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FSC-20035 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

FSC-20035 - Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime
Coordinator: Victoria Cartwright Tel: +44 1782 7 33584
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 continue to learn about the importance of biological material in forensic casework and how this evidence has the potential to identifying individuals by DNA profiling. Fundamentals in DNA profiling techniques will be explored, its application in forensic investigations and the presentation of DNA evidence in court. You will complete a case-study assessment where you will gain experience of interpreting, evaluating, and presenting DNA evidence.

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 principal 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.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the principles and significance of nucleic acid hybridisation: 1
explain the principles of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and DNA profiling and their application in Forensic Science: 1,2
describe and explain the development and application of LTDNA-typing and its advantages and limitations regarding degradation and contamination: 1,2
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
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
differentiate and critically assess types of polymorphism and DNA lineage markers and their importance in a forensic context: 1,2
communicate the outcomes of a short scientific study under oral examination in the court context: 2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
Practical classes and workshops: 10 hours
Tutorials: 10 hours
Lecture/interactive lecture: 20 hours
activities: 6 hours
Independent study hours:
Independent study: 101.5 hours
Exam: 2 hours including 30 min arrival/departure time
Presentation for case study: 0.5 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 40%
PC Based Exam (90 minutes)
1 x 1.5 h, in-person, invigilated PC-lab based multiple choice KLE based exam

2: Practice Based Assessment weighted 60%
Case study oral assessment
The student will complete a short streamlined forensic report (500 words) based on the examination of DNA evidence from a case. This will be followed by a formal 30 min oral cross examination based on the report content.

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