Methodologies and Experimental Techniques in Forensic Chemistry

Recommended Prerequisites

Complete 1st cycle in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engenerreing or Farmacy  

Teaching Methods

  Laboratory classes will be taught according to the topics of the syllabus. Real cases of forensic chemistry will be presented to the student  to implement a bibliographic search and correlate it with the experimental work that he/she is developing.

Opportunity shall be given to the student for direct manipulation of the instrumentation that he/she needs to solve the problem proposed. The study is more students-centered for development of their individual abilities to solve problems of forensic chemistry than conventional laboratory classes.  

Learning Outcomes

The main goals of this UC  are:

 -Aquire experience in the use and application of chemical techniques and methodologies for solving forensic real problems

-Acquire experience in data processing

- Communication skills in written and spoken English and Portuguese scientific reports;

- Ability to deal with bibliographic information either primary or secondary sources and computerized databases, including Web of Knowledge;

- Ability to use the Internet for data collection and electronic communication;

- Competence of personal study with a view to training throughout life as forensic chemists   

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Students undertake  practical work within  Forensic Chemistry, in the Department of Chemistry or in laboratories with which the Department maintains collaboration, including Forensic Toxicology Laboratory of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Coimbra, the Department of Physics at UC , Faculty of Pharmacy at UC.

Topics :

1. Drugs and synthetic drugs

2. Counterfeit Medicines

3. Paints

4. Glass

5. Plastic

6. Fibers

7. Documents

8. Explosives

9. Image processing methods 

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Mini Tests: 30.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 70.0%

Bibliography

Bibliografia específica fornecida pelos professores coordenadores de cada uma das actividades experimentais;pesquisa autónoma realizada pelos estudantes/Specific bibliography provided by the coordinaters of each  experimental activity; independent research conducted by students

Forensic Chemistry, S. Bell, Pearson Education International, 2014.

Principles of Forensic Toxicology, Barry Levine, 4 th ed., AACC Press, 2013

Fundamental Toxicology for Chemists, J. H. Duffus, H.G.Worth, RSC, Cambridge, 1996.

Handbook of Analytical Separations, R. M. Smith, Elsevier, Amesterdam, 2000.