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Chemical Spot Tests for Illicit Drugs

Overview

Chemical Spot Tests for Illicit Drugs discusses testing procedures, methods, and instrumentation used when performing chemical spot tests on illicit drugs. The course will review a number of common chemical spot tests used in the forensic field to presumptively test for illicit drugs, as well as the mechanisms behind the tests. The course is intended for anyone working in the forensic science or law enforcement field who is interested in learning more about chemical spot tests and how they are used.

Cost: $0-225. This class takes 5 hours to complete, on average.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain what chemical spot tests are and why they are used
Explain what chemical spot tests should be used to detect specific drugs
Describe the steps used when performing chemical spot tests
Explain what colors indicate presumptive positive results for each test

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 2.1 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 5 hours. The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, public attorneys, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this class. A printable version of the course content is available in PDF format in the course library for future reference. Course readings are also available in PDF format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to perform chemical spot tests in order to take this course?
Answer: No, it is not necessary to have knowledge of chemical spot tests to take this course. This course is designed for any level of forensic or law enforcement professional so those working with chemical spot tests on a regular basis may find this course to be very basic.
Is knowledge of chemistry required for this course?
Answer: No it is not required, but this course will discuss some chemistry elements involved with chemical spot tests.
I answered a question with the correct answer, why was it marked incorrect?
Answer: All quizzes are reviewed and manually graded by the instructor which can take up to 72 hours after the quiz is submitted. Keep in mind grading is not performed on weekends, holidays, or after close of business. The updated grade will appear in the “my grades” tab in the course once it has been updated.

Computer Requirements

Mozilla Firefox
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Quicktime
Adobe Flash Player
Java

There are free software plug-ins available in the Getting Started area of the course.

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.). The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Instructor Information

Samantha Neal is the Instructional Coordinator for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research, scientific resources, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities are the development and coordination of online continuing education courses in forensic science and continuing education programs. She has undergraduate degrees in both Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Chemistry.
Contact: samantha.neal@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5836

Sarah is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. She has a Bachelor's in Biology from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Sarah has also earned her Master's in Forensic Science from Towson University. During her graduate studies, Sarah was involved in research funded by the NIJ. The project focused on finding new serological tests using DNA as the substrate. Her responsibilities include assisting with online classes, developing a relationship with vendors, and helping with training. Sarah is a native of Wyckoff, NJ. Contact: sarah.ellis@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-9540.

Forensic Science Initiative: http://fsi.research.wvu.edu/, Contact: fsi@mail.wvu.edu
Technical Assistance: 304-293-4444 (non-credit eCampus student)
Extended Learning: http://continuinged.wvu.edu, Contact: WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Registration Information

Please read below to determine your eligibility. If you have any eligibility questions please contact Forensic Science Initiative at FSI@mail.wvu.edu BEFORE you register. Registration is accepted year-round for this course.

Law Enforcement, Public Lab Employees & Public Attorneys

Anyone employed by state, county, or city Law Enforcement or Public Safety Agency, or those employed by a Public Forensic Laboratory are eligible. Attorneys employed in the public sector at a state or county department are eligible.

Registration Steps:

Go to our Online Registration System, log in or create new profile.
Navigate to the category Forensics – Public Lab Employees
Select Course and Click on "Add to Cart" (Instructions under "How to Register")
Completely Fill out "Supervisor Approval Form: Release Form" and Click "Submit". Please note that we cannot accept registrations that list the Student as his or her own Supervisor.
Proceed to Checkout (even though charge is $0 this MUST be done)
You will receive a confirmation email verifying course registration
Course Access information will be emailed to students within 5 business days from WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Penalty Fee (Public Lab Employees, Law Enforcement, and Public Attorneys ONLY):

Public Laboratory Employees, Law Enforcement, and Public Attorneys are funded by NIJ Award 2009-DI-BX-K012. A $30 penalty fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted. The student will be held responsible for the $30 penalty even if they have left the agency. If the student defaults on the payment, the agency will be responsible for the $30 penalty fee. Failure to pay the $30 penalty fee will result in the individual student and the agency’s ineligibility to register for future FSI online and onsite courses. Each situation will be handled on a case by case basis but exceptions are rarely given.

Cancellation Fee

This $30 fee is a technology fee and is charged once registration is submitted- if there is any question concerning eligibility, please check PRIOR to registering.

Federal Employees

Anyone employed by the United States Federal Government is eligible to enroll in any course that directly impacts their job position for a cost of $30.

Registration Steps:

Go to our Online Registration System, log in or create new profile.
Navigate to the category Forensics – Federal Employees
Select Course and Click on "Add to Cart" (Instructions under "How to Register")
Completely Fill out "Supervisor Approval Form: Release Form" and Click "Submit". Please note that we cannot accept registrations that list the Student as his or her own Supervisor.
Proceed to Checkout & Pay $30 course fee
You will receive a confirmation email verifying course registration
Course Access information will be emailed to students within 5 business days from WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Refund Policy (Federal Employees ONLY):

The $30 course cost is non-refundable under any circumstance.

General Public

All others employed by private agencies, universities, agencies out of the United States, or anyone interested in taking the course.

Registration Steps:

Go to our Online Registration System, log in or create new profile.
Navigate to the category Forensics – General Public
Select Course and Click on "Add to Cart" (Instructions under "How to Register")
Proceed to Checkout & Pay $225 course fee
You will receive a confirmation email verifying course registration
Course Access information will be emailed to students within 5 business days from WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Refund Policy (General Public ONLY):

All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Email your request to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu or mail your request to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506.

For general FAQs for the FSI online courses please click here.