Forensic and Analytical Science MSci

This module provides an introduction to selected topics in modern biology, suitable for students of forensic science and chemistry, and provides a basis for further study for those whose interests lie at the interface of the biological and chemical sciences. The module starts with an introduction to the structure and function of biological macromolecules and includes a basic account of the covalent and non-covalent aspects of protein structure. Subsequently an introduction to enzyme structure and function is given followed by an outline of basic metabolism. The module covers the elements of cellular and molecular biology including sufficient to understand such techniques as gene cloning, PCR and DNA fingerprinting. The concluding part of the module provides coverage of the systems of the human body most relevant to students of forensic science and medicinal chemistry, namely; blood and the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the kidney.

This module builds upon the concepts and techniques introduced in the module Practical Forensic Science 1. Emphasis will be placed on practical problem solving, clear recording of work performed and both statistical and critical analysis of results. The module will introduce further instrumental techniques including chromatography and mass spectrometry. Samples studied will include poisons, restricted drugs and explosive residues.

In this module you'll have the opportunity to consolidate the interpretative skills learnt in the module Analytical Science 1 and extend these to the analysis of spectra from more complex organic molecules. The majority of samples encountered in analytical science are mixtures, you'll be introduced to the basics of the most widely used forms of chromatography and a number of application areas of each will be described including the application of combined separation and spectroscopic techniques. Additionally you'll be introduced to a selection of instrumental analyses including atomic spectroscopy, thermal methods and electrochemical techniques, and statistical methodology which provide solutions to many of the analytical problems which are encountered in modern society. This module aims to develop your abilities in these directions to enable you to design an analytical process whilst further developing your IT, communication and numerical skills.

This module provides coverage of the more important methods of forming carbon-carbon single and double bonds. Following on from year 1 carbonyl chemistry, some more advanced aspects of carbonyl chemistry will be discussed. Main-group elements and their role in synthesis will also be considered. Retrosynthetic analysis will be introduced in the context of carbonyl chemistry and will be developed to enable you to plan some complex multistep syntheses. The synthesis and reactions of the main classes of simple heterocyclic compounds will be covered. The chemistry of other biologically-important compounds such as carbohydrates amino acids will also be detailed. More advanced aspects of stereochemistry are covered, and the relationship between conformation and reactivity is explored. The module has a practical component which focuses on the use of more advanced techniques for the preparation, isolation and analysis (IR and NMR) of target molecules. A part of the practical session is devoted to the isolation of stereochemically pure products.

This module covers six topics: equilibrium and dynamic electrochemistry, phase equilibria, colloids and colloidal suspensions, colligative properties, kinetics of composite reactions and quantum theory – basic principles and simple applications. With the exception of quantum theory, material in the other areas builds on that presented in year 1.

This module explores the relationship between the forensic scientist and the justice system with a view to addressing aspects of criminal and civil law. Aspects of presentation of evidence as well as the role and responsibility of the expert witness will also be explored. The requirements of quality systems will be considered within context of presenting robust evidence; as well as the considerations of ethical practice.

You'll carry out a substantial research project, under supervision, in an industrial or academic research environment, during the course of Year 3 of the MChem/MSci integrated Master’s degrees. The subject of the research may be any relevant and topical area of chemistry, forensic or pharmaceutical science, but must be agreed in advance between you, your project supervisor and the University course or module leader.

Training will normally take place across a 48-week period in a suitable organisation, usually a university laboratory. The exact nature of the training will vary depending on the specific background and demands of individual students and the opportunities available within the differing laboratory environments. Assistance is provided to help you find a suitable laboratory research position. Once a position is secured, you'll be instructed about the assessment criteria of the module via a workshop. You'll usually be appraised up to twice a year by a University tutor. This module provides an opportunity for you to experience research within a laboratory related to your chosen pathway and at the same time improves your technical, social and transferable skills. The practical content of this module differs from that in the Investigative Project Module in that it is the your day-to-day laboratory work that is assessed and not a specific project. You are also assessed on your laboratory note-book keeping and on the production of training portfolio that reflects the demands of continuing professional development and reflective practice.

This module comprises three strands: NMR, polymers and surface science. You'll be given the opportunity to gain further experience in the coordinated use of spectroscopic information from a number of techniques for structure elucidation purposes. NMR spectral interpretation will be extended to the use of 2D techniques, e.g. COSY, not previously encountered in the course. Polymers and polymeric materials are the building blocks of the 21st century civilisation, providing clothing (e.g. nylon and lycra), insulators and semiconductors, structural materials, data storage media, non-stick materials, etc. A brief insight will be given into the preparation, structure, properties and analysis of polymeric materials encountered by forensic scientists. A range of surface spectroscopic techniques are widely used in forensic analysis. A description will be given of how several of these techniques operate and what types of information they provide. Forensic examples will be used and there will be an emphasis on the interpretation of spectroscopic results.

This module comprises of a series of specialist workshops incorporating both theoretical and practical aspects in the more specialist forensic science disciplines, not covered elsewhere in the course.

In this module the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course will be expanded and extended. Recent developments in the subject will be discussed in terms of basic chromatographic theory. The application of separation methods to the identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites in toxicological samples will be discussed. The metabolism of drugs, in so far as this process impinges upon the analytical methodology employed in toxicological analysis, together with the effects of sample type and their storage will be highlighted.

In this module you'll be provided with an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application. In mass spectrometry you'll be introduced to the range of ionisation and scanning techniques and the ways in which the coupling of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry can enhance and extend the capabilities of both methods. In nuclear magnetic resonance you'll consider a range of advanced experimental methods to enhance the quality of the analytical information which can be obtained. Modern electroanalysis is a powerful and versatile analytical tool for investigating a wide range of analytical problems. This module will introduce you to a selection of these methods and will illustrate the practicalities, uses and limitations of these techniques. Sensor technologies represent a rapidly expanding area of analytical science. The module aims to familiarise you with the wide range of fields, which contribute to sensor developments and then to reinforce this knowledge with pertinent examples such as glucose monitoring systems for diabetics.

A chemically-based independent research programme. Academic supervisors will outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Before undertaking experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project and to evaluate this literature. You'll then have the opportunity to plan your project in light of the current state of the field of research. You'll be given some advice on research methods but will be expected to lead the planning yourself. Your project will be expected to show depth and involve advanced laboratory and instrumental techniques. Your project will also be open ended and you'll be expected to review progress regularly and modify research plans accordingly. Group projects will also be encouraged, though you'll also work independently. You'll be required to outline your research plans via an oral at a mini-conference in the early stages of the project and then present your results, interpretation and conclusions on a poster, which you'll defend at a poster day once the project is completed.