L5 Transition and Module Counselling Notes

Module Counselling Notes

Overview

These notes summarize the Level 5 transition and module counselling information for the 2024-25 academic year. The session covers module outlines for Levels 5 and 6, module descriptions for Level 5, guidance on choosing optional modules, the process for changing programs, resources for additional information, and a Q&A session.

Key Decisions

Students need to make two primary decisions:

  1. Changing Programs: Determine whether to switch between Forensic Science (F411) and Forensic Science with Criminology (F410). The first year is identical, allowing a swap at the end of Level 4.
  2. Optional Modules: Select two optional modules from the available choices based on the chosen program.
    • F411 (Forensic Science): Forensic Biology, Forensic Anthropology, Analytical Chemistry.
    • F410 (Forensic Science with Criminology): Forensic Biology, Forensic Anthropology, Victimology.

Level 5 Modules

Forensic Science with Criminology (F410)
  • Autumn: Policing and Society, Forensic Anthropology, Object Marks
  • Spring: Victimology, Forensic Biology, Trace Interpretation and Research, Human and Non-Human ID
Forensic Science (F411)
  • Autumn: Forensic Analysis, Forensic Anthropology, Object Marks
  • Spring: Forensic Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Trace Interpretation and Research, Human and Non-Human ID

Level 6 Modules

Forensic Science with Criminology (F410)
  • Autumn: Specialist Scenes, Miscarriages of Justice for Forensic Science, Research Project
  • Spring: Crime Scene to Court, Drugs of Abuse, Medical Forensics and Taphonomy
Forensic Science (F411)
  • Autumn: Specialist Scenes, Evaluation of Evidence, Research Project
  • Spring: Crime Scene to Court, Drugs of Abuse, Medical Forensics and Taphonomy

General Information about Credits

  • Students must study a total of 120120 credits worth of modules each year.
  • This typically consists of 66 x 2020 credit modules in years 11 and 22.
  • At Level 66, the structure changes to 44 x 2020 credit modules and 11 x 4040 credit independent study project.
  • Completing each year requires achieving 120120 credits.
  • Progression to the next stage may be affected if at least 100100 credits are not achieved in an academic year.
  • Registration is at risk if fewer than 4040 credits are achieved in a single academic year.

Considerations for Module Selection

  • Future interests and career aspirations: Choose modules that align with desired career paths.
  • Independent Study (IS) project choice: Select modules that provide background knowledge relevant to potential IS projects.
  • Associate membership of the RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry):
    • Requires following the F411 Forensic Science degree.
    • Requires taking 120120 credits of chemistry modules.
      • 2020 credit chemistry-based modules: Chemistry of Life, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Analysis, Analytical Chemistry, Drugs of Abuse.
      • A chemistry-based IS project worth 4040 credits.
  • Semester workload: Consider the distribution of modules across semesters (e.g., Forensic Anthropology is in the Autumn, while other options are in the Spring).

Core Modules at L5

  • Object Marks
  • Human and Non-Human Identification
  • Trace Interpretation and Research
  • Forensic Analysis (F411 only)
  • Policing and Society (F410 only)

Core Module Descriptions

Object Marks
  • Semester: Autumn
  • Module Leader: Dr. Timothy Lee
  • Exploration of forensic aspects related to firearms, toolmarks, document, and shoe mark examination.
  • Focuses on marks created by objects collected from crime scenes.
  • Students learn to collect, preserve, examine, analyse, compare, interpret, and report traces related to these fields.
Human and Non-Human Identification
  • Semester: Autumn
  • Module Leader: Dr. Louise Robinson
  • Core element: molecular analysis of human and non-human DNA for identification.
  • Includes DNA study via lab analysis, molecular calculations, and computer software.
  • Considers alternate ID forms like entomological species identification, fingermarks, and identifying remains.
  • Assessment: online test and an end-of-module examination
Trace Interpretation and Research
  • Semester: Spring
  • Module Leader: Varsha Warrier
  • Covers tools for measuring the informative value of traces and addressing rational decision-making.
  • Studies how forensic scientists deal with uncertainty within the forensic and legal framework.
  • Prepares students for their Independent Studies research project.
Forensic Analysis (F411 only)
  • Semester: Autumn
  • Module Leader: Dr. Esther Crooks
  • Covers lab analysis of evidence types: accelerants, cosmetics, soil, and drugs.
  • Techniques: spectroscopy, chromatography, and electron microscopy.
  • Practical module with significant lab time in N809 and analytical lab in N801.
Policing and Society (F410 only)
  • Semester: Autumn
  • Module Leader: Andrew Wilson
  • Explores the relationship between policing and society through criminological, philosophical, and sociological perspectives.
  • Addresses questions such as: Is policing done for or to society? Does the relationship need reconsideration?

Optional Module Descriptions

Forensic Biology
  • Semester: Spring
  • Module Leader: Dr. Kate Barnes
  • Introduction to forensic ecology topics: wildlife crime, botany, entomology, microbiology, pedology, and taphonomy.
  • Strong practical component in the lab and field.
  • Assessment: oral presentation and in-class laboratory practical.
Forensic Anthropology
  • Semester: Autumn
  • Lecturer: Dr. Kori Filipek
  • Use of skeletal remains for human identification; focuses on human skeletal biology within medico-legal issues.
  • Provides tools and techniques to identify and analyse human skeletal remains.
  • Develops knowledge in human skeletal anatomy and explores identification techniques in forensic anthropological and archaeological investigations.
Analytical Chemistry
  • Semester: Spring
  • Lecturer: Tolu Abejide
  • Practical module with a 7-week practical circus and 2 weeks for