Separation Coursework: FORENSICS

The estimation of chronological age in cadavers, human remains and in living human beings can be established using chromatographic techniques. These methods are based on the age dependent non-enzymatic changes of L-form aminoacids to D-form aminoacids, mainly aspartic acid, and are among the most reliable and accurate methods to date.

You have been provided with a published paper "Racemization of aspartic acid from human dentin in the estimation of chronological age".

Imagine you are going to use this paper as the basis for similar work which may be carried out in your laboratory on approximately 500 human remains recovered many months after a natural disaster.

Three laboratories, including yours, have been given the opportunity of obtaining a grant to do this. In an effort to convince the financing board that your laboratory should be the one awarded the grand you should provide a technical report which:

• provides a detailed summary of the chromatographic technique that has been used
  
• stipulates how many and which teeth are required


• states the approximate cost of the equipment, standards and running materials


• indicates the cost, skill and number of personnel required


• describes and critically evaluates the procedures you would follow to achieve the most accurate and precise data.

Please bear in mind that you are trying to convince a financing board that you know what you are doing and that you will be able to carry out the work fullly withing the budget that you ask for.

GOOD LUCK TO ME!!!! :S:S:S:S:S