Chemical Analysis for Forensic Evidence

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

Analytical chemistry is a pervasive science in the forensic field. Many different types of forensic samples are subjected to chemical analysis. The types of samples, sample handling, and sample preparation are briefly discussed. Analytical methods are described in two different ways. A forensic framework is offered for those students that are not yet familiar with forensic science. In addition analytical chemical methods are described in detail to illustrate the application in forensic practice. Attention will be paid to special requirements of chemical analysis in a forensic context (quality, traceability, contamination). An important aspect of the course is a meaningful interpretation of the data, based on (Bayesian) statistics. The ultimate objective is to translate analytical data into solid evidence. Students work in teams on lecture assignments, to study and present recent literature, and to write a forensic case report. The course also includes an individual exam and an excursion to the Netherlands Forensic Institute, were forensic experts will demonstrate what has been taught during the course.

Study materials

Other

• Class handouts will be augmented by a number of (review) articles.

Objectives

• Define forensic analytical chemistry and understand the underlying framework covering the key aspects involved.
• List the main forensic expertise areas where analytical chemistry plays an important role.
• Understand how analytical chemistry is applied in criminal investigations and what information is provided.
• Understand which analytical techniques are used in which type of forensic investigations.
• Describe novel analytical chemistry methods and understand their forensic application.
• Critically evaluate recent scientific papers introducing new forensic analytical chemistry methods.
• Analyze the forensic and scientific potential and challenges of these new methods.
• Form and formulate an independent opinion on the added value of these new methods.
• Suggest options for additional research and development regarding these new methods.
• To present these findings to a peer student group and obtain valuable feedback from a group discussion.
• To study correlation in multivariate chemical profiling datasets.
• Understand the Bayesian framework for evidence evaluation and its application in forensic analytical chemistry.
• Use the SAILR software to assess evidential value from multivariate chemical profiling datasets.
• Write a basic forensic case work report on the basis of forensic analytical chemistry findings.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Fieldwork/excursion
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Presentation/symposium
• Self-study

Classroom lectures cover the essentials of analytical techniques and their application in forensic science. Each lecture addresses one chapter of the course book Chemical Analysis for Forensic Evidence (ISBN 978-0-12-820715-4). The students read the chapter in preparation of the lecture. The key messages of the chapter are summarized and students can ask questions and discuss the content. After a quiz on the material, the students work in groups on an assignment related to the chapter. Completing all assignments in time and with sufficient details earns the students 0.5 on their final grade for the course. These assignments also prepare the students for their exam. In addition, in a different team, students select and study a forensic chemistry paper published in the year of the course. The students read, discuss, and critically evaluate the article and present their findings to their fellow students. These presentations are graded by the teachers and this team grade accounts for 30% of the final grade. The interpretation of analytical data is addressed in a computer classroom, using readily available software tools (including the statistical software package SAILR). Data analysis and statistical models are created to evaluate elemental profiles measured for glass trace evidence and establish the evidential strength when comparing the glass evidence to the smashed window at the crime scene. These findings are reported by the teams in the form of an official case report. The reports are evaluated and graded by the course coordinator. This grade also accounts for 30% of the final grade. Finally, the individual exam given at the end of the course accounts for 40% of the final. All parts require a grade of 5,5 or higher to pass the course. 
An excursion to the NFI is offered as part of the course. This will allow students to get a feel for how forensic investigations are conducted by real experts in real cases!

Learning activities

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER part B).

Assessment

Inspection of assessed work

Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

Assignments

Group assignment Article Presentation, Group assignment Forensic Report

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Additional information

A max of 48 students can be admitted to the course

Contact information

Coordinator

• prof. dr. Arian van Asten