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FSC-40041 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

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

FSC-40041 - Marks and Traces Advanced Examination
Coordinator: Kristopher Wisniewski Tel: +44 1782 7 34593
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
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

FSC-30053
FSC-30033

Description for 2025/26

This module provides advanced 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 at the forefront of the discipline will provide valuable employability skills. An emphasis will be made on the documentation of advanced forensic physical trace evidence that will be usable in court.

Aims
This module aims to teach students key theoretical and practical issues of advanced Forensic Science marks and traces examination at the forefront of the discipline. Topic areas will cover advanced forensic marks and traces evidence examination of drugs, glass, noxious substances and their proper handling procedures.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate in detail the ability to accurately document, photograph, and appropriately handle and preserve forensic evidence: 1
Synthesise and critically evaluate different ideas and concepts from specialist topics 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 samples using a range of advanced techniques.: 1
Communicate effectively and critically reflect on the examination of evidence, own practice within a forensic lab and the skills gained in examination of advanced marks and traces: 1,3
Present findings of a detailed literature review within the field of marks and traces: 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

1: Practice Based Assessment weighted 40%
Practical Portfolio
Assessment consisting of selected forensic science practicals undertaken, equivalent to 2000 words. Students will complete their notes in each session and submit in a separate wrap up session.

2: Poster weighted 30%
Poster
Students produce an A1 poster which effectively communicates findings from a detailed literature search within the field of marks and traces. Equivalent to 1500 words.

3: Reflective Diary weighted 30%
Reflective Diary
Reflective Diary, equivalent to 1,500 words, based on critical reflections of taught content, skills audit and developments.

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