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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Introduction to Crime Scene and Forensic Techniques
Reference PL1601 Version 1
Created October 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 7
Approved December 2023 SCQF Points 30
Amended September 2023 ECTS Points 15

Aims of Module
To provide the student with the range and scope of activities undertaken by a forensic scientist and an understanding of evidential integrity and evidential value. To develop practical skills in the recovery of evidence. Introduce the skills required for oral and written presentation of scientific data.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Present individual research on a given topic in forensic science.
2 Recognise current trends in the practice of forensic science.
3 Record and process basic crime scenes.
4 Manage effective teamworking.

Indicative Module Content
Introduction to key topics in forensic chemistry, biology, and traditional criminalistics. Crime scene investigation: personnel, documentation, sketching, searching, recovery of evidence, sampling, packaging, corroboration, chain of evidence, contamination. Practical laboratory skills: microscopy, mark development and comparison, photography. Oral communication skills: principles and practice of presentation skills, use of visual aids, handling questions. This module aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Students learn how to maintain the integrity of evidence during forensic examination, analysis, and interpretation, contributing towards a fair judicial system and strong institutions.

Module Delivery
This module uses a blended delivery with a mixture of laboratory work, lectures including visiting speakers, case studies and tutorials. Directed study will involve the retrieval of information from library sources and the Internet.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 70 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 230 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: Practical Exam Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2
Description: Oral presentation
Component 2
Type: Practical Exam Weighting: 50% Outcomes Assessed: 3, 4
Description: Crime scene exercise

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

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None, in addition to course entry requirements.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
This module is exclusively a Forensics module.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 LANGFORD, A.M., DEAN J., REED R., HOLMES D.A., WEYERS J., and JONES A. 2018, Practical Skills in Forensic Science. 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall.
2 JAMES S.H., NORDBY J.J., BELL S. 2019, Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. 5th Edition. CRC Press.
3 WHITE, P.C., 2016, Crime Scene to Court, The Essentials of Forensic Science. 4th Edition. The Royal Society of Chemistry.
4 JACKSON A.R.W., JACKSON J.M., MOUNTAIN H., and BREARLEY D. 2016 Forensic Science. 4th Edition. Pearson.

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