The content of this module will introduce contemporary issues in forensic science and how to address them through research. The content will comprise of academic staff and PhD researchers across the department delivering lectures on their current research, the contemporary issues per research area and how they tackle those issues. In addition, tutorials will be delivered to discuss the delivered content, introduce critique surrounding methods and results obtained by researchers in varied forensic science areas and evaluate opportunities for expansion and development of further work of current research.

Coursework (Article Critique) – Learning outcomes 1 and 2
You will produce an executive summary and critique of a journal article that will demonstrate your ability to succinctly and efficiently summarise and critique the research undertaken within the forensics field. This should focus on the methods employed, the results gathered, the data analysis undertaken, plus the interpretation and application.

Presentation (Further Research Project Proposal Presentation) – Learning outcomes 1, 3 and 4
The further research project proposal presentation will give an opportunity to expand one of the research topics presented by planning the next stages of research. This will entail development of a project proposal, including presentation of key literature underpinning the research area, experimental design and how it would fit to the initial research.

Interactive lectures will be delivered by different researchers every week and tutorials will be delivered by the module leader. Independent study hours will be spent reading background material and completing summative assignments.

Adequately equipped lecture and tutorial rooms
Library access (online and physical collections)
Blackboard VLE

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of current contemporary issues in forensic science in both research and professional practice

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Critically evaluate the methods and interpretations of applicable research outputs

University Learning Outcome

Enquiry
Analysis

3. Creatively and systematically address further research opportunities for current research

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry

4. Effectively communicate research proposals and conclusions to a specialist and non-specialist audience

University Learning Outcome

Communication

Textbooks

Dennany, L (ed.) (2021), Challenges in Detection Approaches for Forensic Science. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry

Journals

Science and Justice, Forensic Science International, and Journal of Forensic Science

STORE - Staffordshire Online Repository

Forensic Sciences and Policing and Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

None

The content of this module will introduce contemporary issues in forensic science and how to address them through research. The content will consist of academic staff and PhD researchers across the department delivering lectures on their current research, the contemporary issues per research area and how they tackle those issues. In addition, tutorials will be delivered to discuss the delivered content, introduce critique surrounding methods and results obtained by researchers in varied forensic science areas and evaluate opportunities for expansion and development of further work of current research.