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

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 21 December 2024

FSC-10005 - Forensic Identification and Investigation
Coordinator: Cheryl Scully Room: LJ 1.37
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

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.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-10005/lists

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: Open Book Assessment weighted 50%
End of semester open book assessments


2: Practical Assessment weighted 30%
Laboratory portfolio


3: Presentation weighted 20%
Oral presentation


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: 21 December 2024