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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Introduction to Crime Scene and Forensic Techniques
Reference	AS1006	Version	7
Created	March 2023	SCQF Level	SCQF 7
Approved	July 2002	SCQF Points	30
Amended	September 2023	ECTS Points	15

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the range and scope of activities undertaken by a forensic scientist and an understanding of evidential integrity and evidential value. To develop practical skills in the recovery of evidence. Introduce the skills required for oral and written presentation of scientific data.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Present individual research on a given topic in forensic science.
2	Recognise current trends in the practice of forensic science.
3	Record and process basic crime scenes.
4	Manage effective teamworking.

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to key topics in forensic chemistry, biology, and traditional criminalistics. Crime scene investigation: personnel, documentation, sketching, searching, recovery of evidence, sampling, packaging, corroboration, chain of evidence, contamination. Practical laboratory skills: microscopy, mark development and comparison, photography. Oral communication skills: principles and practice of presentation skills, use of visual aids, handling questions.

Indicative Module Content

Introduction to key topics in forensic chemistry, biology, and traditional criminalistics. Crime scene investigation: personnel, documentation, sketching, searching, recovery of evidence, sampling, packaging, corroboration, chain of evidence, contamination. Practical laboratory skills: microscopy, mark development and comparison, photography. Oral communication skills: principles and practice of presentation skills, use of visual aids, handling questions.

Module Delivery
This module is delivered using a mixture of laboratory work, lectures including visiting speakers, case studies and tutorials. Directed study will involve the retrieval of information from library sources and the Internet.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	70	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	230	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	300	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Practical Exam	Weighting:	50%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2
Description:	Oral presentation
Component 2
Type:	Practical Exam	Weighting:	50%	Outcomes Assessed:	3, 4
Description:	Crime scene exercise

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (Oral Presentation) equally weighted with the second, Component 2 (Crime Scene Exercise). A minimum of a Module Grade D is required to pass, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	AA, AB, BA
B	AC, AD, BB, BC, CA, CB, DA
C	AE, BD, BE, CC, CD, DB, DC, EA, EB
D	CE, DD, DE, EC, ED
E	AF, BF, CF, DF, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD, FE
F	FF
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None, in addition to course entry requirements.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	LANGFORD, A.M., DEAN J., REED R., HOLMES D.A., WEYERS J., and JONES A. Practical Skills in Forensic Science. Current Edition. Prentice Hall.
2	JAMES S.H., NORDBY J.J., BELL S. Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. Current Edition. CRC Press.
3	WHITE, P.C., Crime Scene to Court, The Essentials of Forensic Science. Current Edition. The Royal Society of Chemistry.
4	JACKSON A.R.W., JACKSON J.M., MOUNTAIN H., and BREARLEY D.Forensic Science. Current Edition. Pearson.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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