Forensic Sci.

Forensic Chemistry I2

Química Forense I

Course code:8059114

Maria Alexandra Sardinha Bernardo

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

This course has the following learning objectives (LO) regarding laboratory analysis competence:

  1. Explains in reasonable detail and from a comparative perspective the general principles of operation, calibration (including controls and reference standards), accuracy and accuracy for the main forensic laboratory equipment
  2. Demonstrates how to correctly and autonomously handle the basic laboratory equipment and equipment used in forensic science
  3. Demonstrates how to solve problems and interpret and critically analyse analytical laboratory results
  4. Demonstrates how to manage available information (collection, selection and interpretation)
  5. Demonstrates knowing how to establish and justify own argumentation
  6. Demonstrates how to work and learn in team and autonomously
  7. Demonstrates understanding and adherence to good safety practices at work (personal safety, safety of team members and other present etc).
Syllabus:

Part I – Dosing of substances based on chemical equilibria (CE).

  • Acid-base CE: Exact and approximated methods on determining the pH of aqueous solutions; Titration curves. pH indicators and Acid-Base Volumetric analysis.
  • Complexation CE: Complexometric Titrations. Indicators.
  • Solubility CE: Solubility Product.
  • Redox CE: Redox Titrations - Indicators.

Part II – Unitary Separation Procedures – substance identification

  • Chemical Bonding - Theories in chemical bonding. Intramolecular forces. Molecular geometry. Intermolecular forces – States of matter. Phase diagrams. Properties of solutions. Physical constants of matter: Boiling point, Melting and Freezing points. Density and Light Refractive index.  
  • Unitary Separation Procedures - Normal, low pressure and pressure filtration. Solid separation – Recrystallization and Sublimation – General principles Solute Extraction. Discontinuous and continuous extraction. Liquid separation- Atmospheric and Low pressure distillation. General Chromatographic principles. (TLC).  
Suggested Bibliography:
  • Bell S (2013) Forensic Chemistry: Pearson New International Edition, Pearson Education Limited S.A. ISBN 9781292020440
  • Reger D (1997) Química: princípios e aplicações, Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. ISBN 972-31-0773-2
  • Skoog DA (2004) Fundamentals of analytical chemistry, 8th ed., Belmont, CA: Thomson-Brooks/Cole. ISBN 13: 978-0-534-41797-0