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FSC-30043 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

FSC-30043 - Explosives, Arson and Evidence
Coordinator: Mike Edwards Room: N/A Tel: +44 1782 7 33252
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In this module you build on your forensic chemistry and crime scene investigation knowledge from Levels 4 and 5, learning about fire and explosives scenes and the role of the forensic investigator in the analysis of these. You will apply your understanding and skills practically through the observation and analysis of a fire scene and explosives investigation, and reflect on the role, responsibilities and tasks of the forensic investigator.

Aims
This module aims to provide insight into the forensic examination of explosives and fires by understanding the fundamental chemical and physical properties, as well as the investigative process for such scenes.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-30043/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Interpret the decomposition and combustion products of explosions and fires, and classify explosives by type, functional group and class: 1,2
Apply microscopy, presumptive tests and spectroscopic techniques to the analysis of explosives and their residues, and apply critical insight and analysis to the evaluation of the results: 2
Perform appropriate calculations to quantify the physical and thermochemical processes occurring in an explosion, combustion and fires, and evaluate their significance: 2
Record, interpret, evaluate, and reflect upon the processes involved in the forensic analysis of fire and explosive scene investigation, and the role and responsibilities of the investigator: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours (26 hours)
Interactive lectures: 14 hrs
Portfolio workshop sessions: 4 hours
Practical sessions: 8 hrs
Independent Learning hours (124 hours)


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Reflective Diary weighted 30%
Reflective Learning Diary
Students will answer prompts to complete a series of short, regular, reflections covering their learning and understanding of the investigation of fire and explosives scenes. The diary will be completed in OneNote with a single summative submission date. Equivalent to 1500 words.

2: Portfolio weighted 70%
Problem based portfolio
A portfolio of practical and paper based scenarios covering arson and explosives scenes. Students will use their understanding to investigate these scenarios through a mixture of calculations, practical analysis, and data processing. The portfolio will be completed in OneNote with a single summative submission date. Equivalent to approx. 3500 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: 16 September 2026