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• Undergraduate study:
• Courses
• Order a prospectus
• How to apply
• Information for applicants
• Why choose Kingston University
• Disability and mental health support
• Accommodation
• Undergraduate fees
• Fees, funding and payments
• Access, participation and inclusion

Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries

• Module code: LS5011
• Year: 2018/9
• Level: 5
• Credits: 30
• Pre-requisites: None
• Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is an optional module in the Forensic Science pathway. It is designed to introduce you to the forensic analysis of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries, the implications of these, and their subsequent analysis. The module first introduces you to document analysis and its importance in a forensic investigation. Examples of topics include the analysis of counterfeit currencies, handwriting, signatures, inks, indentations, writing implements and art work. The module will then go on to examine the forensic importance of counterfeit drugs, consumer products and digital/cybercrime. Delivery of this module will include formal lectures, practicals and workshops.

Aims

• To enable students to understand and develop their theoretical knowledge underlying the major aspects within document analysis and their importance in a forensic investigation.
• To introduce students to the practical techniques used in the investigation of counterfeit documents, drugs and consumer products.
• To provide students with an understanding of how counterfeits and forgeries are produced and how they are examined.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• analyse the acquisition and development of handwriting and signatures and factors affecting these.
• understand the various scientific techniques used to analyse different types of questioned documents.
• show an appreciation of and select appropriate techniques in order to carry out practical work relating to the investigation of counterfeit documents as well as of other commonly counterfeited items.
• discuss how products such as artwork, drugs and consumer products are forged and how such forgeries are analysed.
• explain the various security features on banknotes, passports and other documents.
• discuss the major types of cybercrime and understand the importance of digital forensics in criminal investigations.

Curriculum content

• Handwriting and the development of handwriting in individuals. Its importance in forensic document analysis. Variations in handwriting and the use of comparison specimens.
• Signatures as targets of forgery. Comparison of specimen against questioned signatures.
• The origin and history of documents. The examination of: the ageing of inks, paper, changes in handwriting over time, impressions, physical conditions of the document, alterations, etc.
• Techniques used in document analysis - microscopy, chromatography (eg. Thin Layer Chromatography), spectroscopy (eg. Raman), ESDA, various lighting conditions (eg. UV/IR light).
• The examination of counterfeit documents.
• The examination of forged artwork and antiques.
• The examination of counterfeit medicines and consumer products.
• Digital forensics

Teaching and learning strategy

Lectures will cover topics outlined above, and will direct the students to further reading and additional educational resources to support their learning. Workshops will be held, in which students will address pre-set problems and case studies provided by the teaching team. The practical laboratory sessions will provide students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of the topics covered through the application of knowledge to the practical environment.

In addition to developing the students academically, this module will also help to develop their employability skills. These include effective communication, teamwork, time management, self-reflection and working to deadlines. For example, the workshops will give students the opportunity to identify and reflect on areas of strengths and weaknesses and to apply what they have learned to the assessed components of the module. Practicals will help to develop communication, time management and teamwork skills, and working on the extended essay will enhance the student's ability to manage time effectively and work to deadlines.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment is through two in-course short answer tests worth 25% each and an extended essay worth 50%. These will assess the students' knowledge and understanding gained through the lectures and practical sessions.
Formative assessment is through completion of worksheets during a workshop and a practical. These will develop the students' understanding of the material which will feed forward into the in-class tests as well as the essay. Feedback will be provided to assist students in the development of their knowledge within the subject area.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Elements of Assessment

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

The current edition of the following texts:

Ellen, D. Scientific Examination of Documents: Methods and Techniques. CRC Press.

Kelly, J.S., Lindblom, B.S. Scientific Examination of Questioned Documents. CRC Press.

Bibliography recommended reading

Huber, R.A., Headrick, A.M. Handwriting Identification: Facts and Fundamentals. CRC Press.

Nickell, J Detecting Forgery - Forensic Investigation of Documents. University Press of Kentucky.