Module Handbook
Practical Schedules
Laboratory
Lecture room
Tutorial room
Internet linked PC
Library

Entry to level 1 of a Forensic award

Practical : A series of core skills practicals (2hr per session) will occur throughout both semesters. These will be further supplemented by 4 x 2hr practicals dedicated to the `Genes and Genomes' content of the module.

Theory : Genes and Genomes theory is supported by 12 x 2hr lectures.
Fundamentals of Human Physiology is delivered via an online virtual learning environment, Blackboard managed by tutors to provide a structured programme of study with activities and formative tasks such as multiple choice tests to provide progress feedback. Each section of study will be introduced by a lecture (1hr) and additional face-to-face tutorials (5hr altogether) will be delivered within the course to provide support and guidance and group reflections on the module activities and tasks.

This module encompasses the fundamental aspects of biology, both theory and practical to support the biological aspects contained in later levels of your award and has 3 distinct blocks.
1. Practical Skills: this section involves a series of practicals that include many fundamental skills including health, safety and risk assessment that you will be expected to develop in later levels of your studies.
2. Genes and Genomes: this examines the fundamentals of inheritance starting with the structure, replication and organisation of DNA within the genome. How information flow is regulated and translated into a form useable by a cell will be addressed and the section will culminate with consideration of the vertical transmission of genetic material (reference to Mendelian principles) and introduction to population genetics. Included within this area will be a series of practical based workshops designed to allow deeper understanding of basic genetic principles.
3. Fundamentals of Human Physiology: this provides an underpinning to physiological principles in the following areas; organisation, anatomy, physiology of systems, and control and balance. Each section does not have equal weighting but completion of all sections will ensure that due consideration is made of all aspects from the fundamental intracellular chemistry to the homeostatic control of the whole organism. This thus provides the basis for your drugs and toxicology study at later levels.

Langford, Dean, Reed, Holmes, Jones and Weyers, 2005: Practical Skills in Forensic Science, Prentice Hall. ISBN 0131144006
N. A. Campbell and J.B. Reece, 2008, Biology: (8th ed) Pearson Education
ISBN 978-0321544247

Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment.

50% Practical portfolio containing completion of set tasks and reflection on skills development including completion of a specific assessed practical under examination conditions. (Assessing Learning Outcomes 1-4)

15% Unseen class test based on theory for `Genes and Genomes' (1hr) (Assessing Learning Outcome 1)

35% Workbook: A series of short questions set for each topic (5 topics) and an overarching reflective statement of approximately 500 words indicating how the tasks and material worked through, together with skills acquired, are linked to the award of study. These all to be presented as a workbook on completion of the block. (Assessing Learning Outcomes 1 & 4)

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via submission of the practical portfolio for formative feedback at the end of semester 1, completion of competency checks within practicals and formative assessment and feedback within the theory sections of the module.