This module will provide students with an overview of Forensic Science provision across Europe and other areas of the world whilst introducing the approaches used in the analysis of different evidence types in different European countries. Similarities and differences in forensic analysis and interpretation between different countries will be highlighted and international case studies will be used to demonstrate practices across Europe and beyond. Certain evidence types and investigations lend themselves to comparison more readily than others due to the differences in countries legislation and practice – these evidence types will be highlighted and discussed further. This module will cover the key forensic science organisations across Europe and the quality assurance standards they must abide by, including ISO accreditation. Overviews of biological evidence, physical evidence and impression evidence will be given. Differences in examination approach are to be compared whilst providing the student with some of the theoretical understanding of the techniques being discussed. Different Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) methods will also be introduced and compared by using international case studies.

The module makes use of Blackboard as the VLE. Activities will be posted on the module on a weekly basis. Each activity will contain notes, as word files or power point presentations or in HTML format. A specific core text is used for further reading and learners will be directed to further reading through citations or directly through a network link. You will need to spend at least 18h per week study time, with some dedicated times for answering on-line formative assessments and for taking part in chat rooms.

This module is for engagement only and there is no summative assessment. Formative assessment will be used to check engagement and aid learning.
Formative Assessment: This module will include one formative test of 50 multiple choice questions; these will help you check your knowledge on the module. There will be questions on each topic covered within the module and may include questions on background reading required for the module. This MCQ test will be delivered online via Blackboard at the end of the module.
65% correct answers are required to achieve an EFEN certificate. Opportunities to re-sit the MCQ test will be made available.

Suitable computer capable of accessing both the WWW and the University Server, and of running Blackboard. Library facilities as necessary available online

Entry to postgraduate programme in Forensic Science

Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (7th edn)" Richard Saferstein, Prentice Hall (2001)

Jackson.A and Jackson.J (2016) Forensic Science", 4th edition, Pearson

Langford, A (2010) Practical Skills in Forensic Science, Pearson, Essex

Warlow, T (2011) Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics, Third Edition, CRC Press

Several other texts covering specific aspects of evidence dealt with in this module are suitable and will be cited as and when required to support a learning activity

1. DEVELOP UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS OF A RANGE OF BIOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL AND IMPRESSION EVIDENCE IN TERMS OF THEIR ANALYSIS, EVALUATION AND INTERPRETATION
(Knowledge & Understanding, Learning, Reflection)

3. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWEDGE OF DIFFERENT EUROPEAN APPROACHES (AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL APPROACHES WHERE APPROPRIATE) TO DIFFERENT CASE SCENARIOS.
(Application, Knowledge & Understanding, Problem Solving)