Forensic Chemistry I
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:
- 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
- Demonstrates how to correctly and autonomously handle the basic laboratory equipment and equipment used in forensic science
- Demonstrates how to solve problems and interpret and critically analyse analytical laboratory results
- Demonstrates how to manage available information (collection, selection and interpretation)
- Demonstrates knowing how to establish and justify own argumentation
- Demonstrates how to work and learn in team and autonomously
- 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