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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Forensic Biology
Reference AS2011 Version 5
Created June 2017 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved June 2002 SCQF Points 15
Amended September 2017 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with the knowledge and skills to carry out and evaluate laboratory work involving forensic biology techniques.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Explain the theoretical basis underlying forensic tests used in the examination of a range of biological materials.
2 Appreciate practical applications of forensic biology tests.
3 Interpret example bloodstain patterns in a scientific manner.
4 Demonstrate knowledge of the recovery of biological evidence.

Indicative Module Content
Theory underlying modern forensic examination techniques used to analyse evidential information. The scientific basis for tests for body samples (blood, semen, faeces, saliva and squamous epithelia) in terms of their biological properties, persistence and the techniques that can be used to extract relevant biological information from them. Practical application of a range of biological forensic tests. Assessment of significance of evidence. Presentation of evidence. Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation. Physical Properties of Blood Mechanisms of Spatter Formation. Steps to determine the origin of a spatter pattern. Insect life cycles. Entomological evidence in forensic cases. Pollen, spores, algae and plant materials as evidence.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture based module supplemented by tutorials and practical laboratory classes.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 36 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 114 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 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: Examination Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Closed book written examination.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
This module is assessed using the one component of assessment as detailed in the Assessment Plan. To pass this module, candidates must achieve a Module Grade D or better.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A Final mark of 70% or greater in C1
B Final mark of between 60-69% in C1
C Final mark of between 50-59% in C1
D Final mark of between 40-49% in C1
E MARGINAL FAIL. Final mark of between 35-39% in C1
F FAIL. Final mark of less than 35% in C1
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 1 Forensic and Analytical Sciences or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 JAMES, S.H., KISH, P.E. and SUTTON, T.P., Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Theory and Analysis. Current Edition. CRC Press.
2 JAMES, S.H. and NORDBY, J.J., Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. Current Edition. CRC Press
3 REED,R.H., HOLMES,D., WEYERS,J., JONES,A., Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences. Current Edition. Pearson Education Ltd.
4 WONDER, A.Y., Bloodstain Pattern Evidence: Objective Approaches and Case Applications. Current Edition. Academic Press.
5 LANGFORD, A., DEAN, J.R., REED, R., HOLMES, D., WEYERS, J. and JONES, A., Practical Skills in Forensic Science. Current Edition. Pearson Education Ltd.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781