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FSC-20003 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 19 April 2024

FSC-20003 - Forensic Genetics
Coordinator: Amber Collings
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of FHEQ Level 4 Forensic Science modules or equivalent

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25


Aims
This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge of the molecular tools used for identifying individuals by DNA profiling and to build on this to describe some of the ways in which these tools are used in Forensic Science. The principle concepts in DNA profiling will be explored with the aim of extending the students understanding of human identification, its importance and application in the forensic context, analytical techniques and processes, population genetics and the presentation of DNA evidence in court.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-20003/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the principles and significance of nucleic acid hybridisation: 1,2,3
describe and explain the development and application of LTDNA-typing and its advantages and limitations regarding degradation and contamination: 1,2,3
apply a working knowledge of population genetics to calculate profile frequencies, evaluate their statistical significance and present this information appropriately as an expert witness in court: 1,2,3
critically evaluate the significance of different sources of DNA and appropriate approaches to collection, storage and analysis of the samples with reference to contamination avoidance procedures: 1,2,3
differentiate and critically assess types of polymorphism and DNA lineage markers and their importance in a forensic context: 1,2,3
communicate the outcomes of a short scientific study under oral examination in the court context: 2
explain the principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and DNA profiling and their application in Forensic Science: 1,2,3

Study hours

Active learning hours:
Practical classes and workshops: 10 hours
Tutorials: 10 hours
Lecture/interactive lecture: 18 hours
Class tests: 3 hours
Oral assessment including collaborative activities: 5 hours
Independent study: 104 hours


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Class Test weighted 40%
Class Test
Two 1.5 h, in-person, invigilated, PC-lab based, class tests, each worth 20% of the module mark.

2: Oral Presentation weighted 40%
Case study exercise
The student will complete a short report (500 words) based on the examination of DNA evidence. This will be followed by a formal oral cross-examination.

3: Assignment weighted 20%
Report
Equivalent to 1000 words relating to laboratory and problem class work.

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: 19 April 2024