FP2S110 - Applications of Forensic Analysis 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP2S110
Module Title: Applications of Forensic Analysis
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Analytical and Forensic Science
Module Leader: Peter Miedziak
Module Team: Paul Jones, Andrew Graham, Anthony Harris, Hannah Seale, Rhian Kinsella
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: 100388 - forensic science 100413 - analytical chemistry 101067 - soil science
HECOS Code Weighting: 30 60 10

Document Version Information

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

Module Aims

This module aims to allow students to integrate and apply learned analytical techniques to some of the major sample categories in Forensic Chemistry – illicit drugs, bodily fluids, fire residue, soils, and other trace evidence types.

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

Commercial Awareness: Behaviours 1, 2, 3

Innovation & Enterprise: Behaviours 1, 2, 3

Communication: Behaviours 1, 2, 3

Digital Literacy: Behaviours 1, 2, 3

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Set within the context of Forensic Chemistry this module will impart content on the following topics:

1) Identification of illicit drugs - instrumental analysis, chemical spot tests and presumptive drug testing

2) Chemical basis of presumptive tests for trace evidence? – body fluids, fingerprints, and gun shot residue

3) Fire and Explosives

4) Chemical analysis of soils

5) Ink and paint analysis: UV-Vis/FTIR/Raman techniques and sample prep.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 18
Practical classes and workshops 18
Independent Study 50
Directed Study 102
Problem / challenge based learning 12
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To identify and explain the use of the most appropriate analytical method for the investigation of a given evidence type
LO2 To appraise and interpret analytical data obtained upon testing for a specific evidence type.

Module Requisites

Code Title Requisite Type
MOD012488 Chemical Concepts pre-requisite
MOD012489 Fundamental Organic Molecules and Analysis for the Forensic Sciences pre-requisite
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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) Questions based on the theory covered in the lecture and tutorial sessions. 0 2000 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch) Questions based on the practical skills gained in the on-campus activities. 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch)
Practical Coursework 2 (Asynch)

Reading List

Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques, Fifth Edition, 3 Mar. 2019, by Suzanne Bell

Forensic Chemistry Third Edition – 28 April 2022 by Suzanne Bell