FP0S03 - Introduction to the Forensic Laboratory 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2029 | Version 3
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP0S03 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Introduction to the Forensic Laboratory | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Paul Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Rhian Newman, Hannah Seale, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2019 | Final Year of Intake: | 2026 |
| 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
- To introduce students to the purpose of the forensic laboratory and its maintainable quality and standards.
- To provide students with the abilitiesability to identify and use basic laboratory equipment.
In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Communication: Behaviour – 1
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour – 1, 2 and 3
Project Management: Behaviour 1 and 2
Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1 and 2
Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2 and 3
Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
1. Basic Analytical Science: What is it? How much is present? Forensic Evidence composition: chemicals, substances, elements, atoms, molecules, compounds. Measurements: Units, volumes, mass, concentration, moles, grams, magnitude.
2. Introduction to Quality and Standards in the laboratory: Requirements, regulation, failure, examples, impacts. Basic Health and Safety.
3. Introduction to DNA: What is it, and how it is used in a forensic laboratory? What information can we gather from it? Areas that will be explored will involve the qualification of DNA, how an agarose get can be used within a lab setting, and a short introduction to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and its uses in a forensic lab.
Pre-laboratory learning supported by LearnSci: Students will utilise a number of simulated laboratory training units such as basic glassware, basic lab equipment, pH meter, centrifuge, weighing, analytical balance, pipetting, titration, gravity filtration, thin layer chromatography, setting up a microscope, DNA, agarose gel, PCR, etc.
Students are expected to engage with 24 hours of scheduled independent simulated learning. Students will then receive training in the use of these techniques in the laboratory through practical classes where possible set in a forensic evidence analysis context.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 9 |
| Tutorial | 7 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 32 |
| Independent Study | 100 |
| Directed Study | 26 |
| Formative Assessment - Scheduled | 2 |
| Formative Assessment - Independent | 24 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Understand the importance of the role of the forensic laboratory in an investigation and appreciate the role of quality and standards. |
| LO2 | Understand the use of selected basic laboratory equipment be able to select and use effectively given a basic forensic scenario. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment | Practical Test 2 | Practical assessments on the use of microscopes in search techniques and the use of pH equipment | 120 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment | Practical Test 1 | Practical assessment on the use of pipettes, analytical balances and calculations | 120 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Test 2 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Practical Test 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |