FP1S001 - Introduction to Forensic Evidence Analysis 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 3
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP1S001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Introduction to Forensic Evidence Analysis | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Analytical and Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Paul Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Hannah Seale, Rhian Kinsella, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack, Niamh Breslin | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100386 - forensic biology | 100388 - forensic science | |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 50 | 50 | |
Document Version Information
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
To introduce students to the scientific principles and the foundation behind the technical and practical aspects of several selected core topics within forensic investigation/science.
Students will develop an appreciation of a range of quality standards processes, relating to forensic science provisions.
In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1
Communication: Behaviour 1, 2
Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
Project Management: Behaviour 1, 2
Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1, 2, 3
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of case evidence integrity and the chain of continuity when processing forensic evidence in the laboratory.
The basics of Forensic Science - Historical development of evidence analysis. The analysis and interpretation of commonly recovered forensic evidence, including but not limited to:
DNA
Hair
Bodily Fluids.
Drugs
Soil
Paint
Fibres
Glass
Casework documentation and casefile integrity – Students will gain a good understanding of casefile documentation generated by the submitting police force and its relevance to forensic laboratory processes.
Students will review professional and contemporaneous case notes based on casework exhibits and appreciate the need to document the relevant information relating to anti-contamination procedures, PPE, evidence integrity, chain of continuity, accuracy and reliability of case note details and sketches and documenting of lab tests results.
Standard practices and quality assurance in forensic science - Develop an appreciation of a range of quality standards processes, including the role of the Forensic Science Regulators Codes of Practice & Conduct, ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation, Standard Operating Procedures and other quality management systems relating to forensic science provisions.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial/Lecture | 48 |
| Independent Study | 110 |
| Directed Study | 42 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a broad range of forensic evidence processing topics, investigative techniques and quality assurance strategies. |
| LO2 | Demonstrate an awareness of practical competence in a range of laboratory-based forensic investigations. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Student Choice 1 | 1. Report. 2. Recorded PowerPoint Presentation. 3. Onsite Poster Presentation. | 20 | 2000 | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Student Choice 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |