A Forensic-Themed Case Study for the Organic Lab

Kimberly Musa Specht
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023
Michelle A. Boucher
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utica College, Utica, NY 13502
J. Chem. Educ., 2009, 86 (7), p 847
DOI: 10.1021/ed086p847
Publication Date (Web): July 1, 2009

Abstract

This laboratory study promotes student active-learning, engaging small groups of second-semester organic students with a "real-life" experience. The goal of this study is to have the students apply previously learned techniques to a forensic-case scenario where they can act as chemical detectives. Students are provided with a selection of samples from a "body" retrieved from a lake (lake water, lung water, clothing, bottles from the scene, fingerprints from the deceased, and GC–MS data from blood). The apparent cause of death is drowning, but it is left to the small groups to determine evidence of foul play. Students use extraction, spectroscopy (FT–IR), and classical qualitative techniques to establish relationships between the water samples and cloth samples. Fingerprints are resolved using ninhydrin. The GC–MS spectra from the blood samples lead to a literature search. The groups prepare a report that includes labeled spectra and an analysis of their findings.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Laboratory Instruction

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Forensic Chemistry
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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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