COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
COURSE
SPECIFICATION:
Core Award Data
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and
Analytical Science
AWARDING INSTITUTION
Robert Gordon University
INSTITUTION OF DELIVERY
Robert Gordon University
COURSE ACCREDITED BY
Forensic Science Society
Royal Society of Chemistry
COURSE ACCREDITATION / RECOGNITION
Accreditation
Recognition
AWARDS
Stage 1
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Forensic and Analytical Science on
successful completion of Stage 1 of the course (120 SCQF credits).
Stage 2
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Forensic and Analytical Science on
successful completion of Stage 2 of the course (240 SCQF credits).
Stage 3
Bachelor of Science (BSc) Forensic and Analytical Science on successful
completion of Stage 3 of the course (360 SCQF credits).
Stage 4
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) Forensic and Analytical
Science on successful completion of Stage 4 (480 SCQF credits).
AWARD TYPE
Undergraduate
MODES OF STUDY
Full-time
DURATION OF COURSE
4 years to BSc(Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science
LANGUAGE OF STUDY
English
LANGUAGE OF ASSESSMENT
English
UCAS CODE
F410
JACS CODE
F410
RELEVANT QAA SUBJECT GROUP
Chemistry
DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION
10 September 2012
INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
The role of a Forensic Scientist is to assist the police in the investigation of crime. To do this, they
help to establish - or disprove - the links between suspects/victims and the scene of the crime and
find evidence that would stand up in a court of law. Typical types of evidence include trace
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
materials such hairs, textile fibres from clothing, materials such as paint and glass, fingerprints,
tool and tyre marks, footwear impressions, blood and other body fluids, illicit substances and
flammable substances used to start fires.
At RGU, you'll not only develop a precise scientific understanding of these processes, you'll also
gather an appreciation of the implications your findings could have on legal or investigative
proceedings.
In developing this course, we have consulted closely with the organisations that are likely to
employ our graduates. If you're determined to carve a successful career in forensic science, RGU is
the best place for you to start. Our forensic science courses are designed to give students an
impressive grounding in this increasingly important science and its applications in a wide variety of
different areas, including scene of crime work, forensic laboratory investigation, customs and
excise, the fire brigade, health and safety, even journalism and the media.
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE
BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science Aims
The course aims to enable the student to acquire the cognitive, interpersonal, practical and
analytical skills necessary for competent and reflective practice and life-long professional
development as a practising scientist in the field of forensics; and by encouraging the
development of critical thinking, adaptability and the ability to make judgements, promote the
evaluation of practice, informed decision making and high quality professional delivery of scientific
investigation, evaluation and presentation in the forensic context.
Stage 1
This Stage aims to enable the student to develop a framework of basic knowledge and skills
encompassing the self-awareness, organisational and study skills necessary for undergraduate
study. The student will develop an understanding of the basic principles of chemistry, biology, and
analytical science together with the broad principles and scope of forensic science. The student will
also learn basic laboratory skills appropriate to chemical and biological analyses and forensic
investigation including laboratory health and safety. The student will be encouraged to explore the
role of communication in a scientific context. This foundation year equips the student with skills
necessary for scientific practice and forms the basis upon which more complex concepts and skills
can be built.
Stage 2
Stage 2 enables the student to develop further their knowledge of analytical techniques in
chemistry and biology and acquire an understanding of more complex instrumentation, reinforced
through practical work. This will initiate a more critical approach to the theoretical and practical
aspects of science in a forensic context and facilitate their application. The student will also
develop their underpinning legal knowledge through a study of the legal framework.
Stage 3
Stage 3 enables the student to further develop their intellectual and analytical skills, attain
maximum integration of the academic and practical areas and take increasing responsibility for
their learning and decision making, which will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent
study and increasing competence in laboratory practice. Core subjects of analytical chemistry and
biology are developed and the concepts of forensic toxicology, substances of abuse, fire,
explosions and firearms are considered. The student will also undertake group practical exercises
in trace forensic analysis, encouraging them to take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
Development of the students' communication skills will occur through the presentation of data in a
manner appropriate to a court of law.
Stage 4
Stage 4 enables the student to engage in in-depth self-directed study, acquire an increased
breadth of understanding and develop a critical approach to practice, extend their awareness of
the work setting and life-long learning and gain the confidence to be flexible in approach and self
evaluative, as well as appreciate the wider issues related to the workplace including courts of law
and thus attain scientific competence in a forensic science context.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
LEARNING OUTCOMES
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
The following provides the detailed learning associated with the course. The outcomes show how
students are expected to develop knowledge and understanding, practical skills, intellectual skills
and key employability, enterprise & transferable skills during the four Stages of the Course.
SCQF7
Knowledge and Understanding
• Acquire an underpinning knowledge of chemistry, biology, biomolecular science and analytical
science.
• Develop a broad understanding of the range and scope of forensic science.
• Develop a basic knowledge of the procedures used in forensic investigation.
Practical Skills
• Be introduced to fundamental practical applications in chemistry, biology, biomolecular science
and forensic science including crime scene examination.
• Be introduced to the use of simple mathematical and statistical techniques for data interpretation.
Intellectual Skills
• Demonstrate application of standard principles and procedures to straightforward situations with
guidance provided.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse relatively simple problems with some guidance provided.
• Start to develop an ability to form independent judgements with guidance from tutors.
• Apply given tools or methods accurately and carefully to simple problems with guidance from
tutors.
Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills
• Communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way, in writing and orally, and in short pieces of
work in a scientific/forensic context.
• Use simple formulae and graphical information and use simple statistical techniques for the
interpretation of data.
• Demonstrate simple interactive group skills.
• Learn in an effective and purposeful way, with the beginnings of development as an autonomous
learner.
SCQF8
Knowledge and Understanding
• Develop a deeper understanding of the core principles of chemistry.
• Develop an understanding of the core principles of areas of law relevant to forensic science
• Develop knowledge of the core instrumental techniques in analytical science and their application.
• Develop knowledge of the principles involved in forensic biology and anthropology.
• Develop knowledge of the principles of forensic imaging & forensic document analysis.
Practical Skills
• Be introduced to the use of analytical science instrumentation in a forensic context. Develop
skills in qualitative analysis of biological materials in the context of forensic science.
Intellectual Skills
• Demonstrate application of standard principles and procedures to more complex situations with
some guidance provided.
• Demonstrate increasing ability to analyse relatively simple problems with some guidance from
tutors.
• Develop an ability to form independent judgements with some guidance from tutors.
• Apply given tools or methods accurately and carefully to more demanding problems with
guidance from tutors.
Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills
• Communicate in a clear, systematic and concise way, in writing and orally, in more formal and
academic professional styles, and in longer pieces of work on the appropriate scientific context.
• Use and interpret formulae and graphical information and use more complex statistical
techniques for the interpretation of data.
• Demonstrate more advanced interactive group skills, including effective participation in more
demanding group tasks.
• Learn in an increasingly effective and purposeful way, with development as an autonomous
learner.
SCQF9
Knowledge and Understanding
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
• Extend knowledge of analytical techniques including advanced spectroscopy.
• Develop understanding of a range of forensic areas including genetics, trace evidence analysis,
the investigation of fire and explosions and the use of firearms, toxicology and substances of abuse.
• Understand the fundamentals of genetics when applied in a forensic context.
• Develop a more detailed understanding of physical and inorganic chemistry.
Practical Skills
• Apply a wide range of specialist techniques in forensic science in a practical context.
• Develop courtroom skills.
Intellectual Skills
• Demonstrate an ability to select and use principles and procedures appropriate to the solution or
problem in hand with minimal guidance provided.
• Recognise familiar ideas or principles in new contexts or situations, analyse systematically and
effectively with minimal guidance provided.
• Show basic ability to relate and marshal facts/ideas/elements in an argued case with minimal
guidance provided.
• Identify a range of valid alternative solutions, begin to discriminate and evaluate in a reasoned,
systematic and increasingly independent way.
• Begin to self direct, identify key problems and choose appropriate methods to construct their
resolution with only general guidance.
Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills
• Engage effectively in a variety of roles; debate; produce clear, well-structured reports and other
extended pieces of work; give clear subject-specific presentations in a variety of areas pertinent to
forensic and related science.
• Apply more complex numerical and statistical and calibration techniques for the interpretation
and analysis of data.
• Access and use material and packages which will facilitate the analysis and presentation of oral,
written, numerical, tabular and graphical data.
• Adopt a broad-ranging and flexible approach to study; identify learning needs; pursue activities
designed to meet these needs in increasingly autonomous ways.
• Interact effectively within a learning or subject-specific group; demonstrate basic negotiating,
role, leadership and group-support skills.
SCQF10
Knowledge and understanding
• Become aware of recent developments in emerging areas of forensic and analytical science.
• Extend the theory and application of forensic DNA analysis, population genetics and analytical
science.
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of a specialist topic e.g. criminology or oilfield chemicals.
• Develop knowledge of the principles of the interpretation, evaluation and presentation of
evidence.
• Become increasingly independent, confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex
problems and in the application of knowledge and skills appropriate to their solution, at the
threshold of professional competence.
Practical Skills
• Develop practical skills in forensic and analytical science at the level of professional competence
in the context of an extended practical research exercise.
• Develop skills in the systematic evaluation of scientific data.
Intellectual Skills
• Carries out confident and accurate selection and application of principles and procedures to the
solution of a range of forensic science situations and problems, working autonomously.
• Identify and classify ideas or principles in new contexts or situations, analyse systematically,
effectively and critically, working autonomously.
• Integrate theory with professional practice; autonomously evaluate theory, process solutions and
outcomes, critically and effectively.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify self-strengths and weaknesses and to initiate learning
processes as required.
• Become increasingly independent, confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex
problems and in the application of knowledge and skills appropriate to their solution, at the
threshold of professional competence.
Key Employability, Enterprise and Transferable Skills
• Engage effectively in independent roles; communicate with professional peers, senior colleagues,
specialists and informed audiences; produce detailed critiques and coherent project reports; give
confident oral and other presentations in a wide range of forensic and related science contexts.
• Use skills in numeracy developed at previous levels in more open-ended situations, e.g. to
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
• Use skills in numeracy developed at previous levels in more open-ended situations, e.g. to
evaluate research findings of themselves and others based on sound scientific principles.
• Use a variety of computer-based packages to retrieve, manipulate and present data.
• With minimal guidance manage their own learning using a wide range of resources appropriate to
forensic and related science; seek and make effective use of feedback.
• Interact effectively within learning; demonstrate appropriate negotiating, role leadership and
group-support skills to an advanced level.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF COURSE
This Course was the first in Scotland to be accredited by the Forensic Science Society, the
professional body for practising forensic scientists in the UK. The course is accredited in all three
component standards; Laboratory Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation and Interpretation and
Evaluation of Evidence. The excellent analytical laboratories, the crime scene facilities and the
number of forensic practitioners involved with the course were particularly highlighted as resulting
in facilities 'second to none' during a recent surveillance visit by the Forensic Science Society.
The strategy of the course team is to teach the principles of scientific investigation and analysis
through the medium of forensics and thereby produce graduates who will have the full complement
of skills to gain employment in forensic science and analytical science. The course has a high
percentage of laboratory based activities and the hands-on nature of the course means that the
graduates from RGU are well placed to gain employment since the employability of Forensic
science graduates is linked, in many cases, to their analytical science skills.
The employability of graduates is a particular focus of the University and the course team have
been fortunate to have the support of Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA), Scotland in the
delivery of a careers programme to meet the specific requirements of the SPSA application and
interview process.
Short term placements with the Scene Examination Branch of SPSA, Aberdeen are available to
selected students between Stages 3 and 4. These are a result of the close collaboration between
SPSA, Aberdeen and the course team.
WHAT THE COURSE INVOLVES
The BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science course is a blend of classroom-based teaching,
student-centred learning, laboratory-based work, crime scene investigation and web-based
learning.
Each student studies the equivalent of four 15 credit modules during each of the 2 semesters per
Academic Session. During a typical week the normal workload would involve in the order of 12
hours of lectures and tutorials and up to 6 hours of laboratory work. Laboratory activities will
include crime scene and recovery of evidence exercises, forensic & analytical chemistry and biology
laboratory work, project work and courtroom training. The crime scene exercises involve group
working and in the latter stages of the course, part of the assessment takes place within the Moot
court.
PLACEMENT / PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Students have the opportunity to spend one year in a scientific laboratory between years 3 and 4
of the course. Successful students who undertake this option will be awarded a degree with an
additional 120 credit module (AS3099). Assistance is given to students in finding suitable
placements.
Limited short term work experience placements are also available with SPSA, Aberdeen.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY
Students who obtain an Honours degree with at least a second class classification will normally be
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
suitably qualified to access postgraduate and doctoral programmes in UK higher education
institutions.
Students will normally be eligible to undertake a postgraduate teaching qualification in chemistry.
EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS
External and Internal References
The course design is based on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
Framework, levels 7 to 10. http://www.scqf.org.uk/
The course design involves on-going close consultation with forensic and legal practitioners.
The course embodies the 3 component standards of the Professional Body, the Forensic Science
Society i.e. Crime Scene Investigation, Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation, Evaluation &
Presentation of Evidence. http://www.forensic-science
society.org.uk/Education+Conferences+CPD/accreditation_scheme.htm
Indicators of Quality and Standards
Institution Led Subject Review (ILSR) March 2010, Forensic Science Society Accreditation May
2006, Forensic Science Society Accreditation Surveillance visit November 2008, Forensic Science
Society Accreditation Surveillance visit November 2010, Skills for Justice “Skillsmark for Forensics”
March 2011.
ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
This course is governed by the provisions of the University's Academic Regulations, which are
available at www.rgu.ac.uk/academicregulations. In particular:
Regulation A1: Courses
Regulation A2: Admission
Regulation A3: Section 1: Student Appeals (Awards and Progression) Procedure
Regulation A3: Section 2: Student Misconduct Procedure
Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards
Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements for undergraduate and
postgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including proficiency to
a minimum standard in the English language. Specific entry requirements for this course are
detailed below.
SQA Higher: BBCC including Chemistry and one other science or Maths. English, Maths and Biology
are required at a minimum of Standard Grade credit level.
GCE A Level: CCC at A level including Chemistry, and 3 GCSEs including English, Maths and Biology
ILC Higher: BBC1C1 at Higher Grade including Chemistry and 1 other science or Maths. English,
Maths and Biology are required at a minimum of Ordinary Level.
IB Diploma: 26, including Grade 5 Higher Level in Chemistry and 1 other science subject plus pass
in Biology and Maths at Standard Level
NORSWAP Access to Science Course. Equivalent overseas qualifications, SQA, BTEC, S/NVQs and
some access programmes will be considered.
There are no formal interviews for admission to the course. However, applicants are encouraged to
attend either the University Open day in October or one of the applicants days held in March.
Course-Specific Assessment Regulations
The student's honours classification is based solely on performance in Stage 4 of the course.
The following modules have been identified as being central to the objectives of the course and,
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
The following modules have been identified as being central to the objectives of the course and,
therefore, failure may not be condoned:
AS1006 Introduction to Crime Scene & Forensic Techniques
AS2063 Forensic Examination & Analysis
AS3067 Trace Evidence Analysis
AS4049 Project
SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION
None.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
The University has a strong commitment to the active promotion of equality across its functions,
including its course provision. To this end the University has developed an inclusivity statement
which articulates the University's desire to strive towards creating a working, learning and social
atmosphere which is inclusive, harmonious and respectful of diversity. The University has also
developed an equality and diversity policy and every two years publishes a mainstreaming report,
including equality outcomes, which explains how the university is developing and implementing its
inclusivity statement. At a course level, course leaders monitor and comment on equalities data
through the annual appraisal process. Through this process any significant trends in equalities data
are highlighted. Further information can be found at: www.rgu.ac.uk/about/equality-and-diversity
All Schools have a nominated School Contact who can advise on the requirements of the course
and the range of course-specific reasonable adjustments that may be made. The current School
Contacts are available from: www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/disability/page.cfm?pge=7853.
The University's Disability and Dyslexia Service provides support for students, details of which may
be found at: www.rgu.ac.uk/disability
NOTE
This document constitutes one of two course documents that should be read together:
Course Specification: Core Award Data
Course Specification: Student Learning Experience
CONTACT DETAILS
Robert Gordon University
Garthdee House
Aberdeen
AB10 7QB
Scotland, UK
A Scottish Charity, Registration No. SC013781
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 262000
Web: http://www.rgu.ac.uk
In compiling this information the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible,
though it must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The University
reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, to
discontinue, merge or combine courses, and to introduce new courses.
Printed: 09 Jul 2014
Record Number: 0133
Version Number: 7
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
DETAILED COURSE STRUCTURE
Full-time
Stage 1
Semester 1
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS1006
Introduction to Crime Scene and Forensic Techniques.
--
SCQF 7
AS1010
Applied Microbiology
15
SCQF 7
AS1801
Chemistry For Life Sciences
15
SCQF 7
AS1901
Biology for Life Sciences
15
SCQF 7
Total for Semester:
45
Full-time
Stage 1
Semester 2
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS1006
Introduction to Crime Scene and Forensic Techniques.
30
SCQF 7
AS1026
Biomolecular Science
15
SCQF 7
AS1802
Analytical Techniques for Life Sciences
15
SCQF 7
AS1903
Practical Skills for Life Sciences
15
SCQF 7
Total for Semester:
75
Total for Stage:
120
Full-time
Stage 2
Semester 1
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS2011
Forensic Biology
15
SCQF 8
AS2040
Analytical Science 1
15
SCQF 8
AS2063
Forensic Examination & Analysis
--
SCQF 8
BS2178
Forensic Science: The Legal Framework
15
SCQF 8
Total for Semester:
45
Full-time
Stage 2
Semester 2
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS2010
Anthropology
15
SCQF 8
AS2041
Analytical Science 2
15
SCQF 8
AS2063
Forensic Examination & Analysis
30
SCQF 8
AS2232
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
15
SCQF 8
Total for Semester:
Total for Stage:
75
120
Full-time
Stage 3
Semester 1
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS3017
Forensic Genetics
15
SCQF 9
AS3040
Analytical Chemistry
15
SCQF 9
AS3065
Fire, Explosions And Firearms
15
SCQF 9
AS3067
Trace Evidence Analysis
--
SCQF 9
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
Total for Semester:
45
Full-time
Stage 3
Semester 2
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS2002
Physical And Inorganic Chemistry
15
SCQF 8
AS3066
Forensic Toxicology And Substances Of Abuse
15
SCQF 9
AS3067
Trace Evidence Analysis
30
SCQF 9
AS3070
Spectral Analysis and Interpretation
15
SCQF 9
Total for Semester:
75
Full-time
Stage 3
Semester 3
AS3099
One Year Sandwich Placement
CREDITS
LEVEL
120
SCQF 9
Total for Semester:
A
120
Route A - On completion of Stage 3 students have the option to undertake a one year industrial placement. The placement
module will be undertaken between Stages 3 and 4.
Total for Stage:
240
Full-time
Stage 4
Semester 1
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS4040
Advanced Analytical Techniques
15
SCQF 10
AS4049
Project
--
SCQF 10
AS4074
DNA Technologies
30
SCQF 10
Total for Semester:
45
Full-time
Stage 4
Semester 2
CREDITS
LEVEL
AS4049
Project
45
SCQF 10
AS4073
Interpretation, Evaluation And Presentation Of Evidence
15
SCQF 10
Choose 1 option module from the following group:
AS4052
Oilfield Chemicals
15
SCQF 10
BS4268
Criminology
15
SCQF 10
Total for Semester:
Total for Stage:
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
75
120
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
COURSE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM
Stage One
SEMESTER 1
AS1801 Chemistry for Life
Sciences
AS1901 Biology for Life
sciences
SEMESTER 2
AS1802 Analytical Techniques
for Life Sciences
AS1026 Biomolecular Science
EXIT AWARD
AS1006 Introduction to Crime
Scene & Forensic Techniques
AS1006 Introduction to Crime
Scene & Forensic Techniques
AS1010 Applied Microbiology
AS1903 Practical Skills for Life
Sciences
Certificate of Higher
Education Forensic and
Analytical Science
(on successful
completion of 120
credits)
Stage Two
SEMESTER 1
AS2040 Analytical Science
1
AS2011 Forensic Biology
AS2063 Forensic
Examination & Analysis
SEMESTER 2
AS2041 Analytical Science
2
AS2010 Anthropology
AS2063 Forensic
Examination & Analysis
BS2178 Forensic Science:
The Legal Framework
AS2232 Fundamentals of
Organic Chemistry
EXIT AWARD
Diploma of Higher Education
Forensic and Analytical Science
(on successful completion of 240
credits)
Stage Three
SEMESTER 1
AS3040 Analytical
Chemistry
SEMESTER 2
AS3070 Spectral Analysis &
Interpretation
AS3017
Forensic Genetics
AS3067 Trace Evidence
Analysis
AS3066 Forensic Toxicology and
Substances of Abuse
AS3067 Trace Evidence Analysis
AS3056 Fire,
Explosions and Firearms
AS2002 Physical and Inorganic
Chemistry
EXIT AWARD
Bachelor of Science Forensic
and Analytical Science
(on successful completion
of 360 credits)
Optional Stage:Students have the opportunity to undertake a credit rated industrial placement module,
AS3099 One Year Sandwich Placement (120 SCQF level 9 credits) between Stages 3 and 4 of the course.
Stage Four
SEMESTER 1
AS4040 Advanced
Analytical Techniques
SEMESTER 2
BS4268 Criminology or
Oilfield Chemistry
AS4049 Project
AS4074 DNA
Technologies
AS4049 Project
AS4049 Project
AS4074 DNA
Technologies
AS4073 Interpretation,
Evaluation & Presentation of
Evidence
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
EXIT AWARD
Bachelor of Science
(Honours) Forensic and
Analytical Science
(on successful completion of 480
credits)
11
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
COURSE
SPECIFICATION:
Student Learning
Experience
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and
Analytical Science
STUDENT LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The University's ambition is to be consistently one of the best modern universities in the UK. To
achieve this ambition, the University focuses on the needs of students, economies and societies,
aiming to:
enrich the all-round experience of students throughout their engagement with the
University;
enhance the quality and relevance of taught provision;
increase the diversification of the student population;
expand the provision of corporate programmes and lifelong learning opportunities;
grow internationally excellent research and knowledge exchange activities and reputation;
secure economic and environmental sustainability.
The University believes a professional education starts with excellent teaching and research within
a supporting environment, and is about a lifelong and sustainable approach to working and living.
The University's portfolio is informed by its commercial and public sector partners, who are
instrumental in helping to develop courses to ensure their relevance for the evolving economy and
society. Many include practical experience and placements, and are professionally accredited.
These contribute to the University's position as one of the UK's top universities for graduate
employment.
By combining the best of both academic and professional worlds, the University aims to give its
students the best possible start to their careers. A degree from Robert Gordon University is
confirmation to a future employer that a student will possess the required blend of learning, skills
and experience.
COURSE PHILOSOPHY AND OVERVIEW
The BSc(Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science course aims to produce graduates who are suitably
qualified to enter a scientific career including employment as a forensic scientist or a crime scene
examiner. The University has first-class facilities for the teaching of forensic and related sciences.
These include:
special rooms where crime scenes may be reconstructed for investigation by
students. Included is an area for blood pattern analysis
a dedicated forensic imaging suite with a wide range of specialist microscopes for trace
evidence and document analysis
an analytical science laboratory including state-of-the-art spectrometers, chromatographs
and mass spectrometers for forensic analysis
a dedicated forensic DNA suite with the latest genetic analysis equipment
a courtroom with video recording facilities where expert witness training and exercises may
be carried out
Emphasis is placed on students acquiring the relevant knowledge of chemistry, biology and
biochemistry applied in a forensic context. Importance is placed in allowing students to develop
laboratory practical skills, interpretative skills, interpersonal and communication skills, and
awareness of the role of scientists in the community as a whole. The course has been designed to
produce graduates who are eminently equipped with the skills and knowledge required for
subsequent employment in a variety of workplaces including areas such as research, project
management and technical services associated with a range of industry including forensic scientific,
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
pharmaceutical, oilfield chemistry and environmental. The academic and practical aspects of the
course are designed to provide a rational and coherent programme of study, which provides a
sound knowledge base that is enhanced by research active academic staff and which will facilitate
the professional development of students in order to lay the foundations for successful careers.
TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY
The course in Forensic and Analytical Science is designed to support students in acquiring the
intellectual and practical skills necessary to become resourceful professionals in the areas of
Forensic and Analytical Science. The teaching strategies have been developed with reference to the
Forensic Science Society Accreditation: Criteria & Standards and to enable students to acquire the
key graduate skills or transferable skills as outlined in the course learning outcomes for SCQF
levels 7-10 (refer to Section 5).
A key feature of the teaching strategy at all Stages of the course is the use of forensic case studies
which have been developed by the former forensic practitioners on the staff. They have been able
to draw on their wealth of knowledge and experience. Students are introduced to the scientific
approach and investigative thinking strategies from Stage 1 through simple problem solving
exercises and hypothesis formation. These are further developed throughout the course and at
Stage 4 students undertake complex interpretative exercises in scientific reasoning where they are
required to make a forensic assessment of the case and develop a forensic strategy. These
exercises encourage the development of wider process skills, which foster the acquisition of an
open-minded and creative attitude tempered with scientific discipline since these exercises require
the integration of scientific knowledge and forensic practice. Contributions from guest lecturers in
are an important feature of the course, reflecting the relevance of the curricula to current
professional practice and recent developments in forensic science and analytical science.
Many of the taught modules use the established methods of lectures to impart knowledge and
explain concepts, and tutorials to develop the application of knowledge and concepts to various
situations and contexts. The word “tutorial” is liberally interpreted here to include a wide variety of
staff-directed and student-centred learning techniques such as seminars, workshops and
extra-mural activities, in addition to traditional problem solving sessions. A significant proportion
of the teaching material is available in e-learning format and students are encouraged to make use
of discussion forums and module chat rooms. To support this, the school has a full-time lecturer in
e-learning and two e-learning support officers. A number of formative exercises are used to enable
students to monitor their individual progress in modules such as on-line quizzes available through
Moodle or tutor-led exercises within the classroom using the personal response system (PRS).
At each Stage of the course, considerable emphasis is placed on laboratory work or practical
exercises. This work is felt to be a suitable vehicle for the integration and application of material
covered in the course and considerable care is taken to devise programmes, which cross traditional
subject boundaries and maximise exposure to the excellent analytical and crime scene facilities.
The practical exercises and coursework assessment strategies are designed to provide suitable
vehicles for student-centred learning with the use of directed reading and pre-lab exercises. A
proportion of the student-centred activity is group-based to develop team co-operative skills. The
laboratory work progresses from mainly prescriptive exercises in Stages 1 and 2 to more complex
exercises in Stage 3 and culminates in an individual honours project in Stage 4. Skills tests are
used where appropriate to assess practical skills acquired during the laboratory sessions in Stages
1-3.
Many of the key transferable skills such as oral communication, report writing, group working,
information retrieval, creative thinking and time/task management are developed through the
context of crime scene scenarios and “crime scene to court” exercises. One of the key skills
required by a forensic scientist is to interpret analytical results in a meaningful, structured manner
in the context of casework and to be able to express the interpretation of results in a
comprehensible manner to non-scientists for example, members of the legal profession or a jury.
These exercises develop in complexity through the different Stages of the course but in all the
exercises students are required to work in groups and collect the evidence in the correct manner
to ensure forensic and legal integrity. Students are then required to write comprehensive,
comprehensible, rational and impartial reports which are based on analytical data obtained from
the evidence. The most important aspects of the exercises are organisation, planning, teamwork
and the methodological approach and clear application of the scientific method. In Stage 3
students are required to analyse the evidence, prepare a case file and an expert witness statement
and present evidence in the Moot court. This gives students the opportunity to explain scientific
results to non-specialists and to do in a way which avoids jargon. A more advanced exercise of this
type is carried out at Stage 4 but without the investigation of a simulated crime scene.
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
ASSESSMENT
As most student effort is usually directed at summative assessed aspects of the course, care has
been taken to develop assessment strategies that are compatible with the stated learning
outcomes of individual modules and to meet the outcomes of each of the Forensic Science Society
Component Standards.
The nature of the summative assessments and the proportion of the mark allocation for each
instrument of assessment varies from Stage to Stage and from module to module. The nature and
weighting of each assessed component for each module is specified within the Module Performance
Descriptor (MPD). The total assessment activity in any stage is monitored closely by the stage
tutors to avoid 'clustering' of the timing of assessments and ensure that a range of different types
of activities are utilised.
In the early stages of the course written examinations are used to assess knowledge and
understanding. In later stages of the course, written examinations also assess intellectual skills
such as application, analysis, evaluation and problem- solving.
In each stage of the course, considerable emphasis is placed on laboratory work or practical
exercises. This work is felt to be a suitable vehicle for the integration and application of material
covered in the course and considerable care is taken to devise assessments which assess the
interpretation of scientific results and the ability to write comprehensive, comprehensible, rational
and impartial reports. Skills tests are used to assess practical skills acquired during the laboratory
sessions in Stages 1-3.
Many of the key transferable skills such as oral communication, report writing, group working,
information retrieval, creative thinking and time/task management are developed and assessed
through the context of crime scene scenarios and crime scene to court exercises. Staff have
developed a range of assessments which enable them to monitor student performance in these
exercises students.
A summary of the range of assessment activities within the course is given below:
Examinations
(closed and open
book)
Essays
Expert
Laboratory records witness
statement
Moot court
Laboratory reports
exercise
Laboratory skills
Project report
tests
Computer
Crime scene
based
exercises
exercises
MCQ
Case file
Oral presentation
Forensic
portfolio
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
Assessment Feedback
All students are issued with a formal assessment feedback time-table which states the type of
feedback and the expected timescale. Each module team aims to meet the university standard of
providing assessment results and appropriate feedback within four weeks. Any student who fails an
assessment is given the opportunity to meet individually with the relevant member of staff to
discuss their work and receive support for future submissions.
SUPPORT FOR TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
The University provides a number of means of supporting teaching and learning:
student induction organised on a course or School basis;
an ongoing scheme of personal/pastoral support for students;
an extensive programme of student study skills delivered through the Library and the Study Skills and
Study Skills and Access Unit;
an extensive library of learning resources;
close collaboration with industry and professional, statutory and regulatory bodies;
the University's active participation in the Scottish Funding Council's Quality Enhancement
Themes, www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk/;
support for staff from the Department for the Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and
Assessment (DELTA), including provision of a Postgraduate Certificate Higher Education
Learning and Teaching course;
extensive opportunities for student placements with companies or organisations, academic
overseas exchange programmes, and support for entrepreneurial activity;
CampusMoodle, http://campusmoodle.rgu.ac.uk/, the University's dedicated virtual
learning environment;
a commitment to knowledge exchange and technology transfer through focused research
activity, which contributes to the critical underpinning for all taught courses;
the expanding provision of state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities and buildings.
The University has first-class facilities for the teaching of forensic and analytical science. These
include:
• crime scene rooms where crime scenes may be reconstructed for investigation by students.
Included is an area for blood pattern analysis
• a dedicated forensic imaging suite with a wide range of specialist microscopes for trace evidence
and document analysis
• an analytical science laboratory including state-of-the-art spectrometers, chromatographs and
mass spectrometers for forensic analysis
• a dedicated forensic DNA suite with the latest genetic analysis equipment
• a courtroom with video recording facilities where expert witness training and exercises may be
carried out.
The School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences has converted a significant proportion of teaching material
to e-learning format and students are encouraged to make use of discussion forums and module
chat rooms to support their learning experience. The school has a full-time lecturer in e-learning
and two e-learning support officers to support students.
Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor at the start of their studies in the School. This tutor is
available for regular individual meetings to discuss progress and matters of both an academic and
non-academic nature. If there are personal problems, they can arrange meetings with any of a
number of support services that exist in the University (e.g. student counselling, chaplaincy, etc).
Meetings generally take place on a 1:1 basis and formal meetings occur at least once a semester.
Further meetings are sometimes required when there are specific difficulties. Students often
comment on the approachability of the Forensic and Analytical staff, since the majority of staff
operate an open–door policy.
In addition to the personal tutor system each Stage of the course is organised by Stage Tutors.
These members of academic staff are responsible for liaison with the time-tabler and organising
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
aspects of the curriculum such as the timing of coursework assessments and laboratory work,
projects etc. Stage tutors prepare assessment and feedback schedules to assist students with time
management and to ensure that they know when and where feedback on specific aspects of the
course is available.
MONITORING OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS
The Course Management Team (CMT) are continuously evaluating and enhancing the course in
response to feedback from both staff and students. In addition the course is subject to bi-annual
monitoring and evaluation by the Forensic Science Society.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN QUALITY
Students are expected to attend lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and other timetabled events.
These will normally occupy approximately half of the working week. In addition, students are
expected to undertake directed and private study. The directed study may include preparing for
tutorials, accessing on-line materials and participation in discussion forums. Private study will
include preparation of coursework assessments and revision for examinations. A student will
normally be expected to spend approximately 600 hours on University work during each of the two
15 week semesters in a year.
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS
The course is managed by a Course Management Team (CMT), whose membership includes the
Course Leader (Convenor), the Head of School (ex officio), Year tutors and other core staff. There
are normally three formal meetings per session. Student opinion for the School's courses is
obtained through formal meetings of Staff-Student Liaison (SSL) Groups. The Groups normally
meet prior to CMT meetings or additionally at the request of students. Any minor issues are dealt
with immediately by the Course Leader or Stage tutor. More substantive issues are brought
forward to the CMT for discussion and action as appropriate. These discussions are recorded in the
minutes of the CMT meeting and are further considered at subsequent School Academic Board
(SAB) meetings where any formal actions are approved or guidance sought from elsewhere. The
outcomes and actions are reported back to the students via the Stage tutors and class
representatives.
The above procedures are the formal requirements within the School of Pharmacy and Life
Sciences but, in addition, a range of informal methods are used to obtain continuous feedback
from students on all aspects of their University life for example feedback from personal tutor
meetings or from informal discussions during laboratory sessions are discussed with module
coordinators and at course team meetings which are held regularly throughout the academic
session.
DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION
10 September 2012
NOTE
This document constitutes one of two course documents that should be read together:
Course Specification: Core Award Data
Course Specification: Student Learning Experience
CONTACT DETAILS
Robert Gordon University
Garthdee House
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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COURSE SPECIFICATION: Student Learning Experience
Garthdee House
Aberdeen
AB10 7QB
Scotland, UK
A Scottish Charity, Registration No. SC013781
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 262000
Web: http://www.rgu.ac.uk
In compiling this information the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible,
though it must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The University
reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, to
discontinue, merge or combine courses, and to introduce new courses.
Printed: 09 Jul 2014
Record Number: 0133
Version Number: 7
Bachelor of Science with Honours [BSc (Hons)] Forensic and Analytical Science
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