Course Outline
Lectures:
Lecture 1: Introduction to Forensic Academy

• Chemistry and Crime- A Brief History
• The Language of Chemistry
• The Scientific Method
• Types of Evidence

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to state that Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the relationship between chemistry and forensic investigation (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to classify matter as elements, compounds or mixtures. (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to classify properties of matter as physical and chemical. (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)

• Be able to identify the differences between the different states of matter. (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the definitions of pure substances, and homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures. (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to generate the process of the scientific method (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the types of data that can be collected in a scientific investigation (Lecture I Quiz; Exam I)

Lecture 2: Gathering Evidence

• Physical Evidence Collection: Mass, Weight and Units
• Analysis: Unit Conversions
• Experimental Results: Statistics of Evidentiary Information

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to state the difference between the terms mass and weight (Lecture 2 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to use the appropriate metric prefixes in a calculation (Lecture 2 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to use IUPAC base units and derived units in calculations (Lecture 2 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to perform simple unit conversions and numerical calculations involving numbers in scientific notation and/or units with common metric prefixes (Lecture 2 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the importance of significant figures in data analysis (Lecture 2 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to use statistics like average, standard deviation and percent error when applied to data sets (Lecture 2 Quiz; Exam I)

Lecture 3: Chemical Basics

• Atomic Structure
• Isotopes
• Atomic Mass
• Electronic Structure
• Using Light to Investigate
• Spectroscopy

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to state the structure of the atom: protons, neutrons and electrons (Lecture 3 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to identify the electron configuration of an atom (Lecture 3 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the definition and value of the terms Atomic Number, Atomic Mass Number and Isotope (Lecture 3 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the definition of the mole and Avagadro’s number (Lecture 3 Quiz; Exam I)
• Be able to state the relationship between atomic structure and spectroscopy (Lecture 3 Quiz; Exam I)

EXAM I (Lecture Material 1-3)

Lecture 4: Chemical Structure

• Lewis Structures
• Chemical Shapes
• Polarity
• Solubility
• Acids and Bases
• pH

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to generate the structure of a molecule from its component atoms (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to identify covalent and ionic compounds (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to recognize, name and draw the Lewis structures of common molecules (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to apply the rules of the  VSEPR Theory to atoms in a molecular structure (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to state the definitions of the terms electronegativity and polarity (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to state the definition of the terms Acid and Base (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to determine the pH of an aqueous solution (Lecture 4 Quiz; Exam II)

Lecture 5: Chemical Evidence – Solutions

• Water
• Chemical Reactions
• The Mathematics of Chemical Reactions
• Luminol and other Forensic Chemicals

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to state many of the  special properties of water (Lecture 5 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to calculate the concentrations of aqueous solutions (Lecture 5 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to write and balance chemical reactions (Lecture 5 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to use stoichiometry to determine the quantities of reactants and products used or produced in a chemical reaction (Lecture 5 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to identify the structure and reactions of special chemicals that are used in criminal investigations (Lecture 5 Quiz; Exam II)

Lecture 6: Chemical Evidence – Drugs

• Types of Drugs
• Structures and Functions
• Chemistry and the Law

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to identify the chemical structure of common drugs (Lecture 6 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to state how the structure of the drug relates to its biochemical function (Lecture 6 Quiz; Exam II)
• Be able to correlate the relationship between the classifications of drugs, their functions and the law. (Lecture 6 Quiz; Exam II)

EXAM II (Lecture Material 4-6)

Lecture 7: Arson and the Chemistry of Fire

• Combustion
• Evidence of Arson
• Flammable Liquids, Why?
• Explosive Chemistry

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to identify a combustion reaction of compounds in oxygen (Lecture 7 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to identify the chemical product residues created when combustion takes place  (Lecture 7 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state whether a reaction is exothermic or endothermic (Lecture 7 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the chemical properties of flammability (Lecture 7 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the chemical properties of explosives (Lecture 7 Quiz; Exam III)

Lecture 8: Time of Death

• Chemical Kinetics
• Death and Temperature
• Death and Preservatives
• The Evidence of Death

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to state that the rates of reactions are varied  (Lecture 8 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the relationship between chemical kinetics and temperature (Lecture 8 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the properties of a chemical preservative (Lecture 8 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the relationship between chemical kinetics and time of death (Lecture 8 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the principles chemical decomposition (Lecture 8 Quiz; Exam III)

Lecture 9: Weapons and Chemistry

• The Gun
• The Knife
• The Bat
• The ligature

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to identify the chemical and physical properties of metals (Lecture 9 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state the chemical composition of common weapons (Lecture 9 Quiz; Exam III)
• Be able to state and classify the evidence each type of weapon leaves after use (Lecture 9 Quiz; Exam III)

EXAM III (Lecture Material 7-9)

Lecture 10: The Biochemistry of Poisons

• Neurotoxins
• Cytotoxins
• Cardiotoxins
• Heavy Metals

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to state the biochemical definition of a toxin (Lecture 10 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to state the definitions of neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and cardiotoxins (Lecture 10 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to identify the biochemical reactions of heavy metals (Lecture 10 Quiz; Final Exam)

