CHE-20010: Criminalistic Methods

This module covers the scientific principles and their applications to the imaging and characterization of a range of materials of forensic interest. It includes the development of forensic laboratory and reporting skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Know and critically understand the principles governing some key areas of criminalistic science will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Understand and apply a range of established experimental techniques within criminalistic science to effectively investigate physical evidence including examples of setting up casework related experiments will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Critically evaluate experimental data and communicate methodology, results and interpretation effectively by comprehensible and impartial written reports to a specialist audience will be achieved by assessments: 2
Effectively develop personal skills in recording observations and experimentation in a comprehensive and contemporaneous manner will be achieved by assessments: 2
Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences via poster presentation and to demonstrate skills in defending their work under oral examination. will be achieved by assessments: 1

Study hours

Lectures (24h), laboratory work (24h), seminars/presentations (4h), directed study on assignments and presentation preparation (18h), independent learning (80h)

Description of Module Assessment

01: Poster Presentation weighted 20%

EXERCISE - POSTER PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY REPORT
A poster is prepared based on experimental work carried out by the student and laboratory partner. The poster is marked and each student is individually assessed on their ability to explain and defend the work presented on it by oral examination. Short, individual summaries from each studnet on the work contribute to this assessment.

02: Practical Assessment weighted 30% (min pass mark of 40)

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT - EXPERIMENTAL AND NON-EXPERIMENTAL TASKS
Assessment of laboratory work over the semester via laboratory diary and two reports.

03: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 50% (min pass mark of 30)

UNSEEN EXAM - 2 HOURS
A 2h unseen, end of module examination.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 02/Oct/2013

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