Forensic Science
| Module title | Forensic Science |
|---|---|
| Module code | BIO2068 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Katie Solomon (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 100 |
|---|
Module description
Term 1:
Teaching in term 1 allows non-scientists to gain knowledge of the basic scientific principles associated with forensic investigation.
Chemistry:- Emphasis on analytical techniques, the identification of materials and the determination of their composition. The underlying physical principles and the individual limitations of the techniques, as well as the chemical interactions taking place.
Biology:- Molecular biology and biochemistry (with particular emphasis on nucleic acids, proteins, enzymes and
biochemical processes, molecular genetics and principles of inheritance), anatomy, organ systems.
Physics:- Elementary optics (including principles of microscopy), classical mechanics (as relevant to projectiles, ballistics and explosions), physical properties of matter, radiation and its effects.
Term 2:
Provides application of scientific understanding of the detection of crime through a series of expert witness lectures supported by lectures on the scientific principles. We have an extensive programme of expert witness lectures from professionals working in the field nationally. In collaboration with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, we have lectures from crime scene investigators, a forensic pathologist, a criminal barrister, a terminal wound ballistics expert, forensic psycho-profiling, DNA fingerprint experts and we also hold a firearms workshop to provide hands-on experience. The module is an excellent test of logical reasoning with foundations in scientific methods.
BIO2068 is an optional module for students within the University with no scientific training.
Course content warning:
The content of BIO2066/BIO2068 Forensic Science contains images, depictions and descriptions of murder, sexual assault, self-harm, violence and death that some students may find offensive and/or traumatizing.
Material of a graphic nature will be presented in pre-recorded material to be watched at home and also during in-person sessions.
This content is integral to the module and should be considered when making module choices.
Accessibility statement
Some sessions are not recorded, but notes will be uploaded after the session.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module will provide a basic introduction to the chemical, biological and physical principles associated with forensic investigation.
The module aims to develop your ability to conduct analysis of theoretical crime scene situations and report your evaluation clearly and effectively using critical analysis of outside literature.
The module will develop your ability to think critically, analyse information, challenge and problem solve in the context of crime scene investigation. Through presentations from visiting speakers representing a wide range of professions including Crime Scene Managers, Barristers at Law, pathologists, Forensic laboratory Scientists, we aim to expose you to different ways of working, thinking, approaching problems and applying logical scientific analysis to crime scene situations.
Many of these employability skills are applicable to future careers in a variety of professions.
You will be introduced to the scientific principles of investigating evidence using examples such as:
- Fibres, glass, gunshot residue, explosives, paint, drugs, DNA, blood, hair, soil
You will be given a theoretical introduction in how the following analytical techniques are used in forensic investigation:
- Presumptive tests
- Elemental analysis
- Molecular spectroscopy
- Mass spectrometry
- Microscopic techniques
Through presentations from visiting speakers you will understand the process of recognition, enhancement, preservation, recovery, scientific analysis, interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence in criminal investigation.
We will also teach you how to apply your knowledge to construct a sequence of events and a crime scene map from presented evidence. You will be guided how to marshal a body of facts and construct a logical, scientifically justified, critical analysis of scientific evidence.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Linking ideas from different sources to build and appraise arguments regarding recognition, processing, recording, preservation, recovery, analysis and interpretation of evidence at and from crime scenes
- 2. Drawing evidence-based and independent conclusions in analysis and interpretation of forensic evidence.
- 3. Construct logical arguments and effectively communicate theories in different formats, including written and graphical form.
- 4. Interpret written instruction to create time and spatial reconstructions of complex events with attention to scientific detail.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Solving real life problems through application of scientific principles.
- 6. Working fluently and securely across a range of digital tools, platforms and applications to manage, interpret and share information
- 7. Providing constructive, task-appropriate peer feedback
- 8. Actively engaging in groupwork
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Adopting professional attributes appropriate to the working environment
- 10. Creative thinking
- 11. Employing different communication styles and media types
Syllabus plan
Teaching will be provided in a blended format. Scientific principles will be introduced in pre-recorded lectures, then these principles will be applied to forensic scenarios in in-person synchronous sessions. In-person lectures by guest speakers will provide first-hand experience of professionals working within the fields of forensic investigation.
Three workshops will provide the opportunity to work through an example case study and use peer assessment to gain awareness of the marking criteria and style of writing for case studies.
One workshop will provide experience of ballistics and firearms through collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 252 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 44 | In-person lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 4 | Workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | 26 | Lecture consolidation, completion of formative quizzes and associated reading, coursework preparation, revision for MCQ exam |
| Guided Independent Study | 6 | Formative Case study preparation for workshops |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs aligned to lecture content | 11x 1 hour | 1, 2, 5, 9 | Online |
| Peer marking of formative case studies during workshops | 2x 1 hour | All | Oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ questions | 20 | 1 hour | 1, 2, 5, 9 | Online |
| Infographic | 30 | 1 A4 page | 5, 6, 9, 11 | Written and oral |
| Case study (groupwork) | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-6, 8-11 | Written and oral |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ questions | MCQ questions (20%) | 1, 2, 5, 9 | August Ref/Def |
| Infographic | Infographic (30%) | 5, 6, 9, 11 | August Ref/Def |
| Case study (groupwork) | Case study (individual) (50%) | 1-6, 8-11 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Criminalistics Richard Saferstein, 7th Edition (or later) Prentice-Hall, USA (2001), ISBN 0-13-013827-4
- Forensic Science, Andrew R. Jackson and Julie M. Jackson, 3rd Edition 9or later) Pearson Higher,(2016), ISBN 1292088230
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/11/2011 |
| Last revision date | 02/03/2024 |
