FP2S005 - Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP2S005
Module Title: Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Analytical and Forensic Science
Module Leader: Hannah Seale
Module Team: Hannah Seale, Rhian Kinsella, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack, Aaron Wall
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
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 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

  1. To extend the student’s practical capabilities and knowledge pertaining to particulate and biological trace evidence analysis with a particular focus on the use of sector-standard instrumentation, quality control processes and sector-standard documentation.
  2. To introduce students to the interpretation and presentation of scientific data generated from analytical techniques.

In engaging with the module, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:

Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Communication: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Leadership: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Innovation and Enterprise: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

Project Management: Behaviour 1, 2, 3

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

Laboratory processing of evidential material –

Students will undertake a series of laboratory processes to effectively develop their practical competencies in the following evidence types:

  1. Fibres
  2. Semen
  3. DNA
  4. Toolmarks
  5. Gunshot residue
  6. Chemical enhancement of fingerprints
  7. Footwear
  8. Questioned document examination

Students will gain practical experience of using the following techniques and analytical instrumentation employed in forensic investigations:

  1. Elemental analysis using (SEM/EDX)
  2. Molecular spectroscopy using (ATR-FTIR)
  3. A range of microscopic techniques including stereo, bright field light, fluorescence microscopy, the comparison macroscope and the comparison microscope
  4. Fingerprint fuming cabinet and chemical techniques
  5. Alternative Light Sources - Crimelites
  6. Video Spectral Comparison (VSC80) - documents
  7. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) – documents

Casework documentation and casefile integrity – Students will generate their own individual case files based upon experimental work.

Interpretation and Presentation of Scientific Data - Students will begin to develop their knowledge and ability to generate, interpret and present the analytical techniques by applying appropriate statistical methods to determine match probabilities, e.g., Bayes’ Theorem, Random Match Probabilities.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Tutorial 4
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 52
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of the principal scientific techniques and practical skills required for the processing, examination, and analysis of a range of particulates, marks/impressions and biological evidence.
LO2 Interpret and evaluate the qualitative and quantitative data pertaining to the analytical investigations of forensic evidence.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Student Choice 1 Student opt for ONE of six different evidence types for assessments, i.e. footwear, semen/DNA, fingerprints, documents, toolmarks or GSR 60 2000 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Fibre evidence test 120 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Student Choice 1 ✔ ✔
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) ✔ ✔

Reading List

R. W. Jackson, M. Jackson, Forensic Science, Pearson Education Limited Prentice Hall.

A. Langford and J. Dean, Practical Skills in Forensic Science, Prentice Hall.

P. White, Crime Scene to Court, RSC.

R. Saferstein, Criminalistics – An Introduction to Forensic Science, Prentice Hall.

B. Wheeler, L.J. Wilson, Practical Forensic Microscopy: A Laboratory Manual, Wiley-Blackwell.

D. B. Murphy and M. W. Davidson, Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electron Imaging, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Hoboken, NJ

D. Morris, Bayes Theorem Examples – A Visual Introduction for Beginners, Blue Windmill Media.