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FSC-30055 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

FSC-30055 - Forensic Chemical Analysis: Instrumentation and Evaluation
Coordinator: David Thompson Tel: +44 1782 7 34954
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
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

CHE-30032

Description for 2025/26

Designed to enhance your forensic chemical analysis knowledge and skills, this module builds on what you have learned at Levels 4 and 5. Through this module, you will increase the range and depth of theoretical and practical experience of state-of-the-art analytical techniques currently used in academia and industry. The authentic assessment provides you the opportunity of choosing an area to focus on, mirroring the type of problem solving an analyst may be faced with on a daily basis.

Aims
The aim of the module is to develop an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of analytical techniques and for students to be competent in a range of analytical techniques, which are all essential in (forensic) analytical science. This includes data analysis and reporting skills which would prepare students for their research project.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-30055/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Evaluate a range of techniques and methodologies available to the forensic scientist and discuss their application and limitations to the analysis of a range of materials and samples: 2
Set up examples of standard analytical instrumentation (including calibration), prepare appropriate samples and carry out straightforward laboratory measurements: 1
Critically review the results of experimental analytical work and draw relevant conclusions: 1
Critically discuss current methods and techniques within the analytical forensic sciences, some of which are at, or informed by, the
forefront of the discipline: 1,2
Develop and critically discuss a strategy to identify an unknown compound in a complex mixture.: 2
Acquire and interpret data from analytical techniques widely used in forensic chemical analysis.: 1

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
18 hours lectures, seminars and workshops
16 hours practical and analysis sessions
Independent Study Hours:
50 hours coursework preparation
66 hours independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exercise weighted 60%
Series of data analysis and evaluation exercises
A small number of exercises (equivalent to approximately 2500 words as a whole), including items such as large scale experimentally obtained data analysis and instrument performance evaluation.

2: Report weighted 40%
2000-word case study
An individually written case study in which students discuss a mode of action to solve a pre-defined forensic problem; the problem itself will be allocated to each student allowing for student choice from a range of options. This includes full justification of the proposed plan of action.

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