School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
CHE-10039 Forensic Science Principles  
Co-ordinator: Dr Craig Adam    Room: LJ1.47, Tel:33854  
Teaching Team: Mrs Patricia  Thompson, Dr Vladimir Zholobenko, Dr Craig  Adam, Miss Amy  Cowles, Mrs Victoria  Cartwright, Miss Susan  Shemilt  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 1 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None

Description

This module provides an introduction to forensic science as a professional discipline in the context of the crime scene, the laboratory and the court. It also highlights the role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness and the reporting of forensic evidence. It includes discussion of the science of many evidence types such as fibres, glass, DNA, fingerprints and drugs as well as developing a wide range of practical, laboratory skills in forensic examination of evidence. The module also aims to develop a range of study skils and transferable skills as a foundation for degree level work.
Aims
This module provides an introduction to forensic science as a professional discipline in the context of the crime scene, the laboratory and the court. It provides the scientific basis for many of the core areas of the discipline as well as delivering a range of complementary practical and transferrable skills.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate an appreciation of the historical development and context of forensic science will be achieved by assessments.

Demonstrate an understanding how forensic and crime scene science operate within the UK legal system, will be achieved by assessments.

Demonstrate an understanding of basic forensic scientific principles and practices will be achieved by assessments.

Analyse and develop solutions to straightforward scientific problems within forensic science will be achieved by assessments.

Demonstrate appropriate research, citation, reporting and presentation skills within the forensic context will be achieved by assessments.

Effectively carry out basic forensic practical techniques will be achieved by assessments.

Apply a range of transferrable skills to their degree study will be achieved by assessments.
Study hours
23h lecture
27h laboratory
2h presentations
18h directed study
80h independent learning
Description of Module Assessment
01: 2 Hour Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 30)
end of module examination duration 2h
02: Essay weighted 10%
Written analysis of a case-study in crime scene examination
03: Laboratory Book weighted 30% (min pass mark of 40)
submission of completed laboratory diary
04: Oral Presentation weighted 10%
oral presentation on forensic aspects of a case-study
Normally carried out in pairs, the students will research and present their account of the forensic aspects of a real crime investigtion, including correct citation of their sources.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.