The purpose of this module is to develop the student's practical skills in forensic analysis and evidence collection, organic chemistry, and general microbiology. In all practicals, students will be encouraged to develop their ability integrate the use of various laboratory techniques in order to solve a prescribed scientific problem. In the evidence searching practicals specific emphasis will be placed on recording (including digital imaging) and interpreting the analysis results. The concept of team-work, good laboratory practice and the need for both validation and statistical evaluation of results will be emphasized throughout.An underlying theme will also be the development of students’ scientific presentation skills.
Introduction to Chromatography and evidence searching/collection
Chromatography & Evidence Searching - The practicals will cover chromatographic techniques (HPLC and GC) and therefore will include: Instrument set-up along with basic troubleshooting; Simple qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples including; sample preparation & analysis, standard preparation, data collation & statistical analysis. Samples to be analysed will include; foods, simple drug molecules, petrol, residues, solvents and polymers etc. Practicals in evidence collection will cover blood detection and chemical enhancement; fingerprint and footprint collection; retrieval and comparisons using databases for impression evidence, glass, soil etc ...
Organic Chemistry -
Organic Chemistry: prepare simple drug-type compounds, purify organic compounds using recrystallisation and distillation; work with low temperature reactions and reaction control; separate mixtures of compounds using acid/base chemistry and liquid extraction; perform compound characterisation using melting point, TLC, and IR spectroscopy; measure optical activity using polarimetry.
General Microbiology
Preparation and utilisation of general purpose, selective and differential media; Basic and differential staining techniques such as the Gram stain; Generation of a bacterial growth curve and determination of the generation time of a microbial culture; The effects of temperature, oxygen, ultra-violet light on microbial growth; The enumeration of microbial populations from samples. Use of a light microscope.
Lab-based instruction - Expeditionary learning; Traditional Lectures; Small group work, Digital Learning;
Individual learning - Individual work , Small group work, Digital Learning, Research
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |