FSC-10005 - Forensic Identification and Investigation

Coordinator: Victoria Cartwright Tel: +44 1782 7 33584

Lecture Time: See Timetable...

Level: Level 4

Credits: 30

Study Hours: 300

School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

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 fingerprints, and biological material with an emphasis on DNA.

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 with an emphasis on the use of biometric evidence.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the historical development and context of forensic science: 2,3
Describe and explain the principal types of biological evidence of importance in forensic contexts and the information such evidence yields: 2,3
Describe and explain the main biological evidence that can be used for forensic purposes and the information that can be obtained: 1,2,3
Describe and discuss the inheritance and application of genetic markers at the cellular level: 2,3
Perform forensic science laboratory protocols related to fingerprint enhancement, blood analysis, and electrophoresis: 1
Describe and explain how forensic and crime scene science operates within the UK legal system: 1,2,3
Analyse and develop solutions to standard scientific problems in forensic science: 1,3
Record, report, present and interpret the results of forensic investigations and analysis: 1

Study hours

Lectures (23h), laboratory and data analysis sessions (15h), problem classes (12h).
Directed (and not directed reading), preparation of assessments (250 h)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 40%
Coursework portfolio
A portfolio equivalent to 2500-3000 words incorporating a number of assessments including laboratory exercises, scientific presentation, data analysis, professional development and collaborative team working.

2: Class Test weighted 10%
Multiple Choice Question Tests
Online unseen questions, including both information recall and problem solving.

3: Open Book Assessment weighted 50%
End of module open book assessment
3000-3500 words, 4 long questions based on the use of biological/biometric evidence used in forensic investigations.

FSC-10005 - Module Specification School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences

FSC-10005 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences