Gain an understanding of the current drug legislation in England and Wales, with particular reference to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Identify issues with legislation such as the impact that the development of new drugs has on policing illegal drug use. Gain experience in the processing of crime scenes involving drugs and related paraphernalia, including the Health and Safety implications and the recovery and packaging of evidential items. Develop an appreciation of the current issues associated with policing illegal drug manufacture, use and trafficking. Gain an understanding of the role of forensic analysis within drug related investigations including outlining the analytical techniques available for identification and association of illegal drugs. Introduce the impact that drug use has socially and economically, highlighting examples of drugs in sport and the relationship between drug use and criminal activity. Examine methods used in workplace testing of drugs and roadside testing for drugs and alcohol, including calculating blood alcohol levels. Specific case studies will be discussed with relation to illegal drugs in sport, in the media and with particular reference to policing and investigative enquiries.

The contact hours for this module (24 hours) will be devised as follows:

- 10 x 2 hour sessions comprising of a mix of lectures, tutorials and workshops to present and discuss the information outlined in the indicative content; students will be expected to contribute during tutorials and workshop sessions which will be carried out in groups.
- 2 x 2 hour practical sessions which will enable students to apply their knowledge and develop their problem solving skills.

The remainder of the learning hours (126 hours) will consist of non-contact independent study which will be required to compliment the lecture, tutorial, workshop and practical sessions.

Module Handbook, Blackboard, Lecture room equipped with PowerPoint, OHP, White Board, VLE and other presentation provisions.
Practical Laboratory with packaging, drugs and related paraphernalia, and presumptive tests for illegal drugs for 2 x practical sessions.

none

Recommended Texts

- Wong, R.C. and Tse, H.Y. Drugs of Abuse: Body Fluid Testing. Humana Press 2005.
- Cole, M.D. The Analysis of Controlled Substances. Wiley 2003.
- Grilly, D.M. Drugs and Human Behaviour. Boston 2002.
- Mottram, D.R. Drugs in Sport. Routledge 2011.
- Bancroft, A. Drugs, Intoxication and Society. Cambridge: Polity Press 2009.
- Newburn, T. and Elliot, J. Police Anti-Drugs Strategies: Tackling Drugs Together Three Years On. London: Home Office 1998.
- Bean, P. Drugs and Crime. Cullompton: Willan 2004.

Students will be required to complete two pieces of summative assessment:

An essay (1000 words) from a choice of titles based on the topics delivered in the lecture sessions. This assessment meets Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3. [60%]

A short report (500 words) based on the practical workshop activities and reflective summary (250 words). This assessment meets Learning Outcomes 2 and 4. [40%]

Students will be provided with formative assessment opportunities through feedback during tutorial and practical workshop activities.