FP4U001 - Forensic Evidence in Investigative Practice 01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 1
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP4U001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Forensic Evidence in Investigative Practice | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Paul Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Beth Nurse, Hannah Seale, Alexandra Maneta, Ella Mason-Buck, James McCormack, Emanuele Alves, Edward William | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2025 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | |||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | |||
Document Version Information
| Version | 1 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2025 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
Develop advanced knowledge of forensic evidence types and their collection, preservation, and interpretation within investigations.?
Critically evaluate forensic evidence integration in investigative strategies while ensuring compliance with UK legal and scientific standards.?
Understand quality assurance, regulatory frameworks, and accreditation processes to maintain evidential integrity and admissibility.?
Content Summary
This module explores the vital role of forensic evidence in criminal investigations, helping students develop advanced understanding of how evidence is collected, preserved, and interpreted. Students will examine a wide range of evidence types, including, but not limited to, DNA, trace materials, fingerprints, digital forensics, document analysis, and drug-related evidence, gaining insight into how each contributes to building investigative strategies. Emphasis is placed on aligning forensic processes with legal, ethical, and procedural standards.
A key focus of the module is on quality assurance and regulatory compliance within the UK forensic science framework. Students will engage with the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice and Conduct and understand the relevance of accreditation standards (ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020) to evidential reliability and admissibility.
By combining theoretical learning with case analysis and reflective activities, this module supports students in becoming confident, critical practitioners who can assess forensic evidence in context. It contributes to the overall course by equipping students with the knowledge and professional awareness needed to apply forensic science effectively and ethically in complex investigations and across multidisciplinary environments.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes & Workshops | 54 |
| Total Hours Selected | 54 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Critically analyse the integration and impact of forensic evidence within investigative, ethical, and procedural frameworks, drawing on real-world or academic case material. |
| LO2 | Evaluate advanced forensic methodologies and evidence types.? |
| LO3 | Articulate complex forensic concepts effectively through reflective and evidence-based writing, demonstrating critical engagement with current literature and practice. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assignment (CW) | Observational Journal (CW) | Through a series of formative reflective blogs leading to a final critical evaluation, students engage with real-world case studies and current forensic practice, developing academic and professional skills. | 0 | N/A | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | LO3 | |
| Observational Journal (CW) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |