This is a core module for students studying forensic science. It aims to develop the scientific, academic and research skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate applications of these skills to study and research in forensic biology. Research skills are taught within the context of forensic biology and associated employment opportunities. The module also develops your knowledge of forensic biology with a particular focus on key methods of human identification and contact trace evidence associated with the human skeleton, tissues and fluids, including DNA analysis. The development of these methods through scientific research and case practice is also addressed to foster a critical evaluation of the applicability and reliability of key forensic techniques. Key issues in the use of biological evidence in forensic investigations, such as the use of controls, reference samples and databases, and measures to minimise bias and error will also be addressed in this module.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Research methods
Employment skills
Topics in forensic biology
This module has two 'strands' that deliver topics relating to forensic biology as well as generic scientific and employability skills. The two strands interconnect so that the generic skills are delivered in the context of forensic biology topics. The scientific skills element focuses on interactive, research-informed teaching that covers a range of essential skills including scientific writing, locating and critically evaluating research papers, experimental design and statistics, and ethical issues relating to scientific research. An awareness of employability skills will be developed through the completion of a self-reflection log throughout the year, complemented by a taught careers session, delivered by the subject team who have industry knowledge. The self-reflection log requires students to reflect on their academic and personal development and is discussed periodically with personal tutors.
Theory, principles and techniques will be delivered through lectures and laboratory practicals, supported by workshops, meetings with personal tutors, guided independent study and materials supplied electronically on Canvas. Guided independent study will include readings, questions to reflect on, and formative quizzes for students to test their own understanding. Practical experience of techniques will be developed through laboratory classes and computer workshops where knowledge and skills developed throughout the module will be applied. The scientific and employability skills will be inherently linked and associated with the forensic context of the module. Engagement in class discussions and completion of assignments facilitates the development of communication, numeracy, ICT and independent learning key skills.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures = 74h Laboratory practical classes = 12h In-course test = 1h Workshops = 10h | 97 |
| Guided independent study | Student independent study including pre-lecture reading, post-lecture consolidation of learning & further reading, preparation for practicals & workshops, research & preparation of the essay, write-up of practical reports, preparation for examination. | 203 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The module will be assessed entirely by coursework. Summative assessments consist of (a) an essay of 2000 words to be assessed via the personal tutorial scheme (40%) which develops abilities in scientific writing and critical evaluation of published scientific literature that were introduced at level 4, (b) an on-line test on statistical analyses of scientific data (30%), and (c) a portfolio of three short practical laboratory reports (30%; each of no more than 800 words and worth 10%) that evaluate and analyse data and information collected. Formative assessment includes an essay seminar and personal tutorials to provide guidance and feedback on essay drafts and to develop students' written communication in preparation for the summative essay, and a self-reflection log on scientific, academic and employability skills developed throughout the year, with discussion and feedback provided by personal tutors. Students are expected to apply the research skills developed during the module to the preparation of laboratory reports. Full guidance for all assessments will be provided in lectures and seminars. Students' skills in locating, selecting and evaluating literature will be assessed via the essay.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Appreciate the importance of experimental design in forensic research, and select, apply and interpret appropriate statistical tests for data analysis. | Practical laboratory reports (S) Statistics test (S) |
| Locate, analyse and critically evaluate research papers, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues relating to research in forensic biology. | Essay (S) Essay seminar and personal tutor feedback (F) |
| Present concise, analytical and objective scientific information relating to forensic biology in the form of essays and reports. | Essay (S), Essay seminar and personal tutor feedback (F) Laboratory practical reports (S) |
| Reflect on their personal and academic skills, demonstrating an awareness of employment opportunities in the forensic and related industries, and the attributes and skills that enhance employability. | Self-reflection log and discussions in personal tutorials (F), Essay (S) |
| Evaluate and apply key techniques applicable to a range of human tissues, body fluids and biological contact trace evidence, including the extraction and analysis of DNA, fingerprint evidence, blood and skeletal remains. | Laboratory practical reports (S) Essay (S), Essay seminar and personal tutor feedback (F) |
| Critically evaluate the scientific basis, applicability and reliability of techniques within forensic biology and the steps taken to enhance the reliability of biological evidence in forensic investigations. | Laboratory practical reports (S) Essay (S), Essay seminar and personal tutor feedback (F) |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| On-line statistics test | Coursework | 30% |
| Essay | Coursework | 40% |
| Portfolio of 3 laboratory practical reports (10% each) | Coursework | 30% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Jackson & Jackson Forensic Science Pearson
Johnson S & Scott J. Study & Communication Skills for the Biosciences. Oxford University Press.
Byers, S. Introduction to Forensic Anthropology, Pearson
Champod, C, et al. Fingerprints and other ridge skin impressions, CRC Press
Li, R. Forensic Biology, CRC Press
Russell, P. iGenetics: A molecular approach. Pearson
Kingston University Book Pack available from Waterstone's, Bentall Centre, Kingston: Foundation Maths by Croft and Davison, plus Statistical and Data Handling Skills in Biology by Ennos
Butler J.M. Forensic DNA Typing: Biology & Technology Behind STR Markers (2nd Edition). London Academic Press
Field, A. Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. 4th Ed. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Langford, A. et al. Practical Skills in Forensic Science. Pearson: Prentice Hall
Ramey Burns, K. Forensic Anthropology Training Manual, Prentice Hall
Saferstein, R. Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science. Pearson.