Module Database Search
| MODULE DESCRIPTOR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title | |||
| Trace Evidence Analysis - Forensic Biology | |||
| Reference | PL3661 | Version | 1 |
| Created | August 2023 | SCQF Level | SCQF 9 |
| Approved | December 2023 | SCQF Points | 15 |
| Amended | August 2021 | ECTS Points | 7.5 |
| Aims of Module | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| To provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse biological evidence and skeletal remains using biological laboratory techniques employed in forensic science. | |||
| Learning Outcomes for Module | |
|---|---|
| On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to: | |
| 1 | Discuss the theoretical basis and practical applications of forensic tests used in the examination of a range of biological materials. |
| 2 | Evaluate the suitable methods used to recover biological evidence and skeletal remains. |
| 3 | Discuss the biological profiling of skeletal remains using anthropological techniques. |
| 4 | Evaluate the role of biological forensics and anthropology in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. |
| Indicative Module Content |
|---|
| Recovery scene methods; forensic examination methods; analysis of body samples (blood; semen; faeces; saliva; epithelia); bloodstain pattern analysis; determination of origin of spatter pattern; entomological evidence and its application; pollen, spores, algae and plant material as evidence; biological profiling of skeletal remains (age; sex; ancestry; height; medical and dental history); DNA profiling; evidence of trauma on skeletal remains (projectile; blunt; sharp; miscellaneous); estimation of post-mortem period and determination of post-mortem events; forensic examination of mass graves. |
| Module Delivery |
|---|
| This module uses a blended delivery with lectures supplemented with tutorials, practical laboratory classes and case study workshops. |
| Indicative Student Workload | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Hours | 42 | N/A |
| Non-Contact Hours | 108 | 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 examination. | ||||
| 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, in addition to SCQF level 9 entry requirements. |
| Corequisites for module | None. |
| Precluded Modules | None. |
| ADDITIONAL NOTES |
|---|
| This module is taught exclusively by Forensics. |
| INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY | |
|---|---|
| 1 | BYERS, S.N. 2016, Introduction to Forensic Anthropology. 5th Edition. Routledge; Abingdon |
| 2 | JAMES, S.H., KISH, P.E. and SUTTON, T.P. 2021, Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Theory and Practice. 1st Edition. CRC Press: Boca Raton |
| 3 | JAMES, S.H., NORDBY, J.J. and BELL, S. 2015, Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. 4th Edition. CRC Press: Boca Raton. |
| 4 | LI, R. 2015, Forensic Biology. 2nd Edition. CRC Press: Boca Raton. |
| 5 | LANGFORD, A.M., DEAN, J.R., REED, R., HOLMES, D. A., WEYERS, J. and JONES, A. 2018, Practical Skills in Forensic Science. 3rd Edition. Prentice Hall; New Jersey. |
| 6 | WONDER, A.Y. 2015, Bloodstain Patterns: Identification, Interpretation and Application. 1st Edition. Academic Press: Cambridge, Massachusetts. |