5B089E - Science for Investigators 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5B089E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Science for Investigators | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Paul Jones | ||
| Module Team: | Suzanna Kean, Rebecca Lakin, Ella Mason-Buck, Hannah Seale, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | |||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | |||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
To develop your ability to apply laboratory and investigative techniques to a broad range of forensic evidence types, critically evaluating their scientific basis, reliability, and limitations within investigative and legal contexts.
To cultivate evaluative reasoning skills that enable you to assess evidential weight, recognise and mitigate cognitive bias, and draw scientifically defensible conclusions from complex, multi-disciplinary evidence.
To enable you to communicate forensic findings clearly and professionally — in both written and oral formats — to specialist and non-specialist audiences, in accordance with legal reporting standards and professional codes of practice
Content Summary
This module develops your ability to critically analyse, interpret, and communicate diverse types of forensic evidence within investigative and legal contexts. Building on foundational Level 4 laboratory skills, you will examine a broad range of evidence types — including biological, trace, chemical, digital, and physical marks — and explore the scientific principles that underpin their analysis and interpretation.
The module emphasises evaluative reasoning alongside technical knowledge. You will consider the reliability and limitations of forensic techniques, the impact of cognitive bias on evidence interpretation, and the importance of statistical reasoning in assessing the evidential weight of evidence. Through a combination of practical laboratory sessions, case-based workshops, and directed study, you will develop the scientific literacy and analytical skills required to engage critically with complex forensic evidence.
The module directly contributes to the course by bridging laboratory competence with professional forensic practice. You will leave prepared to interpret multi-disciplinary evidence streams, communicate findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and engage responsibly with the ethical and legal standards that govern forensic science.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching (Workshops, Practical's and Seminars) | 56 |
| Guided Learning - Independent (Directed Reading, VLE Tasks) | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Formative Assessment | 12 |
| Independent Learning (Wider Reading, Research, Reflection, Consolidation) | 161.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply appropriate laboratory and investigative techniques to examine and interpret diverse biological, physical, chemical, and digital evidence types, evaluating their scientific basis and limitations within forensic casework. |
| LO2 | Critically evaluate the reliability, validity, and evidential weight of forensic findings, applying statistical and logical reasoning to construct and communicate scientifically defensible conclusions within investigative and legal contexts. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Student Choice | Individual, Online | 15 | N/A | 50 | 40 | |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report | Individual, Online | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Student Choice | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Report | ✔ | ✔ | |