Forensic and Environmental Chemistry - CHEM2404

The identification of chemical species and quantitative determination of how much of each species is present are the essential first steps in solving all chemical puzzles. In this course students learn analytical techniques and chemical problem solving in the context of forensic and environmental chemistry. The lectures on environmental chemistry cover atmospheric chemistry (including air pollution, global warming and ozone depletion), and water/soil chemistry (including bio-geochemical cycling, chemical speciation, catalysis and green chemistry). The forensic component of the course examines the gathering and analysis of evidence, using a variety of chemical techniques, and the development of specialised forensic techniques in the analysis of trace evidence. Students will also study forensic analyses of inorganic, organic and biological materials (dust, soil, inks, paints, documents, etc) in police, customs and insurance investigations and learn how a wide range of techniques are used to examine forensic evidence.

Classes
Three 1-hour lectures per week, six 1-hour tutorials and five 4-hour practical sessions per semester

Assessment
Quizzes, lab reports and final examination (100%)

Textbooks
See http://sydney.edu.au/science/chemistry/studying-chemistry/undergraduate/intermediate-chemistry.shtml

Additional information
To enrol in Senior Chemistry students are required to have completed (CHEM2401 or CHEM2911 or CHEM2915) and (CHEM2402 or CHEM2912 or CHEM2916).

Assumed knowledge
6cp MATH1XXX

(CHEM1XX1 or CHEM1903) and (CHEM1XX2 or CHEM1904)

AGCH3033