AP0725 - Criminalistics

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures and laboratory based practical sessions. This module will contain a series of introductory lectures covering sampling techniques, evidence collection and an overview of current and cutting edge screening and analytical techniques, supported by hands on laboratory sessions. The use of the case work iassessment and interpretation model (CAI) in the interpretation and evaluation of trace evidenceis explored in lectures and developed by application in practical assessments.

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during laboratory practicals and scene house examinations. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the scientific theory underpinning the laboratory tests and the interpretation of your scientific findings.
All lecture and practical material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects.
Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will be able to determine the role, nature, evolution and limitations of methods and technologies appropriate to chemical criminalistics specialisms


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. You will use evidence and criteria to integrate, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information and data from a variety of sources.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Examination (50%) (MLO 1) featuring a series of short answer questions designed to demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge related to forensic analytical techniques applied to trace analysis

Practical examination of material relating to a mock case (50%)(MLO2). Production of a report on the evaluation of laboratory findings within the context of the given case.

Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale

Formative laboratory sessions will cover search and recovery of The evidence types covered in the lectures, with emphasis placed on understanding the principles of the analytical techniques used. Students will gain hands on experience which they will apply in the summative sessions

Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning

Feedback on formatively assessed laboratory sessions will be given throughout each session and reinforced in teaching.
Written feedback will be provided within the university guidelines for both summative assessments

None

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Textile fibres, glass and paint are often turned to in the absence of a DNA lead in a forensic investigation. Trace evidence and other evidence such as firearms, have been shown to be crucial to the solving of many high profile and cold cases such as the costal path murders, the Ipswich serial killings and the murders of Jill Dando, Stephen Lawrence and Damiloa Taylor to name but a few. In this module you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the theory, practices and processes of trace evidence examination whilst developing your practical transferrable laboratory skills of industry standard methods. Crucially, you will apply your knowledge to evaluate the significance of trace evidence within the context of a case.
Case studies and case scenarios will be embedded throughout the module which underpin the theory and practical application of trace evidence in the investigation of crime. This module will provide an authentic learning experience which will strengthen your understanding of the role of a forensic trace examiner and what value they bring to the forensic aspect of a criminal investigation.