School of Science and Technology

Course Syllabus

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
- the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
- the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
- the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
- gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
- stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
- communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall have
- knowledge of quality assured sampling strategies, sampling and sample handling of evidence,
- knowledge of sample preparation methods and understanding of how different methods are used based on sample characteristics and analyte properties,
- knowledge of various forensic techniques for the analysis of materials and biological samples,
- knowledge of various statistical data processing methods, and
- understanding of sustainable resources from an analytical science perspective.

Competence and Skills
After completed studies, the student shall be able to
- independently plan and carry out sampling of evidence,
- show competence in the application of different chemical sample preparation methods,
- use analytical instrumentation in forensic applications,
- show skills in data processing and interpretation of results, and
- show proficiency in written and oral communication of chemical and forensic results.

Judgement and Approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to
- plan, execute and report chemical analytical projects in a quality assured way,
- evaluate and select analytical scientific approaches based on different situations and scenarios, and
- discuss the analytical scientists role in a sustainable society.

The course covers sampling strategy and methodology to analyze different types of samples in the forensic context. Particularly emphasized is the importance of quality assurance and statistical methods of the work. Appropriate strategies from sampling to analysis are discussed based on the nature of the sample and physical and chemical properties of the analytes. Instrumental methods are also highlighted. Statistical methods and their application are illustrated with self-produced chemical data. An essential part of the course consists of project work with some autonomy. The works consist of various forensic cases, for example environmental crimes, which may vary from year to year. Sustainability issues are discussed with focus on the environment and the analytical scientists role for a positive development.

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, field trips and laboratory work.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

ECTS Grading
The course grading is translated to the ECTS grading scale.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

University studies in Chemistry equivalent to 30 Credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Language of Instruction
The language of instruction on the course, or parts of the course, may be English.


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Required Reading

Laborationshandledningar och annat utdelat material tillkommer. Referenslitteratur anges vid kursstart. Antal sidor för detta material uppgår till max 200./ Laboratory manuals and other handouts will be added. Additional reading will be listed at the start of the course. The number of pages of this material will not exceed 200.

See this Course Syllabus as PDF