1 Apply fundamental scientific principles to critically appraise and evaluate a range of forensic biological techniques, assessing their appropriateness for the analysis of biological evidence.

Application & Problem Solving; Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

2 Assimilate and communicate knowledge of forensic biological techniques clearly and professionally through accurate, contextually informed interpretation and reporting suitable for forensic professionals and non-specialist audiences, such as a jury.

Knowledge & Understanding; Communication

Simulation Exercise Debrief Presentation – Learning Outcomes 1-2
Each student will deliver an individual 25 minute oral presentation, followed by a 5-minute Q&A. The presentation will act as a formal debrief of the student’s role, findings, and decision-making during the Simulation Exercise. This assessment addresses Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.

Students will undertake an individual simulation-based debrief presentation following the completion of a comprehensive forensic case simulation. Each student will present a critical evaluation of their analytical approach, interpretation of biological evidence, and professional practice within the simulated investigation. The presentation will demonstrate the student’s ability to apply and evaluate forensic biological techniques, interpret and communicate evidential findings in a professional context, and reflect on procedural standards relevant to forensic reporting.

Assessment will focus on the student’s ability to integrate scientific reasoning with critical reflection and professional communication, reflecting the expectations of expert practice in forensic biology and human identification.

Formative Assessments
Formative assessments will be set in the form of practical tasks, in-class exercises, pop quizzes, and intersessional activities. You will be provided with formative feedback in taught sessions.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to forensic biology and the analysis of biological evidence, beginning with the scope of the discipline, evidence types, contamination control, and chain of custody.

Building on this foundation, the curriculum addresses core analytical techniques, including forensic serology, bloodstain pattern analysis, and the application of DNA marker systems, supported by practical sessions on DNA analysis, and data interpretation.

The module then advances to the evaluation of biological evidence, mixture interpretation, and the use of probabilistic approaches, the module explores kinship testing, paternity analysis, and applications in missing persons and disaster victim identification.

Contemporary developments such as investigative genetic genealogy are examined alongside established methods in forensic anthropology and odontology.

On this module you will gain an understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of biological evidence, including body fluids and DNA analysis, and acquire knowledge of specialised techniques. In addition, you will develop skills in the interpretation of the results obtained in the context of an investigation. Throughout the module you will be required to consider the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by researchers and practitioners. Similarly, you will consider concerns around national DNA databases expansion and the breach of personal space.

You will use a mixture of online resources alongside class-based activities and discussion boards to engage with this module. During the course of the module there will be regular formative assessments with some aligned to the summative assessment listed above, these will be used to provide feedback and feedforward. The practical element of this module will provide hands on experience of a wide range of biological evidence processing and DNA profiling to illustrate the importance of sample preparation for obtaining DNA information from different evidence types such as hair, saliva, semen and blood (encompassing most of the theory you cover in this module). You will have the unique opportunity to work with real human remains in the forensic anthropology and odontology practical classes. The practical work will involve you working in groups to undertake different forensic analysis.

Butler, J.M. 2009. Fundamentals of forensic DNA typing. London: Academic Press. Butler, J.M. 2014. Advanced topics in forensic DNA typing: interpretation. London: Academic Press. Christensen, A.M., Passalacqua, N.V. and Bartelink, E.J. 2014. Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice. Oxford: Academic Press. Dash, H.R., Elkins, K.M., Al-Snan, N.R. and Dash, H.R. 2023. Advancements in forensic DNA analysis. Cham: Springer. Gunn, A. 2019. Essential forensic biology. London: John Wiley & Sons.

Adequately equipped lecture room
Library resources
Science laboratory
Blackboard VLE
Virti
Kahoot
Padlet