Langford, D. et al. 2010, Practical Skills in Forensic Science (2nd edition), Prentice Hall.
A. R. W. Jackson and J. M. Jackson. 2011. Forensic Science (3rd edition)

R. Saferstein. 2004. Criminalistics, An Introduction to Forensic science, Eighth Edition.

S.H. James and J. J. 2005. Nordby. Forensic Science, An Introduction to Scientific Investigative Techniques
In order to provide further support specialist texts and journal articles can be accessed via the WWW as well as College and University library support services. In addition suitable texts/resources will be cited as and when required to support a learning activity.

Well-appointed classroom.
Appropriately equipped laboratory.
Appropriately resourced library.
I.T Resources equipped with Office or equivalent

Subject Specific
The module will be delivered by tutor led theory sessions, problem solving classes and practical work, throughout which the emphasis will be on student involvement.
The information will be delivered using lectures, videos and demonstrations. Worksheets will be used to engage students in an active role in the learning process. Problem solving activities will be used to consolidate learning The active learning is continued in the practical sessions where investigative procedures will be discussed, planned and carried out by the students.
Formative learning will be aided by assignments, tutorial exercises and the ability to receive formative feedback of coursework drafts prior to submission.
The lecture and laboratory classes will be for 96 hours spread over 24 weeks so that there will be 4 hours of class contact per week. Each week the classes will contain an appropriate combination of theory and practical exercises for the individual topic being delivered.

The time for independent study will be taken up by preparation and completion of assignment work, library research, preparation for class discussion and report writing.
Study Skills
The programme will be designed to emphasise and develop independent study, whilst delivering the general study skills outlined in the programme specification. Dedicated IT workshops are to familiarise the students with the use of the common computer packages, within a scientific context. The overall ethos will be one of encouraging active learning and developing a sense of responsibility for learning. This will comprise 12 hours spread over 24 weeks.

None

The module will provide the introduction of the core concepts in Forensic Science. To this end, the importance of scientific methods used in forensic science will be studied; the subjects to be addressed will not exclusively include chromatographic, spectroscopic, microscopic, intracellular and extra cellular material, hairs, fibres and fingerprints. The techniques used to analyse forensic evidence will be studied, and importantly the results generated will be focused upon. The learner will recognise the roles and responsibilities of the forensic scientist, the health and safety issues involved in the handling of chemical and biological samples and the importance of following the correct procedures when conducting scientific investigations. An understanding will be afforded into the problems associated with the storage, handling and examination of different chemical and biological samples. The importance of concentration, particularly with regards to toxicology will focus study on instrumental analysis, and with the use of calculations consolidate knowledge, providing application based skills.
Practical exercises will be used to support the theoretical principles of the techniques, illustrating the need for processing data. In addition experimental design as a part of hypothesis testing will be an important part of the practical element of the module.

Examination 2 hours to assess outcomes 1 to 3 (40%) (final assessment)

A portfolio containing two equally weighted laboratory reports to assess outcomes 1 to 5 (30%).

Coursework (e.g. an oral presentation supported by a poster or slides). At a length of 15 minutes to assess outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 5 (30%).

Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment, namely a portfolio, coursework and end of module examination. These will be used to assess both comprehension of the subject of each module and the attainment of subject specific and transferable study skills. Each element will be used to assess the former of these, whilst the portfolio and coursework elements will also assess study skills. The nature of the coursework will be chosen to develop one or more facets of study skills in particular such as, essay writing, presentation, problem solving, use of IT and information retrieval.
With regards to the portfolio and coursework assessment opportunities will be given to submit drafts for formative feedback to support the students. Deadlines will be staggered to hopefully ensure that the student work load is spread throughout the year.
A tutor will be assigned to monitor and coordinate study skills support across the modules, thereby ensuring that each student has the opportunity to attain the study skills learning outcomes outlined in the programme specification.