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Lecturer(s)
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Fryčák Petr, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
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Kurka Ondřej, RNDr. Ph.D.
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Žingor Zbyněk, Mgr.
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Course content
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1. Introduction to Forensic Science Basic principles of criminalistics and the application of scientific methods in criminal investigations. Physical and trace evidence, Locard's exchange principle, and the significance of trace evidence. Crime scene examination, contamination prevention, documentation, and the use of a common approach path. Overview of major forensic disciplines. 2. Sampling and Analytical Instrumentation Principles of sampling, sample preparation, preservation, and stabilization. The tiered approach to forensic analysis, from preliminary testing and screening to laboratory identification. Overview of instrumental methods used in forensic chemistry. 3. Chemistry of Combustion, Fires, and Explosives Fundamentals of combustion and fire development and spread. Forensic fire investigation and analysis of ignitable liquid residues. Principles of explosions and the properties of explosives. Sampling and analysis of explosives and post-blast explosive residues. 4. Gunshot Residue and Firearms Principles of firearm operation, internal ballistics, and the examination of firearm-related marks on cartridge cases and bullets. Composition and distribution of gunshot residue and methods for its detection and analysis. Restoration of obliterated serial numbers on metal objects. 5. Chemistry of Paints, Dyes, Inks, and Coatings Physicochemical principles of colour and the characterization of pigments and dyes. Analysis of inks, printing materials, and coating systems. Forensic document examination and the detection of document alterations. Principles of document dating and the study of chemical changes associated with aging. 6. Polymer Chemistry and Forensic Analysis of Polymers Classification and properties of polymeric materials and the influence of their composition and additives. Identification and comparison of plastics, fibres, paper, and other trace materials. Application of microscopy, FTIR, and pyrolysis GC-MS to material characterization and source comparison. 7. Forensic Analysis of Glass Structure, composition, and properties of glass. Formation and propagation of fractures and their use in reconstructing damage. Determination of refractive index and density. Elemental analysis and source discrimination of glass evidence. 8. Drugs, Illicit Substances, and Illicit Synthesis Classification of drugs and illicit substances. Chemical profiling of drug evidence and characterization of precursors, impurities, and additives. Preliminary and confirmatory analyses for drug identification. Fundamentals of illicit synthesis and new psychoactive substances. 9. Forensic Toxicology and Xenobiotic Metabolism Fate of xenobiotics in the human body and principles of their metabolism. Biological matrices and their application in forensic toxicology. Determination of ethanol and other volatile substances. Toxicological screening and preparation of biological samples for instrumental analysis. 10. Fingerprints, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, and DNA Analysis Fundamentals of friction ridge examination and the characterization of friction ridge patterns. Development and documentation of latent friction ridge impressions. Principles of bloodstain pattern analysis and DNA isolation from biological samples. DNA profiling and its application to human identification. 11. Forensic Experts, Expert Reports, and Decomposition Legal framework of forensic expert work and basic requirements for forensic expert reports. Postmortem changes and human decomposition. Formation and analysis of volatile organic compounds during decomposition and their application in forensic investigations. 12. Solutions of selected problems in forensic chemistry. Interpretation of results.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
- Attendace
- 52 hours per semester
- Homework for Teaching
- 26 hours per semester
- Preparation for the Course Credit
- 13 hours per semester
- Preparation for the Exam
- 29 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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The goal of this course is to acquaint students with the analytical chemistry applications in forensic sciences. The course covers both instrumental and classical analytical methods used in criminal investigations, for judicial and police purposes. Emphasis will also be placed on critical evaluation of results, which serve as the basis for expert opinion.
Students are able to develop methods for analysing samples for forensic purposes and evaluate the results of analyses. Students are able to describe the principles of analytical techniques used in forensic analysis of objects and traces associated with crime.
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Prerequisites
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The knowledge of basics of analytical chemistry and instrumental methods of analytical chemistry is recommended.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Mark, Oral exam, Written exam, Student performance
To pass a written exam (getting a mark over 60 %) and present a short seminar work.
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Recommended literature
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A. C. Moffat, M. D. Osselton, B. Widdop: Clarke´s Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, 3rd ed., The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 2004..
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H. Lüllmann, K. Mohr, M. Wehling: Farmakologie a toxikologie. Grada Publ., Praha 2002..
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J. Večerková: Biotransformace léčiv a její význam pro toxikologickou praxi. Karolinum, Praha 1997.
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M. Balíková: Forenzní a klinická toxikologie. Laboratorní toxikologická vyšetření. Galén, Praha 2004..
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M. Johll: Investigating Chemistry: A Forensic Science Perspective, W. H. Freeman; Second Edition edition, USA..
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S. Bell: Drugs, Poisons, and Chemistry (Essentials of Forensic Science), Facts on File; 1 edition (November 2008), USA..
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Bell, S. (2012). Forensic Chemistry. Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, USA.
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Bogusz, J., Smith, R., Eds.. (2000). Forensic Science. Elsevier Scince, 2nd edition, USA.
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Kobilinsky, L. Forensic chemistry handbook. New Jersey. 2012.
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Negrusz, A., Cooper, G. (2013). Clarke's analytical forensic toxicology (2nd ed.). London.
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Smith, F. P. (2005). Handbook of forensic drug analysis. London.
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Stuart, B. H. (2013). Forensic Analytical Techniques. Wiley, 1st edition, USA.
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