Prerequisites for Module
Students must be familiar with the principles of chromatography, spectroscopy, electrochemistry and statistics.
Corequisite Modules
Refer to Definitive Course Document.
Precluded Modules
Refer to Definitive Course Document.
Aims of Module
To enable students to evaluate the principles, applications and limitations of a selection of analytical methods in the area of forensic science including evidence recovery, documentation and corroboration and to provide the student with detailed knowledge and understanding of forensic DNA analysis and other bioanalytical techniques.
Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
| 1. |
Explain the principles and application of DNA analysis and Genomics.
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| 2. |
Discuss clearly and confidently the methods used for the location, recovery, documentation and corroboration of forensic evidence.
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| 3. |
Critically evaluate a range of analytical techniques to solve a given forensic case scenario.
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| 4. |
Discuss the application of a range of bioanalytical techniques used in forensic science.
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Indicative Module Content
Methods used for the location and recovery/extraction of commonly encountered physical, chemical and biological trace materials, contamination avoidance procedures. Documentation and corroboration of evidence, crime scene personnel, chain of evidence, case studies.
Composition, structure and properties of DNA and proteins. DNA and protein synthesis (gene expression). Basic human genetics. Separation techniques: gel and capillary electrophoresis applied to DNA and proteins.
| DNA analysis and genomics will include principles and applications of PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA sequencing, DNA finger printing, DNA micro-arrays. Analysis of: sequence data, genetic variation, gene expression and gene functions.
Bioanalytical techniques including ELISA, RIA.
Comparison of utility, effectiveness and efficiency of analytical techniques applied in a forensic context.
Indicative Student Workload
Contact Hours
| Full Time | Lectures
| 30 | Tutorials
| 5 | Group Exercise
| 30 |
Directed Study
| | Directed Study
| 40 |
Private Study
| | Private Study
| 45 |
Mode of Delivery
The course is delivered mostly by formal lectures with some external specialist speakers.
Assessment Plan
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Learning Outcomes Assessed
| | Component 1 | 1,2,4
| | Component 2 | 3
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Component 2 is coursework consisting of an assessed group crime scene (10%) and an assessed casefile prepared from the subsequent laboratory analysis on evidence seized at the crime scene(20%).
Component 1 is an examination (70%), which is closed book.
Indicative Bibliography
| 1. | WHITE, P., 1998. Crime Scene to Court, The Essentials of Forensic Science. The Royal Society of Chemistry.
| | 2. | DALE, J.W. AND VON SCHANTZ, M., 2003. From Genes to Genomes, Concepts and Applications of DNA Technology. Wiley.
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