FdSc Analytical and Forensic Sciences
01 Sep 2022 - 16 Aug 2023
| Course Leader | Hannah Seale |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Paul Jones, Alexia Mayne, Ewen McLaughlin |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | Bridgend College, Coleg Gwent, Gower College Swansea, Cardiff and Vale College |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 6 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2022 |
| Valid To | 16 Aug 2023 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
1. To provide students with a broad range of practical skills and knowledge in the fields of analytical and forensic science including a core understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of crime scene investigation, the laboratory analysis of evidence and the interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence.
2. To provide students with an understanding of the scientific aspects and practical applications of a wide range of techniques used within analytical and bioanalytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, criminalistics, psychology and criminal profiling, and to allow them to develop compentency to Level 5 through the conduct of practical work and simulation.
3. To provide students with an understanding of how analytical and forensic science is utilised in the workplace and in the criminal justice sector, to permit students to undertake work related learning and allow them to develop professional skills for the workplace and allow them to critically reflect upon their abilities and knowledge.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Understand and explain the processes involved in crime scene investigation and its management, including the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of all personnel involved in the investigation, the steps required to preserve and document the crime scene, the systematic search for evidence and techniques for the identification, recovery and analysis of a wide range of evidence types including the use of controls and reference materials, and the importance of crime scene investigation in the crime scene to court chain. |
| A2 | Understand and explain the specific roles of forensic specialists including anthropologists, archaeologists, pathologists, medical examiners, scientists (chemists, biologists and geologists), fire and explosion investigators, engineers, entomologists, odontologists etc. |
| A3 | Understand and explain the theory and application of principal laboratory methods (including but not exclusively chromatographs, spectrometers, microscopes, DNA analysers etc) routinely used in forensic science and related fields, including approaches used for the location, recovery and extraction of physical, chemical, biological and contact trace materials, understand the parameters involved in method selection and analytical strategy design, and know how to work safely and adhere to strict professional codes of conduct in the laboratory. |
| A4 | Understand the requirements of continuity of evidence, the function and practice of quality assurance, the frequency of occurrence of evidential materials, how to set up casework related experiments, how to write comprehensive, comprehensible, rational and impartial reports for a variety of laboratory and crime scene related investigations. |
| A5 | Understand the scientific theories, protocols and principles of a wide range of physical and biological sciences including analytical, organic and physical chemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, mathematics and data analysis. |
| A6 | Understand the approaches used in criminal profiling and the field of forensic psychology, and understanding the role of the law and the expert witness in forensic science and criminal justice. |
| B1 | Demonstrate the skills of crime scene evidence analysis and interpretation, be able to critically analyse case studies, and understand the use of evidence and intelligence within criminal investigations. |
| B2 | Demonstrate an ability to critically compare the capabilities and applications of a wide range of analytical instruments, and be able to choose and use methods that are fit for purpose. |
| B3 | Demonstrate the ability to correctly interpret analytical results including those from instrumentation, apply basic statistical methods for interpretation, and interpret and express results in a meaningful, structured way in the context of casework and in a manner comprehensible to the intended recipient, including lawyers or a jury |
| B4 | Apply knowledge and skill to solving problems in the physical and biological sciences. |
| C1 | Apply the skills and knowledge of crime scene investigation to a range of simulated crime scene scenarios. |
| C2 | Demonstrate skill and good practice in the use of a range of laboratory based methods for the examination of forensic and non-forensic materials that would allow the student to work effectively post-graduation in either the forensic or non-forensic analytical fields, or pursue further studies. |
| C3 | Record information, observations and experimental investigations in a logical, comprehensive and contemporaneous manner in keeping with established and accepted codes of practice, and demonstrate good oral and presentational skills. |
| C4 | Demonstrate a capacity to work safely and efficiently in laboratories and related working environments. |
Course Structure
Level 4 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP1S33 | MOD008847 | The Forensic Sciences | Closed | 20 | optional |
| FP1S34 | MOD008848 | Crime Scene Investigation Science | Closed | 20 | optional |
| FP1S35 | MOD008849 | Cellular and Molecular Biology | Closed | 20 | optional |
| FP1S36 | MOD009192 | Key Skills in Analytical and Forensic Sciences | Closed | 20 | optional |
| PH1S80 | MOD010443 | Chemical Concepts for the Forensic Sciences | Closed | 20 | optional |
| PH1S81 | MOD010444 | Fundamental Chemistry for the Forensic Sciences | Closed | 20 | optional |
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP2D02 | MOD008850 | Work Related Project | Closed | 40 | core |
| FP2S51 | MOD008856 | Biochemistry and Biotechnology | Closed | 20 | optional |
| FP2S55 | MOD009196 | Practical Skills in Forensic and Bioanalysis | Closed | 20 | optional |
| FP2S56 | MOD009195 | Forensic Evidence and the Legal System | Closed | 20 | optional |
| PH2S08 | MOD001550 | ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY | Closed | 20 | optional |
| PH2S105 | MOD012492 | Modern Techniques in Analysis and Identification | Running | 20 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Guest lectures (didactic) into various modules.
Opportunites for placements to conduct work related project work (module PH2D02) and/or industry engagement with individual project titles.
Means of Assessment
Practical Work
Reports
Short answer question sets
Online tests
Oral presentations, reports and cross-examination
Essays
Powerpoint presentations and posters
In-class tests
Formal written examinations
Learning Support
Extensive range of analytical instrumentation (Glyntaff Campus and colleges), laboratory and simulation facilities.
Lectures, tutorials, workshops, bookable appointments with academic staff, revision workshops, feedback workshops.
Academic Staff and related expertise
Technical Staff and related expertise
Library and online learning resources
Student Services
Campus Advice Centre
Employability Support
USW Careers Service
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Degree in Science | 240 credits including 120 at level 4, plus completion of core modules (PH2D02 Work Related Project). | Final |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 120 credits at level 4. | Intermediate |
Progression Route
This course has a specific progression route, onto the BSc (Hons) Analytical and Forensic Sciences top-up (Level 6) offered at USW's Pontypridd Campus.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
240 UCAS Tariff Points to include:-
A minimum of an A-level C/D in Chemistry and a C/D in Biology. Where for example a student has a D in Biology, then a C is required in Chemistry, and vice versa, or,
Science Access to Higher Education qualifications: Pass with 18 Level 3 credits in Science/Mathematics including Chemistry and Biology units awarded at Distinction, or,
BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science): Merit, Merit, Merit profile.
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English language
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A