BE5065 - Criminalistics I (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Criminalistics I | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Human Sciences | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module aims to provide students with an introduction to the broad range of forensic science disciplines. Areas of study will include crime scene processing and an introduction to the British legal system as it applies to forensic science investigations.
Students will develop communication and technical skills necessary for forensic scientists and they will be able to distinguish between the defined areas of criminalistics through case studies and practical work.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the application of personal responsibility and decision-making.
Prior learning requirements
BC4056
Syllabus
Introduction to criminalistics and the forensic process.
Crime scene examination, roles and responsibilities.
The UK legal system: the role of the Crown Prosecution Service, forensic science and the law.
Identification of body fluids.
The application of entomology in forensic investigations.
Trace evidence e.g. hair and fibre in forensic examination of samples. LO1- 3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The module is delivered via lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions (39 hours). Tutorials will allow informal-teacher led discussions of the issues raised in the lectures and are also used to allow practice in the key skills of communication, interpretation and analysis through case studies. Practical sessions are designed to allow the students to put the theory from lectures into practice utilising real-time experimental techniques and scenarios. The remainder of the time allocated will be used for self-directed learning. Students will be expected to reflect upon taught material in order to demonstrate their understanding of the aspects of forensic science covered in this module.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Categorise and distinguish disciplines within criminalistics.
2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the collection, preservation, analysis and interpretation of evidence types.
3. Apply scientific knowledge to case studies in a forensic context and operate effectively and efficiently within the confines of using scientific equipment to a good standard.
Assessment strategy
The module will be assessed summatively by means of coursework component comprising a practical report and by an end-of-term examination of short answer questions.
To pass the module, students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 40%. There will be an attendance requirement for the practical sessions. If the module is passed on reassessment, then the maximum mark awarded will be 40%.