Module Descriptors
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PRACTICE
FORE70290
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: John Cassella
Email: J.P.Cassella@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 18
Independent Study Hours: 132
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PROBLEM SOLVING EXERCISE weighted at 50%
- ROLEPLAY weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
There are 2 assessment elements:
A problem-solving exercise of 1,500 words 50% weighting meeting LOs 1 and 3
And
A role-play of 3 hour duration set within the crime scene house. 50% weighting meeting LO 2
Both elements must be passed at a minimum of 50%
Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Formative Feedback will be provided by tutors both verbally and feedback on draft assignments
A problem-solving exercise of 1,500 words 50% weighting meeting LOs 1 and 3
And
A role-play of 3 hour duration set within the crime scene house. 50% weighting meeting LO 2
Both elements must be passed at a minimum of 50%
Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Formative Feedback will be provided by tutors both verbally and feedback on draft assignments
Module Resources
Access to the Crime Scene House in Stoke on Trent
Access to BlackBoard
Learning Resources - Library
Access to BlackBoard
Learning Resources - Library
Module Texts
1. Forensic Science - Dr Andrew R.W Jackson, Dr Julie M. Jackson Prentice Hall; 2 edition, ISBN-10: 9780131998803 2011
2. Forensic Nursing Science, Virginia A. Lynch MSN RN FAAN FAAFS, Janet Barber Duval MSN RN FAAFS, Mosby; 2 edition, ISBN-10: 9780323066372 2010
3. Practical Skills in Forensic Science - Dr Alan M Langford, Prof John Dean , Prof Rob Reed, Dr David A Holmes, Dr Jonathan Weyers , Dr Allan Jones, Prentice Hall; 2 edition, ISBN-10: 0132391430 2010
2. Forensic Nursing Science, Virginia A. Lynch MSN RN FAAN FAAFS, Janet Barber Duval MSN RN FAAFS, Mosby; 2 edition, ISBN-10: 9780323066372 2010
3. Practical Skills in Forensic Science - Dr Alan M Langford, Prof John Dean , Prof Rob Reed, Dr David A Holmes, Dr Jonathan Weyers , Dr Allan Jones, Prentice Hall; 2 edition, ISBN-10: 0132391430 2010
Module Learning Strategies
The practical part of this module will consist of an 18 hour course (split over 3 working days).
In this you will be presented with a range of simulated crime scenes to process. You will do this whilst working in small teams. This includes the time that you will spend on the summatively assessed role-play.
132 hours of independent study supported by the material provided via Blackboard. This includes the time that you will spend on the summatively assessed problem solving exercise.
Students are expected to have completed the formative assessments on BlackBoard and to have read widely around the topics under study using book, web and Journal sources for information.
Expect to spend 20 hours per activity on the material provided via Blackboard (there are 6 such
activities, making the total time spent on this equal to 120 hours). This will include reading and research.
12 hours assessment preparation
In this you will be presented with a range of simulated crime scenes to process. You will do this whilst working in small teams. This includes the time that you will spend on the summatively assessed role-play.
132 hours of independent study supported by the material provided via Blackboard. This includes the time that you will spend on the summatively assessed problem solving exercise.
Students are expected to have completed the formative assessments on BlackBoard and to have read widely around the topics under study using book, web and Journal sources for information.
Expect to spend 20 hours per activity on the material provided via Blackboard (there are 6 such
activities, making the total time spent on this equal to 120 hours). This will include reading and research.
12 hours assessment preparation
Module Indicative Content
This module will utilise the unique learning resources in the Faculty of Science; A Crime Scene House depicting real life crime scenes, along with live models for the identification of wounds and injuries, recording of injuries and body mapping. This provides the students with the opportunity to experience real-life scenarios in a safe learning environment.
The module will examine the broad nature of forensic (science in the pursuit of Justice). The role of the forensic scientists in gathering evidence from crime scenes will see how the fundamental principles of the scientific evaluation of evidence and how the provision of forensic science services is organised and accredited in England and Wales
The collection of evidence from the `person' requires appropriate facilities and equipment and these will be considered. The nature of the `examination of the person' and the attendant paperwork, equipment, swabs and labels will be considered. Correct forensic sampling, collection, labelling, storing and transporting of human samples ensuring no cross contamination will be discussed in line with Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine recommendations for the collection of forensic specimens from complainants and suspects.
The tenant of forensic science - the 'Chain of Evidence' will be considered to identify the possible weak points in the `crime scene to court chain' that are most likely to undermine the quality of scientific evidence presented in court and identify best practice to address such potential problems that may arise from these weak points.
How to carry-out a full physical examination with a Body mapping exercise to facilitate the accurate identification and recording of injuries. This will allow for the identification of the age and possible cause of identified injuries. Aspects of
Toxicology, Road Traffic sampling, Equipment standards and Risk assessment associated with crime scenes will be covered.
The evaluation of evidence will be considered.
Evidenced based interpretation of forensic pathology findings will be considered
The ability to communicate findings and share information with colleagues and agencies will be considered. Basic aspects of forensic photography will be covered to compliment record keeping.
The module will examine the broad nature of forensic (science in the pursuit of Justice). The role of the forensic scientists in gathering evidence from crime scenes will see how the fundamental principles of the scientific evaluation of evidence and how the provision of forensic science services is organised and accredited in England and Wales
The collection of evidence from the `person' requires appropriate facilities and equipment and these will be considered. The nature of the `examination of the person' and the attendant paperwork, equipment, swabs and labels will be considered. Correct forensic sampling, collection, labelling, storing and transporting of human samples ensuring no cross contamination will be discussed in line with Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine recommendations for the collection of forensic specimens from complainants and suspects.
The tenant of forensic science - the 'Chain of Evidence' will be considered to identify the possible weak points in the `crime scene to court chain' that are most likely to undermine the quality of scientific evidence presented in court and identify best practice to address such potential problems that may arise from these weak points.
How to carry-out a full physical examination with a Body mapping exercise to facilitate the accurate identification and recording of injuries. This will allow for the identification of the age and possible cause of identified injuries. Aspects of
Toxicology, Road Traffic sampling, Equipment standards and Risk assessment associated with crime scenes will be covered.
The evaluation of evidence will be considered.
Evidenced based interpretation of forensic pathology findings will be considered
The ability to communicate findings and share information with colleagues and agencies will be considered. Basic aspects of forensic photography will be covered to compliment record keeping.