CHE-20077 - Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries
Coordinator: Charlene E Greenwood Tel: +44 1782 7 32821
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to theory and professional practice of forensic analysis of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries. The core topics include security systems, document security, heritage authentication, counterfeit medicine and fraudulent food. This module will include chemical and analytical analysis of various samples associated with these core topics including documents, paint associated with artwork and counterfeit alcohol. Across all these areas, laboratory exercises will develop the practical and reporting skills needed in the forensic examination of these samples, including, for example, taking case-notes, compiling reports and presenting findings orally.

Aims
The module provides an insight into the core topics of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries within forensic science and will cover aspects of document security, heritage security, counterfeit medicine and food fraud. This will include chemical and analytical aspects, as well as developing the practical and reporting skills needed in the forensic examination of documents, heritage specimens, medicine and fraudulent food. An overview of the security systems used to detect fraudulent activity will also be covered.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe, explain and critically review the principles and practices used for the examination of documents, heritage specimens, counterfeit medicine and fraudulent food in the forensic science and security contexts: 1,2,3
Describe, explain and critically review the fundamental principles of security systems employed in forensic science: 1
Examine aspects of documents, heritage specimens, counterfeit medicine and fraudulent food: 1,2
Maintain accurate records of laboratory work and use these to interpret the findings of an examination: 2
Communicate effectively and critically discuss the findings from the examination of documents, heritage specimens, counterfeit medicine and fraudalent food, both in the form of written reports and through oral presentation: 2,3
Discuss, select and apply appropriate analytical techniques for the physicochemical examination of various document related materials, including inks and paper, as well as drug, food and heritage specimens: 1,2,3

Study hours

Lectures (22 h),
Laboratory (18 h),
Oral presentation session (2 h),
Independent study (108 h).

School Rules

Successful completion of CHE-10039 Forensic Science Principles, or equivalent.

Description of Module Assessment

1: Problem Sheets weighted 50%
Problem Based Assessment
Problem based assessment consisting of a number of long questions based on the topics covered in this module (equivalent to 2500 words).

2: Portfolio weighted 35%
A portfolio of laboratory-based work
A portfolio of laboratory work equivalent to 2000 words.

3: Group Presentation weighted 15%
An oral presentation on a technical topic
Each student will prepare and deliver an oral presentation as part of a group lasting 10 - 15 minutes, on an agreed topic related to the forensic examination of counterfeit and fraudulent materials.