Module Database Search
| MODULE DESCRIPTOR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title | |||
| Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence | |||
| Reference | AS4073 | Version | 3 |
| Created | June 2017 | SCQF Level | SCQF 10 |
| Approved | September 2004 | SCQF Points | 15 |
| Amended | September 2017 | ECTS Points | 7.5 |
| Aims of Module | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| To provide students with the skills and knowledge to assess, interpret and present scientific data in the legal context. | |||
| Learning Outcomes for Module | |
|---|---|
| On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to: | |
| 1 | Assess, interpret and evaluate analytical data in the forensic context. |
| 2 | Present orally and in written form, scientific information in an appropriate and comprehensible form for court. |
| Indicative Module Content |
|---|
| Continuity of evidence. Interpretation and statistical analysis of analytical data as evidence. Prosecutor's fallacy, potential pitfalls of DNA profiling; profile interpretation, sample problems, physical problems. Casework related experimentation, use of databases, frequency of occurrence. Written and verbal presentation of evidence to lawyers, investigating officers and courts. |
| Module Delivery |
|---|
| This is a lecture based module supplemented with tutorials, case studies and guided reading. External practitioners/experts may be involved in the delivery of material. |
| 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: | Practical Exam | Weighting: | 70% | Outcomes Assessed: | 2 |
| Description: | A written formal court report and cross examination in the moot court | ||||
| Component 2 | |||||
| Type: | Examination | Weighting: | 30% | Outcomes Assessed: | 1 |
| Description: | Written class test on evaluation of evidence | ||||
| MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR | |
|---|---|
| Explanatory Text | |
| This module is assessed using the two components 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 aggregate mark of 70% or greater and a minimum of 35% in C1 and C2 |
| B | Final aggregate mark of between 60%-69% and a minimum of 35% for C1 and C2 |
| C | Final aggregate mark of between 50%-59% and a minimum of 35% for C1 and C2 |
| D | Final aggregate mark of between 40%-49% and a minimum of 35% for C1 and C2 |
| E | MARGINAL FAIL. Final aggregate mark of between 35%-39% and a minimum of 35% for C1 and C2 |
| F | FAIL. A mark of less than 35% in either component |
| NS | Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination |
| Module Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites for Module | Successful completion of Stage 3 Forensic and Analytical Science or equivalent. |
| Corequisites for module | None. |
| Precluded Modules | None. |
| INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY | |
|---|---|
| 1 | ROBERTSON, B. AND VIGNAUX, G.A. Interpreting Evidence: Evaluating Forensic Science in The Courtroom. Current Edition. Wiley. |
| 2 | TOWNLEY, L. AND EDE, R. Forensic Practice in Criminal Cases. Current Edition. The Law Society. |
| 3 | JAMES, S.H. AND NORDBY, J.J. Forensic Science: An introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. Current Edition. Boca Raton. FL: CRC Press. |
| 4 | NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL, COMMITTEE ON DNA TECHNOLOGY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE, 1996, The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence. |