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FSC310 Forensic Chemistry

Updated: 31 March 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
N/A N/A Mandatory Dates to be advised
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites CHEM203
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Peter Lye (plye@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit develops the scientific principles behind the examination and analysis of chemical evidence. Emphasis is placed on forensic drug analysis and pharmacology, combustion and arson, colours, inks and paints and the analysis of paper, fibers and polymers.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Forensic Chemistry
ISBN: 9780131478350
Bell, S., Pearson Prentice Hall 1st ed. 2006
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
3 Assignments 30% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1,2,3,5 GA: 1,2,4,6
8 Practical Exercises 25%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1,2,3,4,5 GA: 1,2,4,6,8
Supervised Examination 2 hrs 45%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1,2,3,5 GA: 1,2,4,6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. discuss the chemistry and composition of a range of forensic evidence types;
  2. relate the scientific principles behind separation and identification sciences to the analysis of forensic samples;
  3. select and describe appropriate methods for the analysis of a range of forensic evidence types;
  4. locate, identify, collate, analyse, manipulate, evaluate, interpret and present information and numerical data related to forensic chemistry; and
  5. apply appropriate problem solving processes, arguments, critical and creative thinking, individually and as part of a team.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Forensic chemistry knowledge is a key learning outcome and will be provided in resource materials and assessed both formatively and summatively in the practicals, assignments and the final examination. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Oral and written communication skills will be practiced and assessed through laboratory exercises and report writing, completing assignments and within workshop sessions. 		True True
3 Global Perspectives
Chemistry is a central science and as such is fundamental to research performed in a range of disciplines around the globe. 		True
4 Information Literacy
Students will need to locate alternate texts and references to help with understanding difficult concepts. Literature searching and correct referencing for lab reports will be assessed. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Students through their study will practise techniques such as critical assessment of data and literature searching, which will develop life-long learning practices. 		True
6 Problem Solving
Mathematical and conceptual problem solving is taught and practiced within lab exercises and workshop sessions. Assessment will be formative and summatives and will involve problem solving in the practicals, assignments and the final examination. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students are require to complete risk assessment forms before commencement of each lab session. OH&S, lab behaviour, professional ethics and environmental ethics are discussed within each lab session. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students are required to work as a team within lab sessions and workshops. Assessment is via laboratory reports. 		True True True
   

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