What should you do as a Forensic Scientist if someone comes across buried human remains? How do we collect evidence from a scene, document it and ensure we maintain a clear legal chain of custody? Why should we care about this? This module will develop your appreciation of a range of physical techniques applied to the collection of bulk and trace evidence materials in forensic science. You will look deeply into aspects of physical evidence, practical issues of item examination, legal process and general procedures associated with the collection and submission of a range of forensically-relevant materials. You will also look at the processes that underpin the recovery of buried remains and how you begin to analyse these to build a biological profile. This modules provides you with a broad understanding of scene and evidence processing to take forward into future roles in practical forensic science.
Lecture 28 hours, Workshop 4 hours
1 page poster - 40%
2,000 words Short Writing Piece. Assessment Details: Essay worth 60%. This assessment is pass/compulsory
Reassessment Method: 100% Written Assessment (1,500 words).
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Identify and select from a broad range of forensic techniques to determine the examination strategy, sequencing, and probative value of evidence while processing incident scenes.
2. Recognise primary scene evidence types, their transfer and persistence.
3. Appraise emerging developments in forensic science and the importance of quality standards.
4. Recognise fundamental concepts in forensic archaeology that apply to the processing of buried remains.
5. Apply knowledge and understanding across scene processing, evidence collection and archaeology to the solution of unfamiliar problems
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