FP0S02 - Introduction to Forensic Investigation 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 3
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP0S02 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Introduction to Forensic Investigation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Hannah Seale | ||
| Module Team: | Rhian Kinsella, Rhian Newman, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack | ||
| First Intended Intake: | MAY 2018 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 3 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100388 - forensic science | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2029 |
Module Aims
1. Introduce students to critical thinking and problem solving specifically in a forensic investigation context, whilst at the same time introducing the roles of experts and the branches of forensics which may be utilised within an investigation.
2. Introduce students to the purpose of criminal justice, and key elements of the criminal justice system.
In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Communication: Behaviour 1, 3
Leadership: Behaviour 2, 3
Project Management: Behaviour 1, 2
Digital Literacy 1, 2, 3
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
Introduction to critical thinking – What is an enquiry? What is an investigation? Basic processing tools and flows to solve an enquiry or investigation. Information gathering. Information analysis. Forming logical conclusions based on fact and scientific data.
Forensic Science as a Discipline – Introduction to the core branches of forensic science, and identification of selected evidence types. The scope of forensic evidence and rules of forensic science.
Crime Scene Investigation – Role of CSI, provision and management, basic crime scene processing.
Key elements of Criminal Justice – Court structure and their jurisdictions, introduction to the legal system.
Role of the expert – Delivery of evidence, rules of evidence and report writing.
Case studies – Analysis of crime cases with special emphasis on investigation, the sifting and presentation of evidence and key issues raised in trials.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 16 |
| Independent Study | 74 |
| Directed Study | 84 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 6 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate an understanding of the process of enquiry and investigation through application to simple forensic scenarios |
| LO2 | Understand the major branches of forensic science, the purpose of criminal justice, and how forensic science is utilised within the criminal justice system. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 | Forensic Review | 20 | N/A | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |