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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Forensic Practice
Reference AS3080 Version 5
Created April 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved April 2010 SCQF Points 15
Amended September 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide law students with an understanding of forensic science practice, the different areas of forensic expertise and the underlying theory ,strengths and limitations of different types of forensic evidence. To understand the skills required for the presentation of scientific evidence.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Discuss the roles of personnel involved in forensic investigations.
2 Discuss a range of evidence types and appraise their importance in forensic investigations.
3 Discuss the role of the forensic scientist within the legal process.
4 Make judgements on the important practical aspects of forensic examination, including evidence recovery exercise and assessment.

Indicative Module Content
Organisation of forensic science provision in the UK, forensic science disciplines & personnel. Crime Scene Examination, laboratory examination and analysis. Types of evidence: drugs, toxicology, impressions & marks, trace evidence, firearms, questioned documents, fire examination, DNA, other specialisms. The role of the forensic scientist within the criminal justice system. Interpretation, evaluation of the strength of evidence and presentation. Practical laboratory analysis of forensic evidence.

Module Delivery
The module will be delivered by a series of lectures with supplementary tutorials. Students will also undertake some forensic laboratory exercises.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 30 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 120 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 exam.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
Component 1(Examination) comprises 100%. A minimum of a Grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None
Corequisites for module None
Precluded Modules None

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 JACKSON, A.R.W. and JACKSON, J.M., 2011. Forensic science. 3rd Ed. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd.
2 JAMES, S.H. and NORDBY, J.L., 2009. Forensic science: an introduction to scientific and investigative techniques. 3rd Ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
3 TOWNLEY, L. and EDE, R., 2004. Forensic practice in criminal cases. London: Law Society.

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