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FSC-20027 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

FSC-20027 - Chemical Analysis and Detection
Coordinator: Falko Drijfhout Room: LJ1.36 Tel: +44 1782 7 33043
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
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

In this module you will build on your Forensic Chemistry knowledge and learn about and gain experience with a range of modern analytical techniques and their importance in the detection of compounds in forensic materials. The techniques covered, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, are fundamental in all toxicological investigations. You will develop essential skills through working as an individual and as a group in the lab and lab-based assessments to prepare you for Level 6, and to develop confidence to work in a forensic lab.

Aims
The aim of the module is that students will use a wide range of modern spectroscopic and analytical techniques for the chemical characterisation of (forensic) materials, such as methods of structural and elemental analysis, chromatography and mass spectrometry. It aims to provide the experience of these techniques in the practical context.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain and apply the basic principles of quantitative analysis and data processing: 1,2
explain the theory of elemental analysis and mass spectrometry: 1,2
explain the basic principles and the potential of hyphenated techniques in analysis: 1,2
analyse (complex) samples using a combination of spectroscopic techniques: 1,2,3
report and present the results of a forensic analytical investigation in a competent manner: 1,2
critically evaluate journal articles in relation to the analysis of data obtained in a forensic investigation: 2
demonstrate an understanding of the context and application of quality assurance in the laboratory: 1,3
discuss the potential of spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of complex samples particularly for forensic applications: 1,2
carry out experimental tasks in line with quality parameters outlined by relevant regulatory bodies: 3

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Content delivery (18h), laboratory work, including data analysis (18h), workshops (30h)

Independent Study Hours:
Suggested study (30h), independent learning (51h), practical based assessment (3h)

School Rules

none

Description of Module Assessment

1: Practice Based Assessment weighted 50%
Analysis of instrumental data
The student will complete a report (equivalent to 2500 words) based on data provided by staff. The data provided will enable students to solve a problem and evaluate the outcome in the report. The data will be accessed and analysed in the PC lab during a 3-hr session, and the report will be submitted at the end of the 3-hr session.

2: Group Assessment weighted 50%
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT - EXPERIMENTAL TASK
A group report equivalent to ~2500 words based on data obtained in the laboratory. The laboratory report is based on lab work and data collection that is carried out in a group (2-4 students) one joint report per group is required. To ensure that all members of the group contribute equally to the report as well as to the work carried out in the lab, 20% of the mark is allocated to peer review for this assessment. The report will contribute 80% to the mark and 20% is based on the peer review. There is 10% penalty for non-completion of the peer assessment.

3: Competence weighted 0%
Lab Competency Assessment
Creating a calibration plot according to the required standard set out in ISO 17025, required by relevant regulatory bodies.

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