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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Forensic Practice - Forensic Examination
Reference PL2662 Version 1
Created August 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 8
Approved December 2023 SCQF Points 15
Amended August 2022 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the principles and practice of techniques used by forensic analysts and document examiners.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Undertake experimental procedures using selected imaging instruments.
2 Show understanding of the principles of use and report accurately the results.
3 Compare the methods of construction of characters used in all instances of handwriting.
4 Identify both natural and deliberate modifications made to handwriting.

Indicative Module Content
Students will undertake and report the findings of several prescribed experiments using different forensic imaging techniques, including microscopy, to analyse a range of forensic samples including fibres, footprints, fingerprints, bullets and documents. This will also include analysis of documents using a range of techniques including ESDA, microscopy, and video spectral comparison. Students will examine handwriting and signatures, construction of characters, natural variation, accidental and deliberate modification. Origin and history of documents: inks, paper, impressions, erasures and obliteration. Analysis of documents using a range of techniques e.g. ESDA, chromatography, microscopy, spectroscopy. Video Spectral Comparator, comparison microscope.

Module Delivery
This module uses a blended delivery with lectures supplemented by tutorials, practical laboratory classes and case study workshops.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 50 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 100 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: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Skills test

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The first grade represents Component 1 (Written Report) equally weighted with the second, Component 2 (Skills Test). 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 SCQF level 8 entry requirements.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
This module is taught exclusively by Forensics.

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 WHITE, P.C., 2016, Crime Scene to Court, The Essentials of Forensic Science. 4th Edition. The Royal Society of Chemistry.
3 JACKSON A.R.W., JACKSON J.M., MOUNTAIN H., and BREARLEY D. 206, Forensic Science. 4th Edition. Pearson.
4 BELL S. and MORRIS K. 2009, An Introduction to Microscopy. 1st Edition. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group.
5 AUCHIE, D., 2018. Evidence. 5th Edition. Edinburgh: W. Green. (Law Basics series)
6 CHRISTIE, S., 2009. An introduction to Scots criminal law.. 2nd Edition. Dundee: Dundee University Press.
7 WHITE, R., WILLOCK, I., and MACQUEEN, H., 2013. The Scottish legal system. 5th Edition. Hayward Heath: Bloomsbury Professional.

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