FSC-30053 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Description for 2025/26

This module develops your knowledge and practical experience of marks and trace examination that will prepare you for the forensic laboratory practitioner workplace. Working through current SOPs and guidelines will provide valuable employability skills. An emphasis will be made on the documentation of forensic physical trace evidence that will be usable in court.

This module aims to teach students key theoretical and practical issues of some specialist areas of Forensic Science which complement the core curriculum of the course. Topic areas will cover forensic trace evidence examination and their proper handling procedures.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the ability to accurately document, photograph, and appropriately handle and preserve forensic marks and traces evidence.: 1
Synthesise and evaluate different ideas and concepts from marks and traces in forensic examination and apply these to the solution of problems in forensic crime.: 1
Apply appropriate professional and ethical standards to the collection, analysis, and evaluation of forensic marks and traces samples using a range of techniques.: 1
Communicate effectively on the examination of marks and traces evidence within a forensic lab.: 1,2
Develop a standard operating procedure within the field of forensic marks and traces, which conforms to professional and regulatory standards.: 2

Study hours

Active Learning:
Structured engagement with online resources (Pre-laboratory familiarisation material): 15 hours
Theoretical lectures: 10 hours
Asynchronous content: 8 hours
Practical laboratories: 4 x 3h = 12h
Independent study:
Guided independent study and assessment preparation: 105 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment