FP1S36 - Key Skills in Analytical and Forensic Sciences 19 Jul 2019 - 31 Aug 2022 | Version 2
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP1S36 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Key Skills in Analytical and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Paul Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Samantha O'Connell, Mandy Davies, Hannah Minton, Helen Burn, Talal Murad | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2016 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100388 - forensic science | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 19 Jul 2019 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2022 |
Module Aims
1. To allow the student to develop and utilise a set of vocational specific key skills set in context to analytical and forensic sciences, including data analysis and interpretation, mathematical, statistical analysis, research and communication and investigative approaches.
Content Summary
Mathematical, Statistical and Data Analysis and Interpretation:
Conversions: The conversion of quantities measured in one system of units to another, including SI, metric and imperial units. Converting between concentrations and masses. Changing terms of concentration for mass and moles.
Algebra: Revision of basic arithmetic and algebraic skills. Indices. Quadratic equations. Transposition of formulae. Solution of two simultaneous linear equations.
Basic trigonometry: Co-ordinate geometry. Exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs. Circular measure.
Graphical methods: Reduction of relationships to straight line form. Data presentation; bar charts, pie charts, histograms, line graphs, scattergraphs.
Statistics: Cumulative frequency. Interquartile range. Measures of location and dispersion.
Introduction to probability: Factorials, permutations, combinations. Normal, binomial and Poisson distributions and their properties. Skewness and kurtosis. Introduction to statistical inference, confidence limits and hypothesis testing. Parametric tests. Student t-test. Chi-squared test. F test. Z-test, hypothesis testing, normal distribution. Linear regression and correlation. Spearman’s rank correlation. Bayes theorem and hierarchy of proposition.
Introduction to calculus: Differentiation & integration; relating rates of change.
Dynamics: Newton’s laws, friction, inclined planes, momentum, impulse, collisions. Kinematics: projectiles, displacement, velocity, acceleration. Work & energy: work done, KE, PE, work energy principle.
Research. Communication and Investigative Skills:
Communication Skills: Learning resources: books, journals, websites, peer reviewed articles. The use of the web of science and science direct. Writing reports, essays, literature reviews, making oral presentations. The requirement for referencing. Methods of referencing and acknowledgement. Avoiding plagiarism.
Introduction to Offender Profiling: To introduce the concept of profiling through the history of profiling, the two main styles of offender profiling, controversy surrounding the issue, the gathering of information from a crime scene and characteristics of offenders.
The FBI profiling process: To include an overview of the classification of offenders, the relationship between the characteristics of a crime scene and characteristics of offenders, the status of criminal profiling and critical research.
Investigative Psychology and Statistical profiling: To include an overview of the statistical approach to offender profiling,
linking patterns of crime scenes to characteristics of offenders, geographical profiling and the use of statistical techniques to plot
relationships between crime scene characteristics.
Effects on interviewer behaviour: To develop a critical understanding of the inter-relationship between psychology and interviewing, effects on interviewee behaviour and questioning techniques.
The change from interrogation to investigative interviewing: To include an overview of the history of interviewing techniques, the development and changes in interviewing styles and changing attitudes towards the police interview.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Tutorial | 16 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 8 |
| Independent Study | 104 |
| Directed Study | 48 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate the capacity to utilize a broad range of key and vocational skills as relevant to the field of analytical science. |
| LO2 | Acquire and utilize sector-specific skills through the exposure to and evaluation of a range of forensic scenarios. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set Exercise - Time Constrained (EX) | Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 | End of module test | 50 | N/A | 20 | No | 40 |
| Portfolio | Portfolio 1 | Key Skills | 0 | 3000 | 80 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Portfolio 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |