Langford, A., Dean, J., et. al, (2010), Practical Skills in Forensic Science (2nd Edition), Pearson, Harlow

Munro, M. (2006) Chambers Report Writing. Chambers, Edinburgh

Kirkup, L.. (1995) Experimental Methods: An Introduction to the Analysis and Presentation of Data, Chichester:Wiley

Kinnear, P.R. Gray, C.D. (2011) IBM SPSS 19 Statistics made Simple, New York: Psychology Press

Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS Survival Manual, 4th Edition, New York : McGraw Hill

Forensic Science Regulator (2014), Draft guidance: Cognitive bias effects relevant to forensic science examinations: Crown Copyright

Progress to level 5 of an award in the Forensic and Crime Science subject area.

Module Handbook, Lecture room equipped with PowerPoint, OHP, White Board, VLE and other Presentation provisions. The use, during data handling tutorial classes of a computer laboratory with 1 networked PC per student. These PCs will have to be equipped with SPSS and Microsoft Excel and the same versions of this software will have to be available to the students outside of class time. Students will have access to the necessary presentation equipment (e.g. PowerPoint, laptop and lite projector) for their personal presentations.

This module aims to help you develop a wide range of skills in order to enable you to effectively find, evaluate, summarise and present information on designated topics appropriate to your award. You will be given guidance in the effective use of library and IT resources for information retrieval and processing, and in designing a research project.

Students will acquire knowledge of a range of statistical tests available for data analysis and learn how to apply and interpret them using statistical packages.

You will also study the potential impact of cognitive bias on the development and professional practice of forensic science.

A PORTFOLIO weighted at 100% consisting of a literature review, an individual presentation based on the development of the literature review into a research project and a 1 hour exam to examine the data handling aspects of the module and the importance of cognitive bias in forensic science and forensic investigation. As part of the presentation students will be required to explain the type of data that would be produced from the project and how this data could be analysed and interpreted statistically, using fictional data as part of their presentation.

Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via blackboard and during tutorial sessions.

Seven one hour interactive lectures in semester one and two one hour lectures in semester two, to present and discuss the information, plus eight one hour group tutorials to discuss and analyse the lecture material. Three, three hour data handling tutorials will be delivered during semester 2. Non contact independent study will require extensive reading of literature and preparation for the data handling components

1. Use effectively library and it resources for the search and retrieval of information. (Enquiry)
2. Evaluate and interpret information from a range of sources and summarise findings. (Analysis, Problem Solving)
3. Demonstrate effective skills in independent learning. (Learning, Reflection).
4. Demonstrate presentation and employment related skills. (Communication, Reflection).
5. Understand, apply and interpret statistical analysis to fictional data, and understand the nature of cognitive bias and the steps that can be taken to minimise its impact. (Analysis, Application, Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Problem Solving)

This module aims to help you develop a wide range of skills in order to enable you to effectively find, evaluate, summarise and present information on designated topics appropriate to your award. You will be given guidance in the effective use of library and IT resources for information retrieval and processing, and in designing a research project.

Students will acquire knowledge of a range of statistical tests available for data analysis and learn how to apply and interpret them using statistical packages.

You will also study the potential impact of cognitive bias on the development and professional practice of forensic science.