Chromatography and Spectroscopy in Forensic Science

Catalog description

FRNSC 425 will provide the student with understanding in essential instrumentation for chemical analysis. The first section in the course will be dedicated to separation technology which is of paramount importance for further chemical analysis. A thorough understanding of chromatographic theory and practical applications will be gained with respect to High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography and Solid Phase Extraction techniques. Since forensic determinations (both qualitative and quantitative) require a spectroscopic technique for proof of chemical structure, the second two thirds of the class will be dedicated to Mass Spectrometry followed by Spectroscopic methodologies for chemical analysis. The section on Mass Spectrometry will focus on both Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry which is used for confirmation testing as well as quantitation and soft-ionization Mass Spectrometry including tandem mass spectrometry methodology used with Liquid Chromatography. The final section of the course will provide a theoretical background of the electromagnetic spectrum and how it interacts with matter. Instrumentation techniques to be presented including X-Ray techniques (such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy), Ultraviolet techniques (including Atomic Absorption, Ultraviolet (UV) Colorimetric techniques, Inductively Coupled Plasma with Optical Emission detection, General UV detection methods) and Vibrational techniques (Including Raman Spectroscopy and Infrared Spectroscopy). The student will gain a thorough understanding of instrumental chemical analysis used in forensics laboratories.