School of Physical and Geographical Sciences  
 
 
CHE-30033 Evaluation of evidence, explosives and arson  
Co-ordinator: Dr Richard Darton   Tel:33345  
Teaching Team: Dr Rob  Jackson, Mrs Patricia  Thompson, Dr Vladimir Zholobenko, Dr Craig  Adam, Miss Amy  Cowles, Mrs Victoria  Cartwright, Dr Chrystelle  Egger, Dr Richard  Darton  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Forensic Science Minor (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Barred Combinations
None

Prerequisites
Satisfactory performance in Level II modules in Forensic Science

Description

This module aims to familiarise students with key topics in forensic explosives and arson and enable them to appreciate the logical interpretation and evaluation of forensic evidence through a variety of lectures, laboratories and problem solving exercises.
Aims
This module aims to provide students an insight in to the forensic examination of explosives and fires through an understanding of the fundamental chemical and physical properties as well as an appreciation for the logical interpretation and expression of scientific evidence.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Predict the decomposition products of explosions and classify explosives by type, functional group and class. will be achieved by assessments: 3
Identify the types of materials used in explosive devices and describe and explain the recovery and processing of evidence from a crime scene. will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3
Discuss, select and apply analytical techniques to the analysis of explosives and explosive residues as well as calculate the physical and thermochemical processes occurring in an explosion, combustion and in fires will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3
Describe the processes of fire scene investigation and the forensic analysis of fire scene evidence. will be achieved by assessments: 3
Describe and explain the principles of and be able to critically select and apply appropriate statistical approaches to the logical interpretation of evidence. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3
Communicate the interpretation of scientific evidence in a manner comprehensible to the intended recipient. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3
Study hours
Lectures (21 hours), laboratory work (18 hours), problem classes (6 hours), private study (105 hours)
Description of Module Assessment
01: Exercise weighted 10%
Problem Solving Exercise
Problem solving based assessment on the interpretation of evidence
02: Laboratory Assessment weighted 20%
Practical assessment - experimental and non-experimental tasks
Students complete a variety of practical laboratory assignments and project work.
03: Unseen Exam weighted 70%
2 hours unseen exam
The main assessment for this module is a two-hour unseen written examination. Students must answer 3 questions from a choice of 4, each answer will carry 25 marks.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 02/Oct/2013

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