This module is designed to introduce you to the scope and nature of forensic science. One of the main themes through this introductory module is to emphasise the various roles that fall under the forensic science remit and the skills required to perform well in a forensic science laboratory. The module is aimed at students with a basic knowledge of forensic science and aims to enhance this background knowledge. You'll begin the lecture course by appreciating the relevance and application of the role of forensic science in the wider context. This module provides a general overview of what areas may be introduced over the three year degree course.
This module will provide you with a foundation for the study of science at undergraduate level. The basis for the module will be the context, planning and execution of experimental work, along with analysis and presentation of experimental data. A substantial component of study will involve activities in effective written communication and the writing of laboratory reports in particular.
This module centres on the basic skills that all scientists need to be conversant with. It comprises a series of laboratory workshops that give practical experience in the areas of physics. It also introduces one of the central principles of forensic science, that of quantitative measurements and their interpretation and manipulation. The theoretical component of the module is based around understanding the measurement process, the significance of the measurement units and the mathematical manipulation of the data obtained to produce results of use to the analyst. The relevant mathematical skills needed to achieve this will be provided within the module. You'll also be introduced to the main types of electronic measurement transducer and the electrical measurement principles needed to understand the measurement function. On completion of the module, you'll have acquired knowledge in the application of basic mathematical concepts in the treatment and interpretation of measured data, covering areas such as geometry and special measurements, algebraic formulation and manipulation, graphical analysis, statistics and calculus.
This module will introduce some of the biological materials that can be used as evidence in forensic casework. The module will cover the following:
* The nature and morphology of human and animal hairs. You'll investigate the differences between animal and human hairs in the laboratory.
* The use of immunoassays in forensic science. You'll use ELISA to detect controlled substances in mock body fluid samples.
* The historical use of serology in forensic science. you'll utilise serological techniques to determine if samples are human or animal, and the species of that animal.
* Aspects of forensic entomology and the Body Farm in Texas.
* An introduction to anthropological techniques used in forensic science.
* An introduction into the role of wildlife and plants in criminal investigations. You'll study a range of pollens and diatoms in the laboratory.
The knowledge gained from this module will prepare you for the level 5 Crime Lab modules and the Biological Evidence module at Year 3.
This is an introductory unit providing a foundation in physical sciences relevant to the study of forensic science. The first part of the unit will introduce you to the nature of matter. The second part of the module will look at the classification of materials, including their physical and chemical nature, and will contextualise this in terms of forensic science.
This module is designed to introduce you to the English legal system. It will look at the main sources of law, the hierarchy of the court system and the doctrine of precedent. It will consider the role of Parliament in the creation of statutes, the rules which are applied to interpret those statutes and the role of the European Institutions. As an example of a statute, this module will look at police powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The module will also study the structure and the personnel of the legal profession, including the judiciary, the role of lay persons such as magistrates and jurors, the procedure followed at trial and the purposes and scope of sentencing.
