Module Descriptors
FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY
BIOL60376
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Paul Mitchell
Email: P.Mitchell@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 60%
- PRACTICAL IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The scope of forensic entomology: stored-product pests, `urban? and medico-legal (including entomotoxicology). The bulk of the module focuses on this third, medico-legal, aspect.
Insects associated with cadavers: necrophages, necrophiles, omnivores and adventitious species. The process of insect colonisation and faunal succession on cadavers during the various stages of decomposition and the factors than affect them. The biology (including the life cycle) and taxonomy of insects associated with cadavers, particularly the Diptera (Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, Fanniidae etc.) and Coleoptera (e.g. Dermestidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae).
The growth and development of insects; factors affecting the rate of development (e.g. temperature, larval density). The use of insects in estimating the Postmortem Interval; accumulated degree days; construction and use of the isomegalen- and isomorphen-diagram to determine the age of feeding and postfeeding immature stages.
The collection, preservation and analysis of entomological evidence from a crime scene will also be considered.
Insects associated with cadavers: necrophages, necrophiles, omnivores and adventitious species. The process of insect colonisation and faunal succession on cadavers during the various stages of decomposition and the factors than affect them. The biology (including the life cycle) and taxonomy of insects associated with cadavers, particularly the Diptera (Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Muscidae, Fanniidae etc.) and Coleoptera (e.g. Dermestidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae).
The growth and development of insects; factors affecting the rate of development (e.g. temperature, larval density). The use of insects in estimating the Postmortem Interval; accumulated degree days; construction and use of the isomegalen- and isomorphen-diagram to determine the age of feeding and postfeeding immature stages.
The collection, preservation and analysis of entomological evidence from a crime scene will also be considered.
Module Learning Strategies
A series of lectures (12 x 2hrs) will be used to introduce the topics of study, and to create the framework and guidance for further independent study. The practicals (12 hrs) will be used to develop the students? identification skills. The independent study time will be used to carry out formative tasks, to read around the topics, to prepare and revise for the exam, and to develop insect identification skills.
Module Additional Assessment Details
60 % 2-hour exam (to assess learning outcome 1)
40% 2-hour identification test (to assess learning outcome 2)
Additional Assessment Details:
Students will be provided with formative feedback via the submission of formative tasks.
40% 2-hour identification test (to assess learning outcome 2)
Additional Assessment Details:
Students will be provided with formative feedback via the submission of formative tasks.
Module Resources
Lecture theatre with suitable audiovisual aids
Suitably equipped laboratory
Suitably equipped laboratory
Module Texts
Byrd, J.H. & Castner, J.L. 2001. Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations. CRC Press
Catts, E.P. & Haskell, N.H. 1990. Entomology and Death: A Procedural Guide. Joyce?s Print Shop Inc.
Greenberg, B. & Kunich, J.C. 2002. Entomology and Law: Flies as Forensic Indicators. CUP
Lee, G.M. 2000. A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crime. Harvard University Press.
Catts, E.P. & Haskell, N.H. 1990. Entomology and Death: A Procedural Guide. Joyce?s Print Shop Inc.
Greenberg, B. & Kunich, J.C. 2002. Entomology and Law: Flies as Forensic Indicators. CUP
Lee, G.M. 2000. A Fly for the Prosecution: How Insect Evidence Helps Solve Crime. Harvard University Press.