Prerequisites for Module
Chromatography and Spectroscopy techniques (AS2001) or equivalent.
Corequisite Modules
Refer to Definitive Course Document.
Precluded Modules
Refer to Definitive Course Document.
Aims of Module
To provide the student with the principles and practice of techniques used by a forensic document examiner.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Explain the methods of construction of characters used in handwriting and signatures and identify natural and deliberate modifications.
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| 2. |
Describe and analyse the composition of paper and ink.
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| 3. |
Prepare and present oral and written reports appropriate for a court of law.
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Indicative Module Content
Handwriting and signatures; construction of characters, natural variation, accidental and deliberate modification. Origin and history of documents: inks, paper, impressions, erasures and obliteration. Analysis of documents using a range of techniques e.g. ESDA, chromatography, microscopy, spectroscopy. Video Spectral Comparator, comparison microscope.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Lectures
| 25 | Tutorials/Workshops
| 15 | Laboratory Work
| 20 |
Directed Study
| | Directed Study
| 40 |
Private Study
| | Private Study
| 50 |
| Mode of Delivery
This is a lecture and laboratory based course supplemented with tutorial sessions and case study workshops. Directed study will involve retrieval of information from library sources and the Internet.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1
| | Component 2 | 2,3
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Forensic Imaging class test (50% weighting)
Document Analysis and Forensic Imaging Skills test. (50% weighting)
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | WHITE, P., 1998. Crime Scene to Court, The Essentials of Forensic Science. The Royal Society of Chemistry.
| | 2. | ELLEN, D., 1997. The Scientific Examination of Documents. Taylor and Francis.
| | 3. | Laboratory Manual and Student Safety Booklet, School of Life Sciences.
| | 4. | SLAYTER, E. AND SLAYTER, H., 1992. Light and Electron Microscopy. Cambridge.
| | 5. | STAGGS, S., 1997. Crime Scene and Evidence Photographers Guide. Staggs Publishing.
| | 6. | JONES, G.W., 2000. Introduction to Fingerprint Comparison. Staggs Publishing.
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