This module is not currently running in 2023 to 2024.
Forensic Science; evidence and the scene of the crime.
What is forensic science? Historical and legal background of forensic science – exchange principles and linkage theory.. Identification, characterisation, recovery and weighting of trace evidence types. Crime scene searching methodologies; the integrity and continuity of evidence. Introduction to laboratory testing dealing with glass, tool-mark, footwear mark and tyre impressions. The management of scientific support at crime scenes. Procedures at crime scenes illustrated by reference to crimes of burglary, murder and sexual offences. Fingerprint history, classification, recovery and chemical enhancement of fingermarks. Practical applications of blood pattern analysis Sexual offence investigation and body fluid identification. Clinical indicators of death and murder scene investigation.
Drug Abuse, alcohol and forensic toxicology.
Drugs of abuse and their identification. Drugs, alcohol poisons and their metabolism. Toxicology and the role of the forensic toxicologist. Qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis.
Document examination:
Signature and handwriting identification. Paper, inks and printed documents. Damage characterisation.
Fires and Explosions:
Arson. Fire and combustion. Types of explosives and the nature of explosions. The crime scene investigation: sampling and laboratory analysis.
Total contact hours: 28
Private study hours: 122
Total study hours: 150
This is available as a wild module.
Online Moodle assignment - one hour duration (25%)
Online Moodle examination - two hour duration (75%)
Crime Scene to Court, the Essentials of Forensic Science, 3rd edition, White, P. (ed.) (2010)
Forensic Science, 3rd edition, Jackson, A.R.W. & Jackson J. M. (2011)
Criminalistics, 10th edition, Saferstein, R. (2011)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have:
Knowledge and understanding of core and foundation scientific physical, biological, and chemical concepts, terminology, theory, units, conventions, and laboratory methods in relation to forensic science.
Areas of chemistry (including analytical chemistry, fires and explosions,) as applied to forensic analysis.
Areas of biochemistry, human DNA.
Numeracy (including data analysis and statistics), forensic investigation and interpretation (including image analysis, forensic archaeology, ballistics, interrogation, and the extraction, analysis, interpretation of physical evidence) and apply them to forensic examination and analysis.
Incident investigation, evidence recovery, preservation, and presentation as an expert witness within the judicial environment.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to forensic science and to apply such knowledge and understanding to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems.
Evidence recovery, preservation, analysis, and presentation to professional standards.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have a knowledge and understanding of:
Communication skills, covering both written and oral communication. Self-management and organisational skills with the capacity to support life-long learning.
Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information, extending to situations where evaluations have to be made on the basis of limited information.
Numeracy and computational skills, including such aspects as error analysis, order-of-magnitude estimations, correct use of units and modes of data presentation.
Information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including information retrieval through on-line computer searches.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
