Chemistry track for Forensic Science Minor

CORE
Students must pass 6 credits from among the following courses:

The Chemistry Track of the Forensic Chemistry minor is composed of the following two options.

A prerequisite for CHEM 372 will be completion of CHEM 371 and BCHE 341 for Option 1 or CHEM 371, BCHE 395 for Option 2, or instructor approval.
Option 2 can be presented as an alternative for students that have the intention of pursuing a graduate degree in forensic science. It has a total of 23 credit hours and will prepare a student seeking a graduate degree in forensic science.
The only new course created is CHEM 372, which will be taught by Dr. Bill Lott.

CHEM 372 Forensic Chemistry

The course in Forensic Chemistry is designed as the capstone course for majors in Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensic Chemistry. The prerequisites for this course will have established a strong background in the individual chemical disciplines that contribute to forensic chemistry; specifically instrumental analysis, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. This course will draw together these diverse disciplines and focus on their application to specific forensic issues. The course will be roughly divided between forensic biochemistry and forensic chemistry as described below.

1. Forensic Biochemistry
(a) Lectures will focus on molecular genetics used in forensic investigations and will include the genetic basis of diversity and molecular biological techniques used in DNA typing. DNA Analysis on human blood samples using two DNA technologies, Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) will be featured. Emphasis will be placed on sample processing and methodology used in sample analysis. Mass spectrometry and DNA chip technology will be discussed. Bioterrorism as it relates to forensic science and law enforcement will be discussed.
(b) Laboratory experiments will demonstrate basic techniques used for extracting and analyzing DNA samples. Safety procedures associated with biohazard and chemical hazard considerations will be presented. Gel electrophesis will be performed for DNA analysis and interpretation of and statistical handling of data will be emphasized.

2. Forensic Chemistry
(a) Lectures will focus on an introduction to analytical instrumentation used by forensic scientists for analysis of drugs, arson, explosives. Discussion of drug abuse and toxicology from the perspective of Forensic analysis will be featured. A survey of laboratory methods and instrumentation for testing of drugs and biological samples will be included.
(b) Laboratory exercises will stress sample preparation, handling, analysis, and data interpretation for samples from simulated crime scenes. Techniques that will be incorporated will include chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis, and mass spectrometry. Use and conformity to standard protocols, quality assurance, and quality control methods are stressed. Statistical methods for calibration and analysis of data will be included.