Module Database Search
| MODULE DESCRIPTOR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title | |||
| Trace Evidence Analysis | |||
| Reference | AS3067 | Version | 9 |
| Created | April 2023 | SCQF Level | SCQF 9 |
| Approved | June 2002 | SCQF Points | 30 |
| Amended | September 2023 | ECTS Points | 15 |
| Aims of Module | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| To extend the student's ability in the search, recovery, analysis and interpretation of evidence with the emphasis being placed on the techniques used when working with trace evidence. To further develop the student's skills in communication, team work and time management through various laboratory based, scene of crime and courtroom exercises. | |||
| Learning Outcomes for Module | |
|---|---|
| On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to: | |
| 1 | Formulate a plan to manage correctly and safely a range of analytical procedures appropriate to given trace forensic samples. |
| 2 | Demonstrate the ability to recover, classify, assess, and analyse trace evidence collected in a crime scene exercise. |
| 3 | Defend interpretation of analytical results under cross examination. |
| Indicative Module Content |
|---|
| Trace evidence: nature, types, recognition, recovery, security, analysis including hair, fibres, glass, paint, particulates, firearm discharge residues, soil. Contamination avoidance, control samples, packaging, assessment of significance. Students undertake a range of experiments using macroscopic, microscopic, and spectroscopic techniques applied to forensic problems. |
| Module Delivery |
|---|
| This module is delivered using a mixture of laboratory work, crime scene examination, lectures and tutorials and a moot court exercise. |
| Indicative Student Workload | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hours | 80 | N/A |
| Non-Contact Hours | 220 | 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: | Coursework | Weighting: | 60% | Outcomes Assessed: | 1, 2 |
| Description: | A portfolio containing a written record of examined forensic samples relating to a crime scene scenario and a formal court report on that evidence. | ||||
| Component 2 | |||||
| Type: | Practical Exam | Weighting: | 40% | Outcomes Assessed: | 3 |
| Description: | Cross examination in the Moot court | ||||
| MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR | |
|---|---|
| Explanatory Text | |
| The first grade represents Component 1 (Portfolio) weighted as major and the second, Component 2 (Cross Examination), 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. | |
| Module Grade | Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade: |
| A | AA, AB |
| B | AC, AD, BA, BB, BC, CA |
| C | AE, BD, BE, CB, CC, CD, DA, DB, EA |
| D | CE, DC, DD, DE, 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 | AS3067 Laboratory Manual, School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, Robert Gordon University. Current Issue. |
| 2 | ROBERTSON, J. ed. Forensic Examination of Hair. Current Edition. Taylor and Francis. |
| 3 | CADDY, B. ed., Forensic Examination of Glass and Paint: Analysis and Interpretation. Current Edition. Taylor and Francis. |
| 4 | ROBERTSON, J. AND GRIEVE, M., Forensic Examination of Fibres. Current Edition. Taylor and Francis. |
| 5 | LUCY, D. Introduction to Statistics for Forensic Scientists. Current Edition. Wiley. |