2012/2013 Programme Specification Data. Forensic Science with Criminology

Transcription

1 2012/2013 Programme Specification Data Programme Name Programme Number Programme Award QAA Subject Benchmark Statements Forensic Science with Criminology P11820 BSc Hons Chemistry (Forensic Science), Biosciences, Biomedical Science Programme Aims The aim of the BSc Forensic Science and BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology programmes is to provide a knowledge base of Forensic Science. The programme has been developed to provide students with a solid scientific knowledge in biology and analytical chemistry so that successful graduates can practice as forensic scientists or in the wider scientific fields. The added criminology aspects on the BSc Forensic Science with Criminology programme is to provide the student with further knowledge and experience in the social and legal dimensions of crime and how these complement the practice of Forensic Science. Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding A Knowledge and understanding of: 1. The Body and Disease (meets the requirements of Biomedical Science benchmark statement) 1. Metabolism and Disease and Medical Biochemistry 2. Fundamental Biology and Physiology 3. Medical Microbiology 4. Immunology 2. Analytical Chemistry (meets requirements of the Chemistry benchmark statement and some requirements of Forensic Science Society component standard in Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence ) 5. Instrumental Analysis

2 6. Pharmaceutical Analysis and Testing 7. Basic Chemistry for Life Sciences 3. Forensic Science (meets the requirements of Forensic Science Society benchmark criteria in Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence ) and some aspects of Crime Scene Investigation component standard 8. Introduction to Forensic Science 9. Intermediate Forensic Science 10. Special Topics in Forensic Science 11. Advanced Topics in Forensic Science 4. Biology (meets requirements of Biosciences benchmark statement, some requirements of Forensic Science Society benchmark criteria in Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence ) 12. Molecular and General Genetics 13. Human Molecular Biology 14. Fundamental Biology and Physiology 5. Biochemistry (meets requirements of Biosciences benchmark statement, Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence ) 15. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 16. Fundamentals of Biochemistry 17. Protein Biochemistry 18. Medical Biochemistry 19. Basic Chemistry for Life Sciences Outcomes: Intellectual Skills B Intellectual skills: 1. Recognizing and applying subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles from a range of scientific disciplines in the relevant forensic context. 2. Record observations and experimentation, including experimental design, in a logical, comprehensive and contemporaneous manner in keeping with established and accepted codes of good practice 3. Interpret forensic analytical results in a meaningful, structured

3 manner in the context of casework. 4. Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including published research or reports and be able to express analytical results in a comprehensible manner to the intended recipient. 5. Obtaining and integrating several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses 6. Applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar forensic problems 7. Recognising the moral, legal and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for ethical and professional standards 8. Integration of forensic theory with practical work 9. Data acquisition and assessment, collation and interpretation from instrumentation applied to forensic examinations 10. Critical Evaluation: The ability to critically analyse, synthesise and summarise forensic data Outcomes: Subject Practical Skills C Subject Practical skills: 1. Safe handling of chemical/biological materials (chemical/physical/hazardous properties) and understand the function and practice of quality assurance. 2. Explain the relevance of contamination avoidance procedures and give examples in relation to the location, extraction and analysis of evidential material. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of how to set up a series of casework related experiments to aid the interpretation of results. 4. Planning, conducting, evaluating and reporting the results of laboratory and forensic investigations 5. Operation of standard instrumentation including specialised forensic equipment 6. Apply appropriate practical techniques to the solution of forensic cases 7. Ability to critically evaluate and interpret purposively laboratory observations and measurements, in terms of their significance and underlying theory 8. Designing, planning, conducting and reporting on forensic investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data. 9. Obtaining, recording, collating and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working by themselves or in a group, as is most appropriate for the subject under study 10. Undertaking field and/or laboratory investigations of living systems in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. 11. Be informed and aware of Health & Safety issues and legal responsibilities, conformity to legal guidelines and procedures, obtaining informed consent, animal welfare, and the regulations concerning Genetic Modification experimentation.

4 Outcomes: Transferable/Key Skills Outcomes: Graduate Attributes Teaching and Learning Methods D Transferable/ key skills: n/a 1. Receiving and responding to a variety of sources of forensic information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical and visual (digital photograph, SEM, spectral image) 2. Effective written and verbal communication. Students must be able to write comprehensive, comprehensible, rational and impartial reports and demonstrate good oral and presentational skills that would enable them to be understandable in a court of law. 3. Communicating about forensic science appropriately to a variety of audiences (e.g. jury, lawyers and judges) using a range of formats and approaches 4. Citing and referencing work in an appropriate manner 5. Sample selection; recording and analysing forensic data in the field and/or the laboratory; validity, accuracy, calibration, precision, replicability and uncertainty during collection 6. Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting forensic data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually 7. The use of appropriate numerical and statistical problemsolving skills 8. Solving forensic problems by a variety of methods including the use of computers 9. Using the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information. 10. Identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles 11. The ability to work independently and as part of a team 12. Developing an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of forensic science and of the validity of different points of view including understanding the roles of other witnesses such as the police. 13. Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g., working independently, time management and organisation skills) 14. Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development 15. Developing an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work 16. Understand the need for CPD A Teaching and learning: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory- practical classes and studentcentered intensive workshops are given that are appropriate to

5 the outcomes specified in the taught course specifications. At level one, lectures are intended to supply core principles and information, and tutorials will provide an opportunity for the students to apply these principles through participation in interactive learning. However, as students progress towards more independent learning they will be expected to extend and supplement material by using currently available literature and electronic sources of information. At the final year areas of current research focus will be explained in lectures and student centred learning will establish an in-depth understanding of the topics. Crime scene room supplements specific forensic lectures and labs. B Teaching and learning Intellectual skills are developed through practical workshops, seminar work and coursework assignments. The authorship of an extended independent final year forensic based project encourages teaching and learning activities. C Teaching and learning Subject practical skills are developed in a coordinated and progressive manner throughout the programme. These skills are highlighted in the practical workshops and computer-based sessions. Critical analysis skills are developed throughout the course in both practical-based and class-based scenarios in preparation for the critical evaluation of the literature and generated data in the preparation of the written research thesis. D Teaching and learning Computer, problem-solving, teamwork, practical laboratory and presentation skills are developed in a contextualized manner throughout the programme. These skills are enhanced in seminars, workshops, practical laboratory write ups and coursework assignments. Assessment Methods A Assessment Methods: The assessment methods associated with each course are given in the course specifications. Each course is assessed by a combination of coursework, laboratory -practical sessions, oral and poster presentations, seminar presentations and end of semester examinations. The nature of the coursework is appropriate to the subject area and learning outcomes outlined in

6 the course specification forms. Law based modules expose the students to experience crossexamination in a (mock) courtroom setting. B Assessment Methods: A variety of assessment methods are used that include, formal examinations, open book examinations (tests), essay coursework, numerical problem-solving coursework, oral presentations, poster presentations and a written dissertation in the final year. C Assessment Methods: A variety of assessment methods are used to assess subject practical skills. These include, critical review of the literature, critical review of modern analytical techniques, synoptic problem solving and computer generated and statistical evaluations of pharmaceutical data. All assessed laboratory reports will be written to GLP and Forensic practice standard D Assessment Methods: A variety of assessment methods are used to assess transferable key skills. These include problem solving. These assessments are contextualised in A, B and C above.