment for students who are enrolled in online, hybrid, and other
distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or need to take a make-up exam. Testing accommodations
for students having documented disabilities must be arranged by the student through Disability Support Services.
Testing Services will only administer exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call (309)
268-8050.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services provides confidential and professional counseling for both emergency and personal issues.
Services also include referrals to local community resources and support for students on academic probation. For
more information, please call (309) 268-8318.
Services in Academic Support Center (Raab Road campus)
Library
The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources including books,
online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and interlibrary loan. Individualize research by
appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab in myHeartland, email library@heartland.edu or call (309)
268-8292 for details.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal, Pontiac, and
Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups are also available by request.
For more information about services available at each location, please call (309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 8426777 (Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731 (Lincoln).
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the college’s
programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations as mandated in Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS offers a wide range of services to support
students with disabilities, including: assistive technology, document conversion services, personnel, classroom and
testing accommodations. Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations
should call (309) 268-8259 for details.
Open Computing Lab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times throughout the week. The
computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a
laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Writing Lab
The Writing Lab provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking and the stages of the
writing process. The Writing Lab is staffed by English faculty and Tutors with years of experience working with
students on writing. In every session, supportive staff work with writers to explore and develop their own ideas as
appropriate to the needs of their readers and to learn the rhetorical strategies necessary for effective communication.
For more information, please call (309) 268-8231.
Services in Community Commons Building, first floor (Raab Road campus)
Academic Advising
Academic advisors provide information to students about degree/program requirements, transferability of courses,
GPA, and enrollment. Academic Advising may also provide workshops on time management, IRIS navigation, or
specific career fields. For more information, please call (309) 268-8033. Academic Advising services are also
available at the Lincoln and Pontiac sites.
Career Services
Career Services assist students to determine career goals, develop employability and job search skills and connect
with potential employers in preparation for employment and career transitions. Through the Online Career Center at
www.collegecentral.com/heartland students can learn about area employment opportunities, prepare and post
resumes and find a host of free career-related resources. The job shadow and internship programs offer access to
relevant work-based learning opportunities that enhance academic experiences and support students in their career
pursuits. For more information, please call (309) 268-8034 or email Career.Services@heartland.edu.
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office provides information on programs and types of financial aid available to students. For
more information, please call (309) 268-8020.
Transcripts (Located in Student Commons Building 1000)
Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained in the Student Records Office. Transcripts may also be obtained
at Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Official transcripts must be requested in writing. The form is available
online (http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or in the Student Records Office. Unofficial transcripts are
available to print online through IRIS.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and is essential to
the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading may be competitive, students who
misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of
academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and
even expulsion from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far
beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning cheating or other acts
of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of academic records or documents and
unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations
may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper, create a project, do a
presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work, except for that which is attributed to another
author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offense and may take the following
forms:
 Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
 Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
 Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
 Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
 Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were your own.
 Using another person’s project or another person’s work as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New
York: MLA, 2009:51-61]
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism may be severe,
ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or expulsion from school in extreme cases.
Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the sources of the original work. When in doubt, cite the
source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually this is APA or MLA Style. Don’t be daunted by citing
sources which are not books. You can cite everything, including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone
conversations, movies, television shows, Internet and world-wide web sites.
Course Calendar*:
*All dates are subject to changes due to unforeseen events!!!
Week of:
Topics:
August 19th
Course Overview, Chapter 1: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
August 26th
Chapter 2: Evidence Collection and Preservation
September 2nd
Chapter 3: Atomic Clues
September 9th
Chapter 4: Chemical Evidence
September 16th
Review, Exam #1
September 23rd
Chapter 5: Chemistry of Bonding: Structure and Function of Drug Molecules
September 30th
Chapter 6: Properties of Solutions I: Aqueous Solutions
October 7th
Chapter 7: Properties of Solutions II: Intermolecular Forces and Colligative Properties
October 14th
Chapter 8: Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Drug Chemistry
October 21st
Review, Exam #2
October 28th
Chapter 9: Chemistry of Fire and Heat, Chapter 10: Chemistry of Explosions
November 4th
Chapter 11: Chemical Kinetics
November 11th
Chapter 13: Chemical Equilibrium and Poisons
November 18th
Review, Exam #3
November 25th
Chapter 12: Nuclear Chemistry, Thanksgiving Break
December 2nd
Chapter 14: Introduction to Biochemistry and DNA Analysis
December 9th
Final Exam, Tuesday, December 10th, 12 – 1:50pm