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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Fire, Explosions and Firearms
Reference AS3065 Version 7
Created August 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved June 2002 SCQF Points 30
Amended August 2021 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the thermodynamic, kinetic and materials chemistry principles, concepts and practice which underpin the forensic investigation of fires, explosions and firearms.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Explain the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics as applied to combustion and heat transfer.
2 Assess the properties and fire behaviour of the principal materials used internally in domestic & commercial buildings.
3 Explain the concepts and principles underlying the forensic investigation of explosions, firearms and suspected arson.
4 Analyse typical productions and communicate effectively the interpretation of laboratory results from explosion, firearms or fire incidents.

Indicative Module Content
Fire dynamics: Gas laws (ideal and non ideal), thermodynamics (internal energy & work, enthalpy of combustion, heat capacity, flame temperature, flame height), kinetics (effect of temperature on reaction rate), heat transfer mechanisms. Common Materials; metals, non-metals, natural & synthetic polymers, physical & chemical properties, heat and fire damage. Fire growth & decay, Fire investigation: types of fires, location of seat of fire, laboratory examination of debris. Explosives and explosions: types and chemistry of explosives, initiation and detonation. Investigation and analysis. Safety and disposal. Firearms: mechanisms and design aspects, introduction to ballistics, scene of shooting incident, firearm discharge residues, forensic laboratory examination, proof marks. Evidence: collection, avoidance of contamination, storage, assessment of significance.

Module Delivery
This is a lecture and workshop based module supplemented with tutorial sessions and case studies. External forensic practitioners and fire experts may also be involved in the delivery of material.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 66 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 234 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: Examination Weighting: 70% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3
Description: Closed book written examination
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 30% Outcomes Assessed: 4
Description: A summary report of laboratory work

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (EX1) weighted as major and the second, Component 2 (CW1), weighted as minor. A minimum module grade of D is required for a pass, with compensation of grade E in Component 1 or Component 2 permitted. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A AA, AB
B AC, AD, AE, BA, BB, BC, CA
C BD, BE, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB
D CE, DC, DD, DE, EA, EB, EC
E AF, BF, CF, DF, ED, EE, EF, FA, FB, FC, FD
F FE, FF
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of Stage 2 Forensic and Analytical Science or equivalent.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 STAUFFER, E. et al. Fire Debris Analysis. Current Edition. Elsevier.
2 BEVERIDGE, A., ed., Forensic Investigation of Explosions. Current Edition. Taylor and Francis.
3 WARLOW, T.A. Firearms, the Law and Forensic Ballistics. Current Edition. Taylor and Francis.
4 DeHAAN, J.D. Kirk's Fire Investigation. Current Edition. Pearson/Prentice Hall.
5 NIC DAEID, N. Fire Investigation. Current Edition. CRC Press
6 HAAG, M.G. Shooting Incident Reconstruction. Current Edition. Amsterdam, Academic Press (Elsevier). E-edition available at RGU Library.

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