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FSC-10019 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

FSC-10019 - Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA
Coordinator: Cheryl Scully Room: LJ 1.37
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
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

In this module you will be introduced to forensic science as a professional discipline, covering topics such as crime scene investigation, laboratory examination and the role of the expert witness in court. You will develop your communication skills by presenting data and summarising findings in formats suitable for different audiences, including laboratory-based examination forms and oral presentation work. You will be introduced to recovery and analysis techniques with emphasis on human identification.

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

Explain the historical development and context of forensic science: 1,3
Explain the principal types of biological evidence and how this evidence is used in forensic science, including the information such evidence yields: 1,2,3
Discuss the inheritance and application of genetic markers at the cellular level: 1,2,3
Perform forensic science laboratory protocols related to fingerprint enhancement, blood analysis, and electrophoresis
: 3
Explain how forensic and crime scene science operates within the UK legal system: 1,3
Analyse and develop solutions to standard scientific problems in forensic science: 1,2
Record, report, present and interpret the results of forensic investigations and analysis: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Lectures (23h), laboratory and data analysis sessions (24h), problem classes (15h).
Independent study:
In-person exams (2 × 3h)
Reading and preparation of assessments (232 h)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 50%
End of semester open book exam
two in-person 3 hour invigilated exams; one at the end of each semester. Students will have the ability to bring along a restricted number of pre-prepared paper notes as part of the open book nature of the assessment.

2: Portfolio weighted 30%
Laboratory portfolio
A portfolio equivalent to 3000 words incorporating a number of laboratory examination forms and pre-lab quizzes.

3: Group Assessment weighted 20%
Oral presentation
15-minute oral presentation completed in small groups (2-3 students). The presentation is based on a true case which occurred within the last 50 years chosen by the students. The presentation focuses on the science – specifically the forensic evidence, its analysis and its significance in solving that particular crime in the UK legal system.

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