FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
A basic familiarity with the molecular structures of organic and inorganic substances and with the simplest and most common analytical methods (spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic) is a fundamental prerequisite. Different types of scientific investigation will be shown in the illustration of the most diverse forensic fields.
The final exam will be divided into two parts: a written test will be held on the program illustrated during the course and with a test based on open questions and specific questions. In addition, each student will show a final presentation on a forensic study based on a scientific publication chosen by the student from a scientific journal of the sector. The written exam will contribute to the final vote with a weight of 80%, while the remaining 20% will be defined by the judgment on the presentation.
The course, after a brief illustration and historical introduction on forensic sciences, aims to illustrate different types of techniques used in the field of broad-spectrum forensic investigations. We plan to illustrate different and multiple applications of different analytical methods in cases that are more subject to investigations involving legal interventions. The field of study will have as its object chemical techniques, but not only and also other disciplines that mainly involve a study at the molecular level. The techniques that will be illustrated will be accompanied by some examples of forensic investigation applications.
Historical introduction to forensic sciences and in particular to forensic chemistry. Disciplines in the field of criminology and crime. Scientific method. The main contents of the course program focus on different aspects and different matrixes that can be investigated and investigated. Techniques for collecting fingerprints and different fingerprinting techniques will be illustrated. Reagents that allow the imprint to be highlighted will be illustrated. Analysis of substances of abuse and markers to determine the type of clandestine production. Historical development of different tests for the recognition of ethyl abuse. Analysis and dating of human remains: forensic entomology and other techniques for calculating the onset of death. DNA analysis. STR and PCR analysis. Use of DNA-associated techniques in different types of analysis: guilt or innocence and determination of parental lines. Nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA.
Doping substances and analysis using WADA methodologies. Recognition of doping substances by GC-MS and HPLC-MS. Fire and explosion analysis. Organic and inorganic explosives. Analysis of shot residues. Analysis of the different types of matrices (hair, fibers, blood, urine, organic liquids, etc.). Qualitative analysis by spot test. The problem of false positives.
The course does not provide for the adoption of a single reference text. However, material will be provided for each topic, both from textbooks and from scientific publications.
The teaching activity will see mainly the conduct of frontal lessons in the classroom. No specific laboratory activities are planned, but as far as possible and compatibly with the safety in the classrooms where the lessons will be held, we will try to show some experimental details on some applications of forensic investigation techniques.
The lecturer is available to more details and clarifications on any requests made by the students receiving at his office by previous contact via email: andrea.penoni@uninsubria.it or by phone (031-2386440).