This module builds on existing scientific knowledge and forensic awareness. It reinforces some of the fundamental principles, whilst introducing you to a number of key areas of forensic science. The characterisation of fibres as items of trace evidence will be explored as will the evidential value of objects made of textile fabric. An introduction to the interpretation of blood spatter patterns is given. The analysis and comparison of glass by microscopic and other means will be discussed. The comparison of tool marks and their evidential value will be introduced. The individuality of fingerprints will be discussed, along with methods of fingerprint classification. The basic principles of visualisation and enhancement of latent fingerprints, and fingerprint analysis and identification will be outlined. An overview will be given of the analysis of questioned documents, including examination of paper, writing implements and inks, banknotes, credit cards, cheques and wills, typewritten, printed and photocopied documents, handwriting and indented writing. The handling of questioned documents and the techniques for destructive and non-destructive testing will be discussed. This module also examines the increasingly important role of forensic science in the investigation of footwear analysis. This will include protocols in footwear impression analysis including the search, retrieval and examination of footwear impressions found at crime scenes. The interpretation of footwear marks will be introduced including the use of databases for comparison purposes. The students will also be introduced to the Bayesian approach to the evaluation of evidence. This will require students to understand how to interconvert between probability and odds, and how to construct meaningful likelihood ratios and use these to convert prior odds into posterior odds. Time will also be spent on the common errors of thinking known as the prosecutor's fallacy and the defence attorney's fallacy.

Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.

3 hour EXAM weighted at 50%: this will assess outcomes 1,3 and 4. (Final)

A portfolio of practical reports, lab book and fibres practical assessment, weighted at 50%: this will assess outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Students undertake 10 x 4 hour laboratory sessions. The practical portfolio comprises a lab book of notes and observations from all laboratory sessions, 1 x written report from 4 x 4 hour fibres lab sessions, 2 x written reports from 6 x 4 hour criminalistics lab sessions.

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via comments made on their work during practical sessions.

24 hours made up of tutor led lecture/tutorial/problem solving classes and some sessions of distance learning will be used to deliver half of the core material. Here you will not only be introduced to the theory, but by means of suitable case studies, you will gain an understanding of how criminalistic techniques can be applied to crime solving.

24 hours made up of distance-learning sessions will be used to deliver the remaining half of the core material. Again, you will be introduced to the theory and also the application to crime solving by means of suitable case studies. These sessions will be supported by guided reading and self-assessed tasks, plus 4-hours of dedicated face-to-face tutorial sessions on four different topics from glass, fibres, blood splatter, toolmarks, documents, footwear.

40 hours of practical/tutorial (ten, hour-hour sessions) will introduce you to the analysis of clothing for fibres (including hairs) based on their microscopic characteristics, the practical investigation of documents, fingerprinting and footwear examination techniques, ink analysis and characterisation of glass.

232 hours of independent study will be used to research background information related to the delivery of the core material, to work on assignments and engage in informal teamwork.

A list of recommended reading is provided in the module handbook. A copy of the more highly recommended texts will be lodged either in the School LRC Suite or the Criminalistics Laboratory.

Recommended prior reading for general forensic awareness:

Either Chapters 1 to 2 of Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M. (2011), Forensic Science. 3rd ed. London: Pearson, or Chapters 1 to 3 of Saferstein, R. (2010) Criminalistics: an Introduction to Forensic Science, 10th ed. London: Pearson

You will need access to these resources:

Forensic Science laboratory and equipment.

Successful completion of a 100-level science course at MacEwan University, eg. CHEM-101 or BIOL-107.

This module is only available to those students from MacEwan University taking part in the student-exchange program with Staffordshire University.

1. Appreciate the wide range of trace and contact evidence that can be left at a a crime scene and understand the key principles by which this evidence can be characterised and compared with control samples, reference materials and databases. (Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry).

2. Develop practical skills, especially microscopy, document and ink analysis, obtaining and interpreting fingerprints and footprints and the characterisation of glass. (Analysis, Forensic Subject Specific 1, Problem Solving).