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FSC-30037 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 09 May 2024

FSC-30037 - Advanced Forensic Chemistry
Coordinator: Falko Drijfhout Room: LJ1.36 Tel: +44 1782 7 33043
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of FHEQ level 5 modules or equivalent in Forensic Science

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module is designed to give you the required information and skills in the field of analytical and forensic sciences. In the module you will expand your knowledge on the principles of a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical techniques currently being used in research and development by both academia and industry. You will gain practical skills on a number of these state-of-the-art analytical techniques, some of which you will utilize in your research project.

Aims
The aim of the module is to develop an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of analytical techniques and for students to be competent in a range of analytical techniques, which are all essential in (forensic) analytical science. This includes data analysis and reporting skills which would prepare students for their research project.

Intended Learning Outcomes

evaluate a range of techniques and methodologies available to the forensic scientist and discuss their application and limitations to the analysis of a range of materials and samples: 3
set up examples of standard analytical instrumentation (including calibration), prepare appropriate samples and carry out straightforward laboratory measurements: 1
critically review the results of experimental analytical work and draw relevant conclusions: 1,2
critically discuss current methods and techniques within the analytical forensic sciences, some of which are at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline: 2,3
Develop and critically discuss a strategy to identify an unknown compound in a complex mixture.: 3
Acquire and interpret data from analytical techniques widely used in forensic chemical analysis.: 2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
27 hours workshops (combined lecture and data analysis session)
27 hours lab sessions
Independent Study Hours:
54 hours coursework preparation
42 hours independent study (general preparation)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Individual Report weighted 30%
Evaluative report
Report to evaluate the performance of their own analytical instrument created during a lab session (equivalent to 1200 words).

2: Laboratory Report weighted 30%
PCA data analysis
A large scale data analysis exercise on datasets obtained during a lab session, submitted in report form (equivalent to 1200 words)

3: Case Study weighted 40%
2000-word essay
An individually written essay in which students discuss a mode of action to solve a pre-defined forensic problem. This includes full justification of the proposed plan of action.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 09 May 2024