FP3S104 - Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP3S104
Module Title: Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Analytical and Forensic Science
Module Leader: Ella Mason-Buck
Module Team: Hannah Seale, Rhian Kinsella, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100376 - computer and information security 100388 - forensic science 101222 - crime scene investigation
HECOS Code Weighting: 34 33 33

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

  1. To allow the development and application of teamwork, critical thinking and forensic skills through the experimental design and processing of a simulated forensic case with particular attention to DNA, paint and glass evidence, QA and the interpretation of analytical data using statistical methods.
  2. To allow the student to consolidate and advance their understanding of the regulations applying to forensic practitioners when analysing, interpreting and presenting evidence and to develop knowledge and skills to be able to provide witness testimony.

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

Advanced laboratory processing of particulate and biological evidential material –

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

  1. DNA
  2. Paint
  3. Glass

Students will gain advanced practical experience of using the following techniques with a focus upon operational parameters and data acquisition: -

  1. DNA extraction, quantification, amplification separation, and analysis
  2. Elemental analysis (SEM/EDX)
  3. Molecular spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
  4. Glass Refractive Index Measurer (GRIM)
  5. A range of microscopic techniques including stereo, bright field/high-power, fluorescence, phase contrast, polarising light.

Casework documentation, casefile integrity – Students will undertake a complex forensic case in small teams involving a range of evidence types, processing all aspects of the case requirements, demonstrating awareness of QA, evidence integrity, continuity, professional documentation of case notes, casefile integrity and cognitive bias.

Logical Interpretation of Evidence – Application of Bayes’ Theorem to laboratory generated data sets.

Witness Testimony and Statement Writing - Statement Writing, Streamlined Forensic Reporting, Character Skills, Communication Skills, Psychology and Structure of the Court Room, Individual Cross-Examination in a simulated court room environment.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 16
Practical classes and workshops 32
Independent Study 98
Directed Study 48
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 6
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate critical thinking, essential experimental design, problem solving skills, instrument operation skills and the ability to competently process forensic casework.
LO2 Translate experimental data into logical forensic conclusions and expert witness documentation, and demonstrate abilities and knowledge associated with the role of the Expert Witness.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Professional Discussions 1 Simulated Individual Cross- Examination based upon a streamlined forensic report 10 N/A 20 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 Production of casefile, documentary evidence and logical interpretation 0 4000 80 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Professional Discussions 1 ✔ ✔
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

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

P. White, Crime Scene to Court. RSC Publishing

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

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

B. Caddy, Forensic Examination of Glass and Paint: Analysis and Interpretation, Taylor and Francis

J. I. Goldstein, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis, Plenum Press

A. Goodwin, A. Linacre and S. Hadi, An Introduction to Forensic Genetics, Wiley