Module code: ARC4023-D
Module Aims
This module will introduce the fundamental techniques required to work safely and efficiently in the laboratory. Development of skills in the safe handling of chemicals, in making accurate qualitative observations, quantitatively analysing compounds prepared in the laboratory, and in reporting and interpreting experimental results. It will consider how practical chemistry outcomes can be used in the forensic environment.
Outline Syllabus
Chemical hazards and risk assessments, sources of safety data, on-line databases, definitions and safety terms, exposure limits, legislation, CHIP, COSHH and REACH.
Data manipulation and presentation of results. Precision, accuracy and sensitivity, linear regression, units. Experimental errors and calibration. Validation of data. Statistical methods. Reporting and interpreting experimental results. Quantitative and qualitative measurements, Algebra, Differential calculus, Integral calculus, Trigonometry.
Purification of single and mixed substances. Separation and identification of mixtures by thin layer chromatography. Solvent extraction from solids and liquids. Experiments to illustrate thermodynamic equilibria and the variation of equilibrium position with temperature. Measurements of physical properties of states of matter; refractive index, boiling point and vapour pressure. Measurement of heats of reaction by calorimetry. Measurement of enthalpies of solution and partition coefficients. Experiments illustrating classical methods of inorganic analysis.
Laboratory techniques in separating organic mixtures: Elementary organic synthesis. Spectroscopic characterisation of organic and inorganic compounds.
Professional development: Presenting information effectively, monitoring and evaluating results, drawing conclusions, chemical reports, chemical structure drawing.
Introduction to forensic applications of practical chemistry.