The fundamentals of forensic analytical chemistry, i.e. the application of analytical chemistry methods in forensic investigations to assist law enforcement, direct criminal investigations and provide evidence in court, are explained in ten lectures. Each lecture deals with a critical aspect and in discussing these aspects also various forensic expertise areas are introduced where analytical chemistry plays an important role. Students are encouraged to actively think about the topics through questions, surveys and discussion in the class room. The lecturer ensures consistency by linking the topics to the framework as laid down in the Introduction. Background information on associated techniques will be provided by the lecturer for students with limited knowledge in the area.
Additionally, students work in small teams (3-4) to read, analyze and discuss a recent paper introducing a novel method or forensic application of an analytical chemistry method. These papers, published in the year the course is given, do not only cover a number of state-of-the-art techniques, they also describe new options for forensic investigation. The students should reflect on the relevance of these new options and on the applicability in forensic practice. The teams present their results in the form of a presentation to their fellow students in three sessions. Each group will perform a self-assessment which will be compared with the assessment by the course coordinator in an evaluation session.
Finally, students work in small teams (3-4 in a different composition compared to the article study) to perform “dry/in silico research” using actual data sets from forensic practice and special software tools (SAILR). Students need to develop their own strategy and analysis to answer the formulated forensic case work question. In three practical sessions the lecturer can provide suggestions but the students are also encouraged to help each other and provide feedback. The teams report their results in the form of a forensic case report very similar to a real NFI report.
The course also includes a (voluntary) excursion to the NFI. During this excursion the students will meet with the forensic experts and the analytical chemical equipment and methodology will be demonstrated that feature the lecture material.