Graduate Certificate: Forensic Chemistry

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Learn more about the graduate certificate in Forensic Chemistry.

About the Certificate

The graduate certificate in Forensic Chemistry provides advanced academic credentials for the working professional seeking training beyond the baccalaureate degree. The certificate program is designed to introduce students to a portfolio of knowledge and experience that enables them to tackle problems in forensic, environmental, and other areas of chemistry. Other objectives include providing:

  • a theoretical understanding of major concepts in forensic chemistry,
  • a range of practical skills in forensic chemistry, and
  • knowledge and skills applicable to academia, industry, and government.

The certificate program in Forensic Chemistry includes core requirements in current topics in data analysis; forensic chemistry; and law, ethics, and policy. Annual symposia are held wherein leaders in the field of forensic science present on current topics and developments in the field of forensics and forensic chemistry. Courses may be conducted as hands-on training in a modular, forensic chemistry laboratory.

Campus Location: Main, Ambler

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The graduate certificate can be completed on a part-time basis. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the program director for more information.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students can take up to 9 credits on a non-matriculated basis. When they complete 9 credits, they must declare their intention to complete the graduate certificate in Forensic Chemistry by completing and submitting the “Non-Degree Seeking Student Request to Exceed 9 Credits of Graduate Coursework for Certificate Program," found in TUportal under the Tools tab within “University Forms.”

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12-13

Required Courses:

Select any four from the following: 112-13
CHEM 5102
Data Analysis and Evidence
CHEM 5108
Investigative Chemistry
CHEM 8001
Leadership, Law and Ethics in Forensic Science
CHEM 8107
Advanced Forensic Chemistry 2
CHEM 8310
Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry 3
CHEM 8601
Analytical Separations
Total Credit Hours12-13

GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum

Courses

CHEM 5001. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I. 3 Credit Hours.

Group theory and its applications to chemical systems. Molecular orbital theory and spectroscopy. Descriptive chemistry of transition metal and organometallic compounds.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5005. Organometallic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of the chemistry of organic compounds of the main and transition elements, with emphasis on their reactions and applications.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5102. Data Analysis and Evidence. 2 Credit Hours.

Forensic chemistry involves the forensic application of analytical chemistry theories, techniques and instrumentation to the analysis of controlled substances, fire debris evidence, explosives, and other trace evidence/chemical unknown materials. This course will cover those concepts relevant to the field of forensic chemistry including chain of custody, the theory and practical applications of the uncertainty of measurement and propagation of error. Students will also learn the classifications and unique physical and chemical characteristics of forensic chemistry evidence and investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of this evidence through the use of chemical, microscopic and instrumental techniques. The chemical characteristics of explosive materials as well as the analytical techniques used to analyze these samples will also be covered.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5103. Advanced Instrumental Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

Recent developments in electrochemical and electroanalytical techniques, including voltammetric and potentiostatic procedures and the basics of instrumental design. Applications to organic chemistry, trace analysis, chromatographic detectors, and electrokinetics discussed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5107. Drug Analysis. 4 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5108. Investigative Chemistry. 4 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5201. Physical Methods in Organic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Principles and applications of important physical and spectroscopic methods; IR, UV, NMR, MS, ESR, ORD, and CD in structure determination.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5202. Organic Reaction Mechanisms. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an introductory overview of organic structure and most common organic reaction mechanisms.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5205. Organic Syntheses. 3 Credit Hours.

Scope and limitations of modern synthetic methods, including silicon reagents, organometallic and radical chemistry.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5301. Quantum Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to quantum mechanics and its application to chemical systems.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5302. Statistical Thermodynamics. 3 Credit Hours.

The basic concept of statistical mechanical ensembles and their application.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5304. Nanomaterials Chemistry and Physics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will cover the key chemical/physical properties of nanomaterials as well as nanomaterials characterization and synthesis for graduate students. The goal of this class is to help students get familiar to the important concepts associated with the confined dimensionality in nanomaterials and apply these concepts to understand unique electronic/optical properties of nanomaterials and the thermodynamics/kinetics of forming nanomaterials. The course is organized with four modules: 1) Introduction to Nanoscience - Physical and Chemical Concepts, 2) Characterization of Materials at Nanoscale, 3) Fabrication of Nanostructures and Nanomaterials, and 4) Case Study of Specific Nanomaterials.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5305. Chemical Kinetics. 3 Credit Hours.

