Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Official General Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

CHM 121 - Forensic Sciences


The science behind the examination of firearms, cartridges, explosives, drugs and other types of physical evidence by the crime lab is presented.  Emphasis on proper handling of substances found in crime scene investigations.  Laboratory techniques include many modern instrumental methods, such as gas chromatography, infrared and mass spectroscopy as used in today’s modern crime labs.

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Discuss the history of Forensic Science.
2.  Discuss those areas of chemistry, biology, physics, and geology relating to the analysis of physical evidence.
3.  Carry out the laboratory analysis of physical evidence using gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, HPLC, head space GC, Atomic and Infrared Spectroscopy.
4.  Recognize, collect, package, and document physical evidence from a crime scene.
5.  Calculate a PMI from Algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis.
6.  Calculate a PMI from insect larva.
7.  Conduct a crime scene search.
8.  Discuss the various type of physical evidence.
9.  Analyze body fluids for drugs and poisons.
10.  Discuss and analyze arson and explosive evidence.
11.  Discuss and analyze fabrics evidence in a criminal trial.
12.  Discuss and analyze illegal drugs.
13.  Discuss and analyze firearm evidence.
14.  Discuss and analyze glass fragment for RI and density.
15.  Discuss and analyze glass fracture patterns.
16.  Calculate vehicle speeds from skid marks and crush depths.
17.  Discuss and analyze hair found at a crime scene.
18.  Discuss and analyze fingerprint evidence found at a crime scene.
19.  Discuss and analyze toolmark evidence found at a crime scene.
20.  Discuss and analyze paint evidence found at a crime scene.
21.  Discuss and analyze questioned document evidence found at a crime scene.
22.  Discuss and analyze DNA evidence found at a crime scene.
23.  Discuss and analyze computer evidence found at a crime scene.

Methods of Assessing Outcomes:

The expected learning outcomes will be assessed through the use of homework assignments and/or quizzes, midterm exams, and the final exam.