FP3S113 - Environmental and Wildlife Forensics 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP3S113 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Environmental and Wildlife Forensics | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Analytical and Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Amelia Grass | ||
| Module Team: | Paul Jones, Hannah Seale, Peter Miedziak, Rhian Kinsella | ||
| 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: | 100388 - forensic science | 100485 - law | 101222 - crime scene investigation |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 33 | 33 | 34 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
1. To allow students to gain a deep understanding of the application of forensics within the fields of environmental and wildlife crime, and to critically evaluate relevant case studies.
2. To provide students with an opportunity to appreciate technical aspects relating to the types of forensic evidence which may be important in the investigation of environmental incidents and wildlife crime, and to understand the specialist approaches used to preserve, collect and analyse relevant evidence through the application of forensic principles.
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
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
The Legal System of England & Wales - Introduction to Environmental Law and policies. The Environment Agency and other enforcement bodies. Common Law. Tort liability. Statutory and public nuisances. European Environmental Law. Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, Hunting Act 2004, Protection of Badgers Act 1992, Conservation of Habitats and Species Regs 2010, International Wildlife Law. Nature Conservation Designations, SAC’s PAC’s, NNRs, SSSIs, AONBs, Natura 2000 network. The Ramsar Convention. Role of Government agencies and the Welsh Assembly. Access and Rights-of-Way. Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulation 2009 and its impact for landowners, developers and the general public. International wildlife crime, species exploitation, wildlife harvesting and the trade in endangered species. CITES.
Environmental Crime – An overview of the definition of the environment, habitats and it’s users.? Sources of pollution, incident types and illegal criminal acts.? Field sampling approaches including health and safety considerations. Scientific analyses of soil, water and air using analytical techniques.? Location mapping using GIS approaches.? Relevant national guidelines and regulatory organisations and bodies in the UK including the Environment Agency, DEFRA, Natural Resources Wales.
Wildlife Crime – An overview of the law, legislation and national and international guidelines in relation to wildlife crime of a broad nature including animals and flora and fauna.? Scientific techniques associated with the analysis of evidence including microscopy and DNA analysis.? Case studies.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 18 |
| Independent Study | 104 |
| Directed Study | 42 |
| Groupwork | 4 |
| Problem / challenge based learning | 8 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Demonstrate an effective understanding of the role of chemical and biological science in the investigation of environmental and wildlife-related crimes, including a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the investigation. |
| LO2 | Understand and apply to simulated scenarios, key pieces of national and international legislation which govern environmental and wildlife crimes. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | Practical Report following laboratory or computer-based sessions – maximum of one report of 2000 words | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Poster 1 | Poster based on the data that has been obtained from a series of laboratory sessions that have been undertaken | 10 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Coursework 1 (Asynch) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Poster 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |