CHEM 3270 Forensic Chemistry (2 Cr)
University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Fall 2013
Class Meets:
Dr. Charles R. Cornett
Department of Chemistry
and Engineering Physics
OTT 214
342-1658
cornettc@uwplatt.edu
T,Th 10:00 -11:52 am
Otts 122
Office hours MF 8:30-11:30, TTh 8:30-10, F 1-2
or by appointment
Required Text
Bell, Forensic Chemistry, 2nd edition, Pearson, 2013
Reading List
Skoog et al, Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, any edition
Christian, Analytical Chemistry, 5th edition, Wiley, 1994
Harris, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 5th edition, Freeman, 1998
Harvey, Modern Analytical Chemistry, 1st edition, McGraw Hill, 2000
Willard, Merritt, Dean, and Settle, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 7th edition, Wadsworth, 1988
Necessary Materials
Scientific Calculator
Course Description
An in-depth examination of forensic applications of chemistry related to chemical analysis:
presumptive and confirmatory drug identification, microscopic techniques in trace evidence analysis,
quality assurance and quality control (QA-QC) issues for the crime lab analyst, the toxicology of
illicit compounds, and modern methods of DNA analysis related to criminalistics. Prerequisite: A
grade of AC@ or better in CHEM 2150 and CHEM 3540 or instructor permission.
Teaching Methodology
Because the course focuses Socratic discussion AND quantitative applications, students are strongly
encouraged to take accurate notes and review these notes on a regular basis and participate fully in
discussions. A comparison of notes and continuation of dialogue out of class with classmates is
suggested to optimize your learning. Students are expected to remain current with reading
assignments as well as suggested problems. Quizzes will be administered announced and unannounced and problem-solving assignments will be an integral part of a successful study. The
ultimate responsibility of learning lies with the student, and all students are highly encouraged to
make use of posted office hours for questions, clarification, or further discussion. Laboratory
workshops will also be used to augment topics.
CHEM 3270
Fall 2013 (2)
Grading
Examinations (2)
100 pts x 2
Best ≤ 10 quizzes/assignments 10 pts x ≤10
Term Paper
Comprehensive Final Examination
200 pts
100 pts
200 pts
200 pts
700 pts
A>
B>
C>
D>
F<
90 % pts
80 %
70 %
60 %
60 %
Examinations
Lecture notes, assigned reading, and discussion topics are the primary resources for study.
Questions may include, but are not limited to, short-answer, multiple-choice, quantitative problemsolving, and short-essay formats. Conceptual integration should be anticipated. The instructor
reserves the right to curve the final class averages. Individual exams will not be curved. Non-linear
methods may be applied where statistically appropriate.
Quizzes and Assignments
There are at least 10 assigned quizzes and assignments, at least one per day, throughout the
Winterim period. These quizzes are multiple choice and short answer questions focusing on the
major points of the unit. While quiz questions provide an opportunity to assess student progress,
these general questions do not exclusively represent the level or types of questions in the one hour
examinations. These quizzes are intended to provide a basic assessment of how well each student is
keeping current with the major concepts of the course. In the event that more than 10 quizzes and
assignments are administered, the >highest-marked= 10 exercises will be retained. Unexcused
absences will not be dropped; therefore quiz grades of >zero= for these absences will be
retained.
Term Paper
Students will draw term paper topics at random on Sept 20. The term papers are due Dec
1, 2013 and should include eight peer-reviewed references. Formatting should comply with the
Journal of Forensic Science.
CHEM 3270
Fall 2013 (2)
Participation
In-class participation is an essential part of a successful study. This includes content-based
discussion with fellow students outside of the classroom. Plan on spending two hours outside of the
classroom for each hour in-class for best results. Another aspect of participation is seeking
additional assistance if necessary. Please refer to posted office hours and feel free to schedule an
appointment if you are unable to see me during these hours. In addition, feel free to email questions.
A good measure of daily progress is available by working the assigned homework problems and
assignments. Trouble with completing these problems DOES indicate the need for extra help.
PLEASE see me during my posted hours or schedule an appointment. While an occasional
appointment or illness may call me away, I reserve these hours solely for your questions and
discussion.
Assessment Philosophy
A
An excellent understanding of the material and an outstanding ability to quantitatively
employ the concepts in solving related problems
B
An above average understanding of the material and the ability needed to
quantitatively employ the concepts in further studies or applications
C
An average understanding of the material and its quantitative applicability
Attendance Policy and General Expectations
* Students are expected to attend all sessions. With consideration for others, do not attend class if
you are ill.
Please inform the instructor if you are to be absent, otherwise all absences will be treated as
Aunexcused@ absences. It is the responsibility of the student to acquire the notes from the
missed classes. The instructor reserves the right to refuse all assignments late as a result of
an unexcused absence. Instructor notification of absence does not necessarily constitute an
excused absence.
* (Winterim) Commuting students, please check your e-mail prior to class in inclement weather and
use appropriate judgment before traveling should the University remain open.
* Habitual tardiness will not be tolerated. Occasional delays are a fact of life; however, when
arriving late, please minimize disruption when entering the classroom.
* If co-curricular activities necessitate an absence from class, please inform the instructor as soon as
these events are scheduled so that these absences may be excused.
CHEM 3270
Fall 2013 (4)
* There are NO make-up examinations. In the event of an excused absence, the corresponding
section of the final examination will substitute for the missed grade.
* If you have a specific physical, psychological, or learning disability and require accommodations;
please let me know as early as possible so that your learning needs may be appropriately met.
* Cell phones are to be turned off prior to class.
* Come to class prepared; bring along your scientific calculator as well as the textbook.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in the manner outlined in the
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Student Handbook. Academic dishonesty includes the party(ies)
knowingly supplying restricted work to another individual. Academic dishonesty is viewed as a very
serious action and will be dealt with to the fullest extent provided under University guidelines.
Tentative Schedule of Topics
Introduction, Statistics, and Calibration
QA-QC in the Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
Sampling and Preparation of Samples
Chromatographic Applications in the Forensic Laboratory
Mid-term 1 = Oct 10
Spectroscopic Applications in the Forensic Laboratory
Drugs of Abuse: Pharmacology
Drugs of Abuse: Analysis
Microscopy in Trace Evidence Analysis
Combustion: Arson, Explosives, and Gun Shot Residue
Inks, Dyes, and Documents
Analytical Instruments and DNA Analysis
Mid-term 2 = Dec 10