FP2S111 - Science in Practice for Forensic Investigation 01 Jul 2022 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP2S111 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Science in Practice 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, Alexandra Maneta, Rhian Kinsella, Suzanna Kean, Andrew Graham, Rebecca Lakin, James McCormack, Aaron Wall | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 0001 | Final Year of Intake: | 0001 |
| 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 | 100413 - analytical chemistry |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 10 | 40 | 50 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Jul 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
1. To enable students to understand and apply basic scientific principles and techniques to conduct analyses frequently encountered in forensic laboratory examinations
2. To provide an overview of forensic analyses related to cutting edge subjects in the field through relevant and applied case studies
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
1) Spectroscopic and chromatographic approaches to forensic analysis
Students explore the science behind the various spectroscopic (UV-vis, IR) and chromatographic techniques (TLC, SPE, GC, HPLC) used in forensic analysis encompassing the fundamentals of separation science, the basics of spectroscopy, to instrumentation used for common analysis in forensic science laboratories.
2) Forensic analysis in practise in society:
Drugs and Alcohol: Prevalence, Abuse, Physiological and Psychological Effects. Sample types, preparation for analysis, and the forensic examination. Penalties for possession and supply.
Investigation of Consumer Products and Counterfeiting: Introduction to the field of consumer protection and an overview of legislation. The forensic examination of counterfeit and adulterated items and products such as pharmaceutical and healthcare products, food and drink, currency, perfumes and art. Case Studies. The role of trading standards.
Analysis and Identification of biological fluids: forensic serology (blood group analysis, the characterisation of semen and saliva); DNA analysis and essentials of forensic pathology and forensic medicine.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 48 |
| Independent Study | 52 |
| Directed Study | 100 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply scientific principles to determine and explain the scientific analyses used in the examination of forensic samples/evidence. |
| LO2 | Identify the most appropriate analytical method for a given evidence type and explain the societal importance & regulations associated with this. |
Module Requisites
| Code | Title | Requisite Type |
|---|---|---|
| MOD012487 | Fundamental Scientific Principles for Forensic Investigation | pre-requisite |
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Observational Journal 1 | Written journal with marks awarded based on observed performance in laboratory session and answers to written questions based on the practical and lecture material. | 0 | 2000 | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Observational Journal 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |