Faculty of Humanities and
Social Sciences
Forensic Studies
Module Catalogue
Semester 2 - 2015/2016
Module Code: FR1003
Module Name: Trace Evidence
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 4
Anna Davenport
Module Description:
This module will introduce students to different types of trace evidence such as glass
fragments, paint, geological traces, hairs and fibres. The means by which trace evidence can
be deposited and transferred will be investigated, as will methods of comparison and
systems used by forensic scientists when evaluating the evidential value of trace evidence in
the context of a case. The use of trace evidence will be illustrated by reference to important
cases. The focus of this module is on the practical and ethical challenges associated with the
collection of trace evidence. No knowledge of chemistry or biology is expected or required.
Specific to:
Assessments:
002:
Portfolio of trace evidence
application (2500 words)
Individual presentation (15 minutes)
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
001:
Semester
S2
70%
30%
Day
Time
Module Code: FR2002
Module Name: Evidence of Marks and Damage
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Anna Davenport
Module Description:
Although often overshadowed by DNA technology in recent decades, fingerprint evidence is
still an important part of criminal investigations. The students will, building upon material
covered in the History of Forensic Science module, learn more about the development of
modern fingerprinting technologies and the use of fingerprint evidence. Other evidence
types covered in this module include footwear mark evidence, damage features on items
such as bullet cases and cutting tools and physical fit evaluation. As with all of the forensic
technology modules, cases studies will be used throughout the module to illustrate
important issues.
Specific to:
Forensic Studies
Forensic Studies joint
Assessments:
001:
002:
Essay
Report
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
50%
50%
Semester
S2
Day
Time
Module Code: FR2003
Module Name: Fakes and Forgeries
Module Credits:
No. of Periods:
Level:
Module Tutor:
15
1
Level 5
Anna Davenport
Module Description:
The critical evaluation of questioned documents has a long and varied history. This module
will consider that history and development. Students will study forensic handwriting, and
will also consider the value of the various technologies that can be applied to both modern
and historical documents. Cases in which forensic document examination has been
important will be studied, as will the impact of emergent technologies.
Specific to:
Forensic Studies
Forensic Studies joint
Assessments:
002:
Report [document analysis, 2500
words]
Individual presentation [15 minutes]
Availability:
Occ.
A
Year
15/16
001:
Semester
S2
75%
25%
Day
Time