CHEM 113 - Chemistry and Crime: From Sherlock Holmes to Modern Forensic Science

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Chemistry

Description:

In this course, designed for students who do not plan to major in the natural sciences, we use a case-oriented approach to explore selected topics of forensic science. These include: (1) the scientific and technological foundation for the examination of physical, chemical, and biological items of evidence, and (2) the scope of expert qualifications and testimony, the legal status of scientific techniques, and the admissibility of the results in evidence. The analysis of trace evidence, including glass, soil, gunpowder residues and bullet fragments, and inorganic and heavy metal poisons are discussed through an understanding of the basic concepts of chemistry and analytical chemistry. Forensic toxicology and pharmacology are applied to the analysis of alcohol, poisons, and drugs based upon the principles of organic chemistry and biochemistry. The characterization of blood and other body fluids necessitate an understanding of serology and molecular genetics. The cases which stimulate the exploration of these areas include: the John and Robert Kennedy assassinations, the Jeffrey MacDonald case (Fatal Vision), the Wayne Williams case, the deaths of celebrities Marilyn Monroe, John Belushi, and Janis Joplin, the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, the Lindberg baby kidnapping, the Tylenol poisonings, and the identity of Anastasia. An interactive laboratory program provides an appreciation of scientific experimentation in general and the work of a crime lab in particular. It includes an analysis of evidence collected at various crime scenes and provides an opportunity to learn forensic techniques such as chromatography (for ink, drug, and fire accelerant analysis), spectroscopy (for alcohol and drug analysis), and electrophoresis (for DNA fingerprinting).

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Designed for the non-science major who does not intend to pursue a carreer inthe natrual sciences; not open to students who have taken CHEM 151, 153, 155, 156/251, or 256

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lab

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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