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FSC-10005 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

FSC-10005 - Forensic Identification and Investigation
Coordinator: Victoria Cartwright Tel: +44 1782 7 33584
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

This module provides an introduction to forensic science as a professional discipline in the context of the crime scene, the laboratory and the court. It also highlights the role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness and the reporting of forensic evidence. It includes discussion of the science of many evidence types such as fingerprints, and biological material with an emphasis on DNA.

Aims
This module provides an introduction to forensic science as a professional discipline in the context of the crime scene, the laboratory and the court. It provides the scientific basis for many of the core areas of the discipline with an emphasis on the use of biometric evidence.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe and explain the historical development and context of forensic science: 2,3
Describe and explain the principal types of biological evidence of importance in forensic contexts and the information such evidence yields: 1,2,3
Describe and explain the main biological evidence that can be used for forensic purposes and the information that can be obtained: 1,2,3
Describe and discuss the inheritance and application of genetic markers at the cellular level: 2,3
Perform forensic science laboratory protocols related to fingerprint enhancement, blood analysis, and electrophoresis: 1
Describe and explain how forensic and crime scene science operates within the UK legal system: 2,3
Analyse and develop solutions to standard scientific problems in forensic science: 1,3
Record, report, present and interpret the results of forensic investigations and analysis: 1,2,3

Study hours

Lectures (23h), laboratory and data analysis sessions (24h), problem classes (15h).
Directed (and not directed reading), preparation of assessments (238 h)

School Rules

Either A-level Chemistry or Biology (or equivalent) required for students taking this module as an option

Description of Module Assessment

1: Practical Assessment weighted 30%
Laboratory portfolio
A portfolio equivalent to 2500-3000 words incorporating a number of laboratory examination forms and pre-lab quizzes.

2: Presentation weighted 20%
Oral presentation
15-minute team based oral presentation.

3: Open Book Assessment weighted 50%
End of semester open book assessments
3000-3500 words in total, 2 open book papers based on the recovery and use of evidence used in forensic investigations. Each paper will be assessed at the end of each semester

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: 19 January 2023