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Forensic Mass Spectrometry

Overview

Mass spectrometry is used in nearly all branches of science and is one of the best analytical techniques used today. This is an intermediate course that discusses how the mass spectrometer works, how mass spectrometry is used in forensic science, and how to interpret mass spectra.

Cost: $0-225. This course takes 31 hours to complete, on average.

Objectives

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

Define mass spectrometry and how it is used in forensic science
Discuss the history of and pioneers in mass spectrometry
List the basic components of the mass spectrometer
Describe the different types of ionization sources, mass analyzers, and detectors
Describe the different rules and aspects of mass spectra
Discuss how the elemental composition and molecular ion help in interpretation
Interpret basic mass spectra
Describe the different hyphenated systems and new technologies

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 3.56 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 31 hours. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.

Table of Contents:

Unit 1: Mass Spectrometry: Introduction
Unit 2: Ionization Sources
Unit 3: Mass Analyzers
Unit 4: Detectors
Unit 5: Hyphenated Systems
Unit 6: Forensic Applications
Unit 7: Mass Spectral Interpretation
Unit 8: Compound Classes & Functional Groups
Unit 9: Future Trends in Mass Spectrometry

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. Access to a mass spectrometer system is not required for this course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have access to a mass spectrometer?

Answer: No. The course is set up so that any part of the system you may need to view, you can through provided animations and screen shots.

What level is this course geared toward?

Answer: This course is at an intermediate level. Some prior knowledge of mass spectrometry and interpretation of spectra is recommended.

Why is my answer marked wrong, when I know it is the correct answer?

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

Robin Bowen is the Assistant Director for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops scientific resources, outreach opportunities, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities include coordination of continuing education programs, management of grant funded projects, and correspondence of progress to the National Institute of Justice. Bowen is the author of Ethics and the Practice of Forensic Science. She is a former advisory member of the Outreach and Communication Interagency Working Group (IWG) under the National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee (NSTC) on Forensic Science. She is also on the Editorial Advisory Board for the revised edition of Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. Bowen is the primary developer of the Forensic Educational Alliance, an initiative to offer a variety of forensic science continuing education courses online. She has an undergraduate degree in Forensic and Investigative Sciences and a graduate degree in Secondary Science Education. Robin is the online course instructor for Ethics in Forensic Science, Fibers and Textiles for Forensic Science, and Transition to Leadership. Contact: Robin.Bowen@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-6214

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.