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FSC-40009 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 27 April 2024

FSC-40009 - Research Skills for Analytical Science
Coordinator: Jamie Pringle Room: WSF13 Tel: +44 1782 7 33163
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

N/A

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2024/25


Aims
This module aims to develop the student¿s research skills required for carrying out their specialised research project in Forensic Science. Comprehensive generic research skills will provide students with transferable research skillsets needed to successfully complete the course.
Alongside the taught skills session, the students will also begin to learn the techniques needed to carry out their research project under guidance from their supervisor. Students will be better prepared to carry out their dissertation project and have a deeper understanding of methodologies in their chosen field of research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1
1
demonstrate systematic knowledge of forensic scientific data analysis, and to be able to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of statistical methodologies: describe and critically evaluate the knowledge base of the project, and thereby possess a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, current research in the area: 2
develop a systematic and critical understanding of the use of digital imaging and graphics techniques for displaying and interpreting forensic science data: describe and critically explain the current existing knowledge in literature within the respective research area chosen for study: 2

Study hours

Teaching sessions - 24 hours
Training sessions/meetings with supervisor - 24 hours
Independent study - 102 hours
This includes sessions and student-generated material on a project research proposal, project management, ethics and safety, scientific writing, statistical analysis of datasets/data integration and graphical presentation exercises

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Literature Review weighted 50%
A written review of the existing literature relevant to the project
The student will demonstrate a thorough literature search of relevant work to support and contextualise their research project theme/research questions. The written review will provide relevant background information and critically analyse existing research relevant to the project. Equivalent to 2000 words

2: Portfolio weighted 50%
Portfolio of a series of exercises to develop students research skills
Portfolio of a series of exercises that will develop students research skills, worked up into an equivalent of 2,500 word work book

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and 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/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 27 April 2024