CHEM 6550 Chemical Forensics

Chemical Forensics is the application of chemistry to analyze and identify forensic evidence and data. In this course, students will learn the chemistry behind the evidence collected and how it can be used to identify unknown materials. Topics covered include the following: soils, fibers, fire and explosives, drug analysis, and many others. The corresponding laboratory course will focus on using instrumentation and chemical techniques to analyze forensic data and evidence. The lab portion of this class will be 25% of the final class grade.

Registration Name

Chemical Forensics

Credits

4

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be able to understand the chemistry behind and identify the differences in the following:

1. Natural and Synthetic Fibers
2. Drugs and Poisons (including heavy metal)
3. Fire and Combustion Products
4. Students will also have a basic understanding of how instrumentation can be used to identify unknown chemicals and materials.