SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
MORTUARY SCIENCE AND FUNERAL SERVICE
FALL 1998
COURSE NO., HOURS, TITLE: MSFS 255-3 Embalming
Chemistry
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The student will study the chemistry of the body, sanitation, toxicology,
chemical changes in deceased human remains, disinfection, and embalming
fluids. Laboratory experiences in MSFS 225a will complement lecture material.
Prerequisite: CHEM 106 and concurrent enrollment in MSFS 225a.
Lecture Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 - 8:50 a.m.
PREREQUISITE TO: None
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student shall be able to:
1. list the potentially harmful chemicals used in the preparation room,
and the precautions to be taken with each;
2. specify representative chemicals in embalming fluids (arterial, cavity,
and accessory) and give their respective functions;
3. give the essential characteristics of autolysis, hydrolysis, fermentation,
and putrefaction in the area of the chemistry of decomposition;
4. identify the characteristic features of solutions, suspensions, emulsions,
and the process of diffusion;
5. give the essential characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
in the area of basic biochemistry;
6. define organic chemistry and describe the characteristic features of
organic compounds.
COURSE OUTLINE: (Not in any specific order)
Review of General Chemistry
Chemical Shorthand: Symbols, Formulas, and Equations
Solutions, Acids, Bases, Salts, and Ionization
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Alcohols and Ethers
Aldehydes and Ketones
Introduction to Biochemistry
Enzymes
Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins
Action and Composition of Embalming Fluid
TEXTBOOKS:
Dorn, J. M. & Hopkins, B. M. (1985). Thanatochemistry: A survey of general,
organic and biochemistry for funeral service professionals. Englewood Cliffs,
CO: Prentice-Hall.
INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Shaw
OFFICE HOURS:
By appointment.
Room 213-College of Applied Sciences and Arts
Phone: 453-7217
E-Mail: saja@siu.edu
ATTENDANCE:
ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED. You are responsible
for attending all classes and completing all course requirements. You will
be allowed three absences during the semester. After the third absence the
student will have points deducted from their total points accumulated.
4 - 5 Absences = 3 Points
6 - 7 Absences = 6 Points
8 - 9 Absences = 9 Points
10 Absences = 12 Points
Please be aware that this is accumulated, total number of deducted points
if a student missed 10 classes would be 30 points. REMEMBER: If you
miss a class, it is YOUR responsibility to contact the instructor
and obtain any outside work assignment. If assignment(s) are not completed
and given to the professor, an "INC" will be given until
the assignment(s) are completed.
You are required to be present at the time the class is scheduled to begin.
Once the doors are shut and the class has started, DO NOT
interrupt the class by coming in late.
GRADES:
Grades will be determined on a percentage basis as applied to the total
number of possible points accumulated throughout the semester. The percentage
breakdown is as follows:
90 to 100% earns you an A
80 to 89% earns you a B
70 to 79% earns you a C
69% _ earns you an F
EXAMINATIONS & QUIZZES:
There will be three (3) hourly exams given during the semester. Make up
exams are generally NOT PERMITTED. A comprehensive final exam will
be given at the end of the semester and will follow the final exam schedule
set by the University.
Quizzes may be given without previous notice and will not be made up under
any circumstances.
During the semester there may be assignments that are to be completed. These
assignments may be individual or group activities. All assignments must
be completed and turned in on or before the due date. All assignments must
be typed, double space, with 1 inch margins, and have a cover page unless
other parameters are given.
*Changes may be made to this syllabus during the semester, as needed at
the instructor's discretion.
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