Lecture 11: Identifying the Suspect: Part I

• The Chemistry of Fingerprints
• The Chemistry of Hair
• Fiber Analysis

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to identify the chemical structure of lipids (Lecture 11 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to choose the appropriate chemical analysis for different lipds (Lecture 11 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to state the principles of chemical fiber analysis (Lecture 11 Quiz; Final Exam)

Lecture 12: Identifying the Suspect: Part II

• Blood Analysis
• DNA Structure and Function
• DNA Fingerprints
• Genetic Matches

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lecture students will:
• Be able to Identify the components that control the biochemistry of blood (Lecture 12 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to Identify the structural components of DNA (Lecture 12 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to state the biochemical function of DNA (Lecture 12 Quiz; Final Exam)
• Be able to state the basic principles of DNA analysis (Lecture 12 Quiz; Final Exam)

CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM (Lecture Material 1-12)

LABORATORY

Lab 1: Introduction to the Facility and Rules

• Lab Safety
• Lab Equipment
• Collection Techniques
• Proper Storage of Evidence

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to state and comply with the rules of basic laboratory safety (Exp 1-8 Lab protocols**; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 1)
• Be able to state the function of basic laboratory equipment: Microscope, GC-Mass Spectrometer, UV-Vis spectrometer, IR spectrometer, PCR thermocylcler, Centrifuge (Exp 1-8 Lab protocols**; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 1)
• Be able to state the principles used to properly collect evidence at a crime scene (Exp 1-8 Lab protocols**; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 1)
• Be able to state the proper way to store chemical and physical evidence (Exp 1-8 Lab protocols**; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 1)

** In the virtual environment, students not complying with lab protocols (dress code, use of safety equipment etc.) will be ejected from the system and must log back in to continue the lab. Horse play or serious deviations from lab protocols will receive the same treatment. These rules will be enforced in all of the virtual laboratories.

Lab 2: We Have a Crime Scene

• Murder Site
• Collect all Evidence
• Go to Autopsy
• Collect all Evidence
• Store Evidence

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to apply scientific methods to process a crime scene (Exp 2  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 2)
• Be able to identify the various processes of a standard autopsy (Exp 2  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 2)
•  Be able to identify  the chemical and physical evidence collected during the process of an autopsy (Exp 2  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 2)

Lab 3: Dirt and Fibers

• Preparation of Samples
• Mass Spectroscopy
• Analysis of Content

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to prepare chemical solutions (Exp 3  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 3)
• Be able to state the basic principles of gas chromatography (Exp 3  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 3)
• Be able to state the basic principles of mass spectrometry (Exp 3  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 3)
• Be able to identify the components of a spectrogram (Exp 3  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 3)

Lab 4: Crime Scene 2: Blood in the Car?

• Processing the Car for Evidence
• Analysis using Luminol
• Analysis using Ninhydrin

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to process evidence using luminol (Exp 4  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 4)
• Be able to process evidence using ninhydrin (Exp 4  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 4)
• Be able to identify the component parts of fingerprints (Exp 4  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 4)
• Be able to the identity partial prints by fingerprint analysis (Exp 4  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 4)

Lab 5: Toxicology is In

• Fluids Analysis
• Liquid-liquid Extraction
• Chromatography – LC/MS
• Reinsch Screen

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to process an unknown fluid using standard toxicology analysis (Exp 5  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 5)
• Be able to state the basic principles of liquid-liquid extraction (Exp 5  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 5)
• Be able to perform a virtual liquid chromatography process (Exp 5  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 5)
• Be able to perform a virtual Reinsch Screen test

Lab 6: Combustion and the Forensics of Fire

• CO-Oximeter
• CO- Diffusion Cell
• CO- UV-Vis Spectrometer
• IR

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able state the proper procedure used to process evidence from a fire (Exp 6  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 6)
• Be able state the proper use of an oximeter and CO diffusion cell (Exp 6  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 6)
• Be able state the principles of UV-Vis Spectrometry. spectrometer (Exp 6  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 6)
• Be able to use a virtual UV-Vis spectrometer (Exp 6  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 6)
• Be able state  the principles and use of an IR spectrometer (Exp 6  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 6)

Lab 7: We Have a Suspect

• DNA Analysis Prep Samples
• PCR
• STR Analysis
• CODIS

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to apply the basic principles of blood and hair sample preparation for DNA analysis spectrometer (Exp 7  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 7)
• Be able to state the principles of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (Exp 7  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 7)
• Be able to state the principles and use of Short Tandem Repeat Analysis (Exp 7  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 7)
• Be able to state the use of the CODIS database for determining the identity of suspects (Exp 7  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 7)

Lab 8: How Did She Die?

• Time of Death
• Method of Death
• Putting the Killer at the Scene(s)
• Reporting the Findings

Learning Outcomes:

• After completing this lab students will:
• Be able to state the importance and process for determining time of death (Exp 8  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 8)
• Be able to state the importance and process for determining cause of death (Exp 8  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 8)
• Be able to examine the cumulative evidence provided by the previously completed experiments and to correlate evidence and suspect (Exp 1- 8  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 8)
• Be able to state the proper way to express scientific findings: the scientific report suspect (Exp 1- 8  Lab protocols; Pre- and Post- Lab exercises 8)