AP0603 - Advanced Forensic Investigation

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn how advances in forensic interpretation can be applied to support the Criminal Justice System in decision making. You will learn how to use the Casework Assessment and Interpretation (CAI) model in the evaluative stage of crime investigation, as well as the use of the Bayesian approach to evaluate the strength of evidence and the conclusions/limitations that can be drawn from the analytical results. Embedded throughout the module will be case studies from violent, sexual and major crime used to supplement and underpin your learning.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical/ ICT sessions.

Lead lectures will introduce different topics and include in-class exercises, such as discussions of case studies, interpretation of practical data to reinforce the material from the traditional lecture sessions and provide informal formative feedback to you. Tutorial and practical work will allow you to further develop subject specific skills, illustrate appropriate aspects of the theory, and allow you to put theoretical principles into practice.

Where appropriate, taught sessions will have associated directed learning materials, