FP1S003 - Key Skills for Forensic Science 21 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 3
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP1S003 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Key Skills for Forensic Science | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Analytical and Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Paul Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Hannah Seale, Rhian Kinsella, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack, Niamh Breslin, Aaron Wall | ||
| 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 | 101222 - crime scene investigation |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 33 | 34 | 33 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 3 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 21 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
- To provide a knowledge and skills base to conduct professional scientific research and evaluate data sets.
- To demonstrate an understanding of the required skills to be a forensic practitioner.
In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Communication: Behaviour 1,2
Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2
Project Management: Behaviour 1,2
Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1 and 3
Leadership: Behaviour 1 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
Statistical and Mathematical understanding –
To cover the basics of statistics required for forensic evidence-based interpretation such as probability, standard deviation, Introduction to Bayes’ Theorem. Analysing, interpreting, and presenting results from scientific/criminal investigations. Data statistics. - SM??(4 hours)
Mathematical understanding to cover BODMAS, brackets, manipulating and re-arranging equations. Graphical presentation, integration, and the interpretation of scientific graphs. Logarithms and indices. Fractions, ratios, and scaling. Understanding of percentage errors and accuracy of experiments and the importance of this in relation to experiments. NG/PM? (1422 hours)
Laboratory Skills – Teach essential skills in the laboratory with reference to the importance of evidential analysis and the avoidance of contamination. To include skills such as use of pipettes, microscopes, basic laboratory equipment. Relate back to the mathematical skills taught to the students. HM/MR/ZP/MB?(10 hours)
Research and Scientific Writing – Understanding the importance of research and demonstrate an ability summarise key themes from relevant scholarly sources. To develop an appreciation for differing views in research and how we can interpret these. Develop the key skills required to identify approach scholarly sources and input referencing into all reports. Academic and Scientific Integrity including referencing requirements, referencing systems and the act of plagiarism and professional offences. IMRaD. Notetaking and organisation of time. HM/MR? (4 hours)
Digital Literacy Skills – Develop students' skills in the subject specific software that will be used throughout the delivery of the course including excel, word and SPSS. NG/PM/MR/HM??(0 additional hours)
Health and Safety Induction: Fundamental H&S in practice for laboratory work (SK). (1 hour)
Employability – Appreciation of where the subjects fit within future employment. Basic understanding of an appropriate scientific CV and cover letter.?(1 hour)
Reflective Writing Skills – Understanding of the importance of reflective practice and skills to undertake effective reflective practice.? (0 hours)
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 2 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 38 |
| Independent Study | 122 |
| Directed Study | 30 |
| Problem / challenge based learning | 8 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate practical and digital skills to be successful in the investigation of scientific analysis. |
| LO2 | Demonstrate an ability to conduct scholarly research and interpret scientific data. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Self Reflective Assessment 1 | Getting Academically Ready | 0 | 1000 | 25 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Written Work 1 | A written element built around practical workshops completed inclass. | 0 | 1000 | 75 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Self Reflective Assessment 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Practical Written Work 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |