FP1S83 - Fundamental Scientific Principles for Forensic Investigation 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP1S83
Module Title: Fundamental Scientific Principles for Forensic Investigation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Analytical and Forensic Science
Module Leader: Peter Miedziak
Module Team: Hannah Seale, Rebecca Lakin, Rhian Kinsella, 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: 100346 - biology 100388 - forensic science 100417 - chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 30 10 60

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Jul 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

  1. To impart essential chemical and biological theories and the concepts of scientific investigation, measurement, accuracy, and practices that underpin the scientific aspects of forensic investigation.

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, 2

Commercial Awareness: 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

Where possible and applicable the following topics will be delivered within the context of the Forensic Sciences

1. Fundamental Aspects of Chemistry: Atoms, ions, molecules, basic structures and bonding (covalent, ionic, metallic). Basic inorganic and organic nomenclature. The maths of chemistry – mass, volume, concentration, the mole (basic stoichiometry).

2. Physical and Analytical Chemistry: States of matter, intermolecular forces, solubility, pH. Introduction to separation science.

3. Biochemistry and the Human Cell: Introduction to biologically important molecules and their function including amino acids, peptides, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, DNA. Basic cell structure.

4. Common Laboratory Apparatus and Scientific Techniques: Basic laboratory glassware. Use of pipettes, measuring cylinders, volumetric flasks, balances. Preparing solutions, performing dilutions. Producing and recording data. Making observations.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 48
Independent Study 50
Directed Study 84
Problem / challenge based learning 18
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the main scientific concepts that underpin forensic investigation
LO2 Develop basic practical skills and an awareness of their application that will allow them to appreciate their purpose within the field of Forensic Investigation

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Observational Journal 1 Reflections on practical and theory-based tasks  0 2000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Observational Journal 1

Reading List

Chemistry: 15 (Macmillan Foundations Series) 5th Edition 2018 by Rhobert Lewis and Wynne Evans