A study of the dynamics of chemical reactions.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5358. Cellular/Molecular Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5401. Biochemistry I. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of the biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids) correlating their structures with their chemical properties and biological functions.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5402. Chemical Biology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will focus on the interactions between chemicals and biomolecules, with an eye on how to search, create, and modify molecules that can be either probes to understand, or therapeutic drugs to treat human diseases. Modern medicinal chemistry and biotechnologies will be covered to elucidate how chemistry can be used to perturb the biomolecules' structure and function, topics not typically studied in an undergraduate organic chemistry or biochemistry course. An advanced level of study in chemical biology can only be attained by a critical reading of scientific literature, and this course will consist of both lectures and student presentations of literature research.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5412. Structural Bioinformatics II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an introduction to structural bioinformatics, with focus on understanding three dimensional structures of biological macromolecules. Topics covered include: an overview of macromolecular structure determination, introduction to molecular modeling theory and the application of computational modelling in structure based drug design. The course also offers practical training on the application of molecular modelling methods for understanding structural biology and in rational drug discovery.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites: Minimum grade of B- in BIOL 5411.

CHEM 5505. Advanced Polymer Structure and Properties. 3 Credit Hours.

Polymers are ubiquitous in many new (scaffolds for tissue engineering, hip replacements) and old (textiles, engineering resins, flocculants) applications, and are often used in composites with inorganic materials. In order to better understand the use and novel developments of polymers, this course will provide the fundamentals of synthesis, polymer structure/property relationships, and characterization methods.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5701. Teaching of Chemistry. 0 to 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 5901. Responsibility and Ethics in Chemical Research. 1 Credit Hour.

The primary goal of this course is to educate graduate students in the ethical and responsible practices of scientific research. The course is designed to meet the requirements of both the NIH and NSF for training in responsible conduct of research (RCR). As an independent scientific researcher it is critical to have an understanding on what constitutes ethical scientific practices both in the laboratory and in professional interactions with colleagues. This course will be based on student-led presentations and case study discussions in order to understand the real world applications of these issues.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8000. Special Topics in Inorganic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of a topic chosen by the instructor. Topics could include bioinorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, solid state and materials chemistry, and catalysis.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8001. Leadership, Law and Ethics in Forensic Science. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide the students with an introduction to the American criminal justice system, explain the role of the forensic scientist in the criminal justice system, and discuss theoretical and practical applications of forensic science laboratory management. Students will learn successful leadership styles and discuss topics relating to ethical behavior, quality measures including quality control and quality assurance, communication and privacy issues relating to forensic science as well as resource management. Through discussion and analysis of the U.S. Constitution, the Pennsylvania Constitution, Federal (and State) Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal (and State) Rules of Evidence with particular emphasis on case law, students will develop a practical understanding of modern criminal jurisprudence. Special emphasis and consideration will be given to the ethical obligations of criminal justice practitioners, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers and expert witnesses.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8002. Practical X-Ray Diffraction. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will learn the theory and practice of crystal structure determination by the method of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Students will become independently competent in each stage of the crystal structure data collection, solution, and refinement processes, and will understand the theory behind each stage, as well as how to overcome common pitfalls. The course features expanded topics over the undergraduate version of the course (CHEM 4004), including how to treat common crystallographic pitfalls in solution structure and refinement. These include disorder, twinning, space group ambiguity, and misplaced origin errors. Mode: 3 hours of lecture and/or lab per week.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8007. Biotransformation of Drugs and Xenobiotics. 3 Credit Hours.

Drug Metabolism is an essential component of forensic sciences. This course is important for a thorough understanding of the basic concepts of absorption, distribution, elimination, excretion, and in particular xenobiotic disposition. The discipline of biotransformation continues to evolve as it adapts to new scientific discoveries bringing new opportunities for forensic science research. This course is designed to teach the advances in drug metabolism.

Level Registration Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Undergraduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8107. Advanced Forensic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Forensic chemistry involves the forensic application of analytical chemistry theories, techniques and instrumentation to the analysis of controlled substances, fire debris evidence, explosives, and other trace evidence/chemical unknown materials. This course will cover those concepts relevant to the field of forensic chemistry including chain of custody, the theory and practical applications of the uncertainty of measurement and propagation of error. Students will also learn the classifications and unique physical and chemical characteristics of forensic chemistry evidence and investigate the physical and chemical characteristics of this evidence through the use of chemical, microscopic and instrumental techniques. The chemical characteristics of explosive materials as well as the analytical techniques used to analyze these samples will also be covered.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites: Minimum grade of B+ in CHEM 5102.

CHEM 8111. Forensic Toxicology. 3 Credit Hours.

Students in this class learn to apply fundamental principles of toxicology (e.g., dose response, toxicokinetics, pharmacodynamics, route of exposure) to understand common drugs and chemical exposures that often are involved in forensic cases. The course teaches toxicology from three different but overlapping approaches: Common Drugs and chemical toxicants (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, opioids, other drugs of abuse, metals, gases), Mechanisms of Toxicity (e.g., oxidative stress, cell death) and Organ System Toxicity (e.g., neurotoxicity, liver toxicity, etc.). The course makes use of real world case examples thereby allowing students to apply theory to practice.

Level Registration Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Undergraduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8200. Special Topics in Organic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course; subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8201. The Chemistry of Natural Products. 3 Credit Hours.

Biogenetic classification, classical and modern synthetic approaches to polyketides, steroids, terpenes, and alkaloids.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8205. Heterocyclic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8210. Special Topics in Organic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course; subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8300. Special Topics in Physical Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course, subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8301. Molecular Spectroscopy. 3 Credit Hours.

Absorption, emission and scattering of light by molecular system. Discussion of basic principles and experimental techniques.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8302. Computational Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8303. Modern Meth in Exp Chem. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8310. Special Topics in Analytical Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course, subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8400. Special Topics in Biochemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Advanced lecture course; subject matter varies from semester to semester.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 8401. Bioinorganic Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8501. High Polymer Chemistry. 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the important theoretical and practical aspects of high polymer chemistry.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8601. Analytical Separations. 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and practice of modern separation methods with emphasis on chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CHEM 8985. Teaching in Higher Ed:Phys Sci. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.

Teaching in Higher Education: Physical Sciences. This course focuses on learning theory and the best teaching practices, with the aim of preparing students for effective higher education teaching.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9300. Seminar in Physical Chemistry. 1 Credit Hour.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9800. Seminar in Forensic Chemistry. 1 Credit Hour.

Wide-ranging introduction to key areas and "hot topics" in forensic science, as presented by a series of guest lectures by leading practitioners in the field.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9900. Seminar. 2 Credit Hours.

Formal presentation of research topics by graduate students. Regular attendance required of all graduate students.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9901. Original Research Proposal Preparation. 1 Credit Hour.

This class affords guidance on developing the original research proposal, a required component for advancing to PhD candidacy in the Department of Chemistry.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

Pre-requisites: Minimum grade of C in CHEM 9900.

CHEM 9991. Master's Research Projects. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Short-term, limited research project or laboratory project in the field. This course is not the capstone project course, nor can it be used for thesis based research. The course is for master's students only, including PSM, MA or MS. This class will not confer full-time program status unless nine credits are taken.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9994. Preliminary Examination Preparation. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course is required for students who are preparing for the preliminary or candidacy examination. Students should enroll after coursework is completed or when preparing for the candidacy exam until the time that the preliminary or candidacy examination is completed. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit. All students must complete a minimum of one credit of this course. Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of 9994, 9998 and 9999.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9995. Capstone Project. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Capstone project for master's students including students in PSM, MA or MS. This class will provide full-time status. Students in PSM programs need to register for at least one credit of this course to fulfill program requirements. Additional credits may be required for specific programs. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Degree Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Degrees: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Prof Science Masters.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9996. Master's Thesis Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Course for master's thesis research. Only intended for students in thesis bearing master's programs. A minimum of one credit is required. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9998. Pre-Dissertation Research / Elevation to Candidacy. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course is intended for students who are performing research prior to candidacy. Students can register for this course after required courses are completed. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit. Students must be registered for this course during the semester that they are to be elevated to candidacy examination. Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of 9994, 9998 and 9999.

Field of Study Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Fields of study: Chemistry.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Science & Technology.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CHEM 9999. Dissertation Research. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

The course is for Ph.D. students who have been elevated to candidacy. During the course of their candidacy students must complete a minimum of two credits of dissertation research. This course will confer full-time status at the minimum credit hour registration limit of one credit. Students must complete a total of 6 credit hours of 9994, 9998 and 9999.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Dissertation Writing Student.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Contacts

Certificate Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/forensic-chemistry-certificate-graduate-st-fchm-grad

Department Information:

Dept. of Chemistry

130 Beury Hall

1901 N. 13th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078

cst.psm@temple.edu

215-204-2552

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://cst.temple.edu/academics/graduate-programs/apply-now

Department Contacts:

Program Director:

Susan Jansen-Varnum, Ph.D.

susan.varnum@temple.edu