Module Descriptors
PRACTICAL METHODS OF CRIME DETECTION
FORE60184
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Sarah Fieldhouse
Email: S.J.Fieldhouse@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 32
Independent Study Hours: 118
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 75%
- LABORATORY LOG BOOK weighted at 25%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module allows the students to use equipment used in the analysis of forensic evidence through a series of practical exercise as specified below.
Fingerprints; taking, dusting, enhancing and digitisation.
Foot and Footwear Prints: casting, electrostatic lifting and influence of type of movement.
Document Analysis: Use of ESDA to reveal indented writing to order pages in a report.
Document Analysis: Who and with which pen was a threatening note written (use of RAMAN and VSC)
Analysis of Fibres/Hairs: use of different microscopes, including FTIR-microscope.(2 experiments)
Analysis of Paint Flakes and Gunshot Residues by Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Analysis of Glass Fragments: determination of refractive index and analysis of shatter patterns.
Use of Gas Chromatography in Analysis of Drugs or Fire Accelerants.
Use of HPLC in Drug Analysis.
Fingerprints; taking, dusting, enhancing and digitisation.
Foot and Footwear Prints: casting, electrostatic lifting and influence of type of movement.
Document Analysis: Use of ESDA to reveal indented writing to order pages in a report.
Document Analysis: Who and with which pen was a threatening note written (use of RAMAN and VSC)
Analysis of Fibres/Hairs: use of different microscopes, including FTIR-microscope.(2 experiments)
Analysis of Paint Flakes and Gunshot Residues by Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Analysis of Glass Fragments: determination of refractive index and analysis of shatter patterns.
Use of Gas Chromatography in Analysis of Drugs or Fire Accelerants.
Use of HPLC in Drug Analysis.
Module Learning Strategies
THESE LEARNING STRATEGIES WILL OCCUPY YOUR TIME:
1 x 2h tutorial to act as an introductory session
9 x 3h practical sessions
1 x 3h at simulated crime scene(where students will work in small groups of 3 or 4)
1 x 2h tutorial to act as an introductory session
9 x 3h practical sessions
1 x 3h at simulated crime scene(where students will work in small groups of 3 or 4)
Module Texts
AND REFER TO THESE TEXTS, TITLE, AUTHOR, PAGES:
No specific single text is available, but examples of suitable texts include:
Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination, W J Bodzink, CRC Press, 1999
Handwriting Identification, R Huber and A Headrick, CRC Press , 1999
Friction ridge Skin;: Comparison and Identification of Fingerprints, J F Cowger, CRC Press, 1992
Forensic Examination of Fibres, J Robertson and M Grieve, London, Taylor and Francis, 1999
Forensic Examination of Hair, J Robertson, London, Taylor and Francis, 1999
No specific single text is available, but examples of suitable texts include:
Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination, W J Bodzink, CRC Press, 1999
Handwriting Identification, R Huber and A Headrick, CRC Press , 1999
Friction ridge Skin;: Comparison and Identification of Fingerprints, J F Cowger, CRC Press, 1992
Forensic Examination of Fibres, J Robertson and M Grieve, London, Taylor and Francis, 1999
Forensic Examination of Hair, J Robertson, London, Taylor and Francis, 1999
Module Special Admissions Requirements
YOU MUST SATISFY THESE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: None
Module Resources
YOU WILL NEED ACCESS TO THESE RESOURCES: Student handbook, practical schedules and appropriately equipped laboratory facilities
Blackboard VLE
Blackboard VLE
Module Additional Assessment Details
WHICH WILL BE ASSESSED BY:
Assessment Code:
Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
Portfolio of laboratory reports 75% (outcomes 1 ? 5)
Reflective log analysing practical skills acquired 25% (outcome 6)
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via
Interactive question and answer sessions during practical classes
Assessment Code:
Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
Portfolio of laboratory reports 75% (outcomes 1 ? 5)
Reflective log analysing practical skills acquired 25% (outcome 6)
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via
Interactive question and answer sessions during practical classes