FUNDAMENTALS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE: FROM CRIME SCENE TO COURT - 2020/1
Module code: CHE1039
Module Overview
The purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning forensic science. In this first year module a very wide array of evidence types are covered. Casework examples are used to give students a broad understanding of how forensic evidence is retrieved, packaged, analysed and reported in court. This module interacts with material that students are taught through analytical chemistry modules and demonstrates the application of relevant techniques to forensic casework.
Module provider
Chemistry
Module Leader
CARTA Daniela (Chemistry)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 4
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 2
Independent Learning Hours: 117
Lecture Hours: 15
Laboratory Hours: 9
Practical/Performance Hours: 7
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
Indicative content includes:
What is forensic science? Locard’s Principle; The nature of forensic evidence, forensic science categories. The history of forensic science and its place in modern society. When is forensic science needed?
Providers of forensic science: LGC, DSTL, independent practitioners
Crime scene investigation, the nature of a crime scene, zoning and crime scene management, collection protection and documenting of evidence
Trace and contact evidence. Direct and circumstantial evidence, physical and biological evidence, fingerprint evidence
General examination methods (blood, firearms, explosives)
Document, ink and handwriting examination, post-mortem interval and identification of human remains, introduction to forensic pathology
Introduction to the law; types of offences, CPS, types of course, statements and presentation of forensic evidence
Forensic case studies
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | CSI field day | 10 |
| Practical based assessment | Practical work | 30 |
| Examination | Examination (1.5 h) | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
CSI day resit: 3,000 word essay on crime scene collection procedures
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to assess whether students meet the learning outcomes of the module.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
• Examination – 1.5 hours
• 3 Laboratory write ups
• CSI field day write up – approximately 2,000 words
Formative assessment
Multiple choice test questions during exam tutorial
Feedback
Laboratory scripts marked and returned during the semester, discussions sessions, practice exam questions
Module aims
- introduce organisational and legal aspects of forensic science
- examine laboratory methods associated with search and recovery of items of evidence
- introduce policies, procedures and protocols associated with accreditation of laboratories and expert witnesses
- introduce the use of chemical methods in forensic science
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Demonstrate knowledge of organisational, accreditation and legal aspects of forensic chemistry | K |
| 002 | Demonstrate knowledge of the different forms of analysis applied to different forms of physical evidence | KP |
| 003 | Demonstrate knowledge of crime scene management | KP |
| 004 | Demonstrate recording of a crime scene | KP |
| 005 | Give an account of the potential utility of chemical methods in examination of forensic evidence | C |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Provide students with hands on experience of current forensic chemistry methods by practical sessions, workshops and the CSI days Provide students with an understanding of the legal and organization aspects of forensic science, collection of evidence and presentation in court through lectures, casework examples, videos and discussions.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• Workshops (2 x 1 hour sessions)
• Laboratory sessions (3 x 3 hour sessions)
• Crime scene field day
• Lectures (15 total)
• Exam tutorial
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE1039
Other information
Description n.a. Category n.a. Amount n.a. Included in fees? n.a.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Chemistry MChem | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Chemistry with Forensic Investigation MChem | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Chemistry BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.