FUNDAMENTALS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE FOR SOCIAL SCIENTISTS - 2020/1
Module code: SOC1042
Module Overview
This module is intended to introduce students to some basic principles of forensic investigation
Module provider
Sociology
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
Independent Learning Hours: 128
Lecture Hours: 11
Seminar Hours: 11
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/A
Module content
- 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?
- Discussion of providers of forensic science, SSU, LGC, DSTL, independent practitioners. Accreditation and registration. Reliability and trustworthiness
- 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. Class and individual characteristics. Fingerprint evidence. Blood as evidence.
- General examination methods (fibres, blood, biological fluids, firearms, explosives).
- Legal backgrounds. Criminal court system (England and Wales, Scotland). Types of offences. CPS, types of courts. Preparation of statements and presentation of forensic evidence.
- Forensic science on trial: the Preece case, the Guildford 4, the Birmingham 6, the Macguire 7, Judith Ward case, the May enquiry, judicial reform.
Assessment pattern
Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Practical based assessment | CSI FIELD DAY | 40 |
Examination | EXAM | 60 |
Alternative Assessment
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:
- CSI field day write up – approximately 2,000 words
- Examination – 1.5 hours
Formative assessment
Multiple choice test questions during exam tutorial
Feedback
Discussion sessions; practise exam questions
Module aims
- To introduce organisational and legal aspects of forensic science.
- To engage with applied forensic methods associated with searching and recovery of items of evidence.
- To introduce policies, procedures and protocols associated with accreditation of laboratories and expert witnesses
- To consider the practical limitations of forensic evidence
Learning outcomes
Attributes Developed | ||
1 | Demonstrate knowledge of organisational and legal aspects of forensic evidence; | |
2 | Give an account of procedures followed at the scene of a crime and of the types of physical evidence; | |
3 | Demonstrate knowledge of crime scene management; | |
4 | Demonstrate recording of a crime scene; | |
5 | Give an account of procedures followed at the scene of a crime and of the types of physical evidence; | |
6 | Demonstrate critical understanding of the potential utility and problems of forensic evidence. |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
Lectures, tutorials, and demonstration workshops
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: SOC1042
Programmes this module appears in
Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Criminology BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | 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.