COURSE OUTLINE                                                                                               Fall, 2020-2021

Course Title:    FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

Course Code:  CHEM- 441/ 601

Credit Hours:  02

Instructor: DR. MUBSHARA SAADIA

Email: [email protected]

DESCRIPTION& OBJECTIVES

Aim and objectives:

The course is aimed at describing the students the value of forensic analysis in chemistry and the knowledge of advanced techniques and methods often used in forensic analysis. At recent times, and especially in Pakistan, the significance of the forensic study has become of great importance. This subject will integrate the concept and techniques developed in chemistry, physiology and biochemistry, and apply them to the pharmacology and detection of drugs and toxins.

Following objectives will be accomplished in the course contents;

• Provide students the basic knowledge and importance of forensic analysis in chemistry.
• Describing the significance of chemical analysis in the justice system, as the integrity of scientific information is very crucial in judicial decisions.
• Presentation of the common analogies to describe complex chemical and analytical techniques.
• Providing the understanding and knowledge of traditional forensic science disciplines like fingerprints and toxicology. Also giving understanding and application of the specific chemical reactions during ‘drug investigations’.
• Understanding and knowledge of new and advanced fields of ‘serology and DNA analyses’, and also describing the significance of application of advanced biotechnological techniques in forensic analyses. 

Description: The course contents are designed according to the guidelines by HEC. Forensic science is interdisciplinary in nature. Forensic science is the application of scientific principles to matters involving the law. Forensic chemistry is a specialized area of forensic science involving the application of chemical principles and techniques to the field of forensic investigation. The role of forensic chemistry in criminal investigations is vast and ranges from techniques used to collect and preserve evidence, to complex chemical procedures used to identify elements and compounds. Identification procedures are highly reliable and are frequently based on the chemical and physical properties of the substance supported by data obtained from analytical analysis. Most chemical techniques used for isolation, purification, and identification are valid forensic techniques; however, chemical analysis differs from forensic chemical analysis, as mostly the forensic analysis are proceeded in regulatory and judiciary perspectives

Learning Outcome: The contents are aimed to develop understanding of the students about the basic principles of forensic science and the importance of forensic analysis in solving the crime issues and role in judiciary.

READINGS

1. Collins, D. Forensic Chemistry, 1st Edition, 2007© Thomson Brooks/Cole. United States of America.
2. Mozayani, A. and Noziglia, C. The Forensic Laboratory Handbook. Procedures and Practice, 2006, Humana Press Inc, Totowa, New Jersey.
3. Khan, J., Kennedy, T.J. and Christian, D.R. Jr. Basic Principles of Forensic Chemistry, Humana Press, NJ (2009).
4. Houck, M.M.and Siegel, J.A. Fundamentals of forensic science, 2nd ed., Academic Press, Elsevier. (2010).
5. Bell, S. Forensic Chemistry, 1st Edition, Prentice Hall, NY (2006).
6. Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M.  Forensic Science, 1st Edition, Prentice Hall, NY (2004)
7. Eckert, W.G.  Introduction to Forensic Sciences, 2nd Edition, Elsevier, NY. (1992).
8. Genge, N.E. The Science of Crime Scene Investigation: The Forensic Casebook, Ballentine Books, NY. (2002).

CONTENTS

This subject will integrate the concept and techniques developed in chemistry, physiology and biochemistry and apply them to the pharmacology and detection of drugs and toxins. Most important topics in forensic science are fingerprinting, forensic serology, hair and fiber analysis, explosive residues, glass comparisons, drug analysis, bullet and cartridge analysis, DNA analysis, Forensic botany and forensic toxicology.

COURSE SCHEDULE

RESEARCH PROJECT

No research project is assigned.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Sessional marks: (Presentation+Participation) = 15

Project:     0

Presentation: 10

Participation: 05

Final Marks:    Mid+Final+ Sessional (20+45+15) = 80

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Minimum 80% class attendance is required.