1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FORENSICALLY IMPORTANT INSECTS EMPLOYED BY ENTOMOLOGISTS.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Analysis
Application

2. APPLY METHODS USED TO ESTIMATE POST MORTEM INTERVAL ESTIMATIONS FROM FORENSICALLY IMPORTANT INSECTS.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Analysis
Problem Solving
Application
3. CRITICALLY ENGAGE WITH FORENSIC DILEMMAS FACED BY FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGISTS ALONGSIDE METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION AND POSTMORTEM INTERVAL ESTIMATIONS Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry
Communication
Reflection

4. COMMUNICATE AND ANALYSE TECHNICAL INFORMATION, IDEAS, PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS TO BOTH SPECIALIST AND NON-SPECIALIST AUDIENCES.
Analysis
Communication

5. ABILITY THE ABILITY TO WORK AS A TEAM, AS WELL AS INDEPENDENTLY, ON PRACTICAL TASKS IN FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY
Learning
Communication
Reflection

1. A report critically evaluating current methods employed for insect identification and the current state of forensic entomology in a court of law. 50% 3000 words
2. Case file that evaluates insect evidence collected from grouped practical sessions and calculating post-mortem interval estimation from published developmental data. 30% 2500 words
3. Lab exercise relating to the identification of forensically important insects. 20% 2 hours

Assessment 1: Learning outcomes 2, 3, and 4.

Assessment 2: Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Assessment 3: Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5

Content taught through mixture of Blackboard VLE activities, lectures, seminars and practical classes in the laboratory.
This module will develop an in-depth understanding of methods employed by Forensic Entomologists at the crime scene and in the laboratory. You will develop your identification of insect skills alongside estimation of postmortem intervals. Furthermore, you will develop your critical analysis skills throughout the course of the module through formative and summative assessments.
Topics taught will include: general entomology in relation to forensic examination, insects of forensic importance, collections of entomological evidence, terrestrial and aquatic decomposition of remains, factors that affect insect succession, aquatic insects of forensic importance, estimation of post mortem interval, forensic taphonomy, entomotoxicology, molecular methods in forensic entomology, forensic entomologists as expert witnesses, ecological theories in entomology, urban and stored product entomology. Additionally, the current state of forensic entomology in the court of law will be addressed in this module.

74 hours made up of tutor led lecture/tutorial/problem solving and practical classes will be used to deliver the core material.
226 hours of independent study will be used to research background information, complete practical tutorials related to the delivery of the core material, prepare pre-requisite work for practical’s, work on assignments, and engage in informal teamwork.

Amendt, J., Goff, M. L., Campobasso, C. P., Grassberger, M. (eds) (2010) Current Concepts in Forensic Entomology. Springer.
Benbow. E. M., Tomberlin, J. K., Tarone, A. M. (eds) (2015) Carrion Ecology, Evolution, and Their Applications. CRC Press
Byrd, J. H., Castner, J. L. (eds) (2010) Forensic Entomology: the utility of arthropods in legal investigations. 2nd ed. CRC Press
Gennard, D. E. (2012) Forensic Entomology: an introduction. 2nd ed. Wiley Blackwell
Rivers, D. B., Dahlem, G. A. (2014) The Science of Forensic Entomology. Wiley Blackwell
Tomberlin, J. K., Benbow, E. M. (eds) (2015) Forensic Entomology International Dimensions and Frontiers. CRC Press

Journals: Forensic Science International and Medical and Veterinary Entomology.

Module handbook, standard lecture room facilities, appropriate laboratory facilities, crime scene house facility, cameras, access to library and to computers with:-

Blackboard VLE
SPSS