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FSC-10015 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

FSC-10015 - Forensic Analysis: Evidence under Investigation
Coordinator: Natalie Capel Room: N/A Tel: +44 1782 7 33584
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

Chemical analysis of evidence is the foundation of forensic science, and this module will begin your training in this key discipline. You will apply chemical concepts to spectroscopic characterisation techniques, which will give you the knowledge required to succeed in forensic chemical analysis modules throughout your degree. You will receive hands-on training in a variety of laboratory techniques and spectroscopic instrumentation, as well as be introduced to the important topic of statistics in the interpretation and evaluation of forensic evidence.

Aims
This module applies fundamental chemical concepts to the analysis of forensic evidence, in particular spectroscopic characterisation techniques, which will be built upon in forensic chemical analysis modules throughout the degree programme. It also aims to introduce students' to statistics in the interpretation and evaluation of the strength of forensic evidence.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-10015/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the principles of spectroscopic and microscopic methods and how to apply these practically in a forensic context demonstrating knowledge of the importance of sample preparation in trace physical evidence.: 2
Interpret spectroscopic and analytical data for a range of organic and inorganic evidence.: 2
Demonstrate the principles underlying the statistical interpretation of forensic data, and explain the concept of the weight of evidence.: 1
Record, report and present the results of forensic investigation and analysis, including the use of spreadsheets to manipulate, analyse and interpret scientific data.: 2

Study hours

Lectures: 20 hours
Laboratory sessions: 9 hours
Problem classes: 6 hours
Directed and non-directed reading: 30 hours
Preparation of assessments: 85 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 40%
Statistics problem sheet
A problem sheet applying statistics to forensic science analysis. Equivalent to 1600 words.

2: Report weighted 60%
Case report
A report combining multiple exhibit analysis forms, displaying laboratory results and their accompanying analysis and conclusions. Equivalent to 2400 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025