Des Moines Area Community College
Course Information – EFFECTIVE Aug. 2006
Acronym/Number MOR 360
Historical Ref. MORS 360
Title
ThanatoChemistry
Credit breakout 2
(credit
2
0
0
0
lecture
lab
practicum
work experience)
PREREQUISITE(S):
Admission to the Mortuary Science Program or instructor permission
COREQUISITE(S): MOR 335
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a survey of the basic principles of disinfection and preservation as they relate to
embalming. Especially emphasized are the chemical principles involved in sanitation, disinfection,
and embalming practice. The development and use of personal, professional, and community
sanitation practices is addressed as well as use and precautions related to potentially harmful
chemicals that are currently used in the field of funeral service.
COURSE COMPETENCIES:
During this course, the student will be expected to:
1.
Know the essential characteristics of autolysis, hydrolysis, fermentation, and putrefaction in
the area of decomposition of dead human bodies.
1.1
Identify final hydrolysis products of carbohydrates.
1.2
Explain saponification and its properties.
1.3
Explain autolysis of proteins.
1.4
Explain the differences in fermentation and putrefaction of dead human beings.
2.
Identify representative chemicals used in the preparation room.
2.1
Describe the types of chemicals used.
2.2
Inventory the various chemicals used.
2.3
Classify each chemical presented by type.
3.
Paraphrase the primary functions of embalming chemicals.
3.1
Explain preservative chemicals.
3.2
Explain the functions and limitations of germicides used in the embalming process.
3.3
Differentiate chemicals according to manufacturer and their properties.
4.
Identify the secondary functions (auxillary chemicals) of embalming chemicals.
4.1
List the chemicals found in arterial, cavity, and accessory fluids.
MOR 360
4.2
4.3
Determine what modifying agents are found in various embalming fluids.
Identify humectants, buffers, water conditioners, surfactants, dyes, deodorants, and
vehicles used in embalming.
5.
Evaluate the correct solution for embalming.
5.1
Figure the index of embalming solutions.
5.2
Select the specific embalming chemicals determined by the conditions of the case.
5.3
Explain the properties of HCHO.
5.4
Define formalin.
6.
List the potentially harmful chemicals used in the preparation room, and the precautions to
be taken with each.
6.1
Define poison, toxin, LD-50, and MLD.
6.2
Give examples of potentially harmful chemicals found in the preparation room.
6.3
List procedures for handling harmful chemicals.
MOR 360
COMPETENCIES REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:
DATE: ________________________
FACULTY:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Effective date:
August, 2005
by:
Kevin Patterson
Campus:
A B C U N W OC
extension:
6244
Revision(s):
8/04