CHEM 1100: Introductory Chemistry

                                                                Introduction to Forensic Science

 

Fall 2006; Section 01; TR 9:30 – 10:45 am; TLC 1-305

 

Instructor: Dr. David L. Boatright

 (Room: TLC 2-118; Phone: (770) 839-6028; email: dboatrig@westga.edu)

                                You must email me from your myUWG account or I will not respond

Office Hours: MW 10-12, 1-2; T 11-12, 1-3; R 11-12, 1-2

 

Required Textbook: “Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic Science”, 9th Edition, Richard Saferstein

 

Course Objective: The goal of this course is to introduce you to the basic concepts of chemistry by showing how they are applied in the field of forensic science.

 

Attendance:  Attendance is not mandatory.  However, you are responsible for all material covered in class.

 

Chapters covered

 

1: Introduction

2: The Crime Scene

3: Physical Evidence

 

                Exam I                    Tuesday, September 5

 

4: Physical Properties: Glass and Soil

5: Organic Analysis

6: Inorganic Analysis

 

                Exam II                   Thursday, September 28

 

7: The Microscope

8: Hairs, Fibers, and Paint

9: Drugs

 

                Exam III Thursday, October 26

 

10: Forensic Toxicology

12: Forensic Serology

13: DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool

 

                Exam IV Thursday, November 16

               

                Final Exam            Thursday, December 7, 8-10 AM

 

Grades:  A standard 10-point scale will be used

 

Final Grade: The final grade will be based on the average of all five exams.  No make up tests will be given.  If you miss a test for any reason your final exam score will replace that exam.  No extra time will be given if you arrive late for a test, so please arrive on time.  No extra credit will be offered.  Cheating will not be tolerated. Any infraction will be taken before the disciplinary committee and played out to the fullest extent.

 

Learning Outcomes: Students are expected to acquire a basic understanding of chemistry and how it is applied in forensic science.  They are also expected to acquire an awareness of the role of chemistry in everyday life.  Students will also begin to learn to apply the scientific method in the assimilation of information and drawing conclusions based on the information.