Currently there is no one single textbook that supports the whole of this module. Specialist texts and journal articles can be accessed via the WWW as well as local Library support services.

Two ~1500 word essays will form the summative assessment of this module

Essay 1: This essay will be used to show understanding of the concepts and application of techniques from the biological sciences that are used in forensic investigation, based on the first half of the module (Outcomes 1,2,3)

Essay 2: This essay will be used to show understanding of the concepts and application of techniques from the biological sciences that are used in forensic investigation, based on the second half of the module and will be focused on DNA profiling. (Outcomes 1,2,3)

Exercises will be set through the online facility on Blackboard in order to facilitate regular formative contact with the students. This will be backed up with remedial advice for those students having difficulty accessing the learning outcomes.

Criteria for Pass, Merit and Distinction are available in the award handbook

Suitable computer capable of; accessing the WWW; accessing the University Server; running Blackboard. Library facilities as necessary

The module makes use of the Blackboard VLE environment to deliver its material. Activities will be posted on the module on a weekly basis. Each activity will contain notes, either as word files or powerpoint presentations. A variety of text and web sources will be used depending on the area being studied. There is no single text that can cover the breath of information required. You will need to spend at least 15h per week study time, with some dedicated times for answering on-line formative assessments and for taking part in chat rooms

Examination of biological evidence will be addressed in this module, with topics ranging from the processing of recovered evidential samples, identification of body fluids and analysis of DNA samples. The processes involved in DNA recovery, extraction, quantification and analysis will be discussed, with specific reference to the current DNA profiling techniques used. Alternative types of DNA analysis, including mitochondrial DNA sequencing and Y-STR analysis will also be introduced. The statistical interpretation of DNA evidence will be covered, enabling an understanding of how DNA evidence is reported in a court of law.
Occasionally DNA evidence is not present or is so heavily contaminated that alternative methods of identification are required. Forensic pathology and anthropology are tools that can enable identification of human remains, as well as informing on the time of death and cause of death by studying the degree of decomposition, skeletonisation and/or mummification. Additional topics that will be addressed are forensic entomology, blood pattern analysis and analysis of hair evidence. Forensic entomology theory will be augmented by evaluation of the decomposition of chicken corpses by insects over the time period of the module. Factors influencing the succession of insects onto a corpse will form part of the analysis. Blood Pattern Analysis (BPA) enables several pieces of information to potentially be gained from scene evidence, including a recreation of the series of events that led to the bloodshed, the nature of the offence, the likelihood of finding blood on the assailant, etc. Hair analysis can be useful in terms of associating an individual with a crime scene, with the identification of either human or animal hair, or by indicating the use of drugs and alcohol. All of these biological evidence types can play a key part in forensic investigations.

ENTRY TO POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

Gain an understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of biological evidence, including body fluids and DNA analysis. You will also develop skills in the interpretation of the results obtained in the context of an investigation.