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CHE-10039 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

CHE-10039 - Forensic Science Principles
Coordinator: David Thompson Tel: +44 1782 7 34954
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

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.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/che-10039/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate an appreciation of the historical development and context of forensic science: 2
demonstrate an understanding of basic forensic scientific principles and practices: 4
analyse and develop solutions to straightforward scientific problems within forensic science: 4
demonstrate appropriate research, citation, reporting and presentation skills within the forensic context: 1
effectively carry out basic forensic practical techniques: 4
apply a range of transferrable skills to their degree study: 4
demonstrate an understanding how forensic and crime scene science operate within the UK legal system: 1,2,3

Study hours

23h lecture
27h laboratory
2h presentations
18h directed study
80h independent learning

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: 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.

2: Exam weighted 50%
End of module examination duration 2h
End of module examination duration 2h

3: Essay weighted 10%
Written analysis of a case-study in crime scene examination
Written analysis of a case-study in crime scene examination

4: Laboratory Book weighted 30%
Submission of completed laboratory diary
submission of completed laboratory diary

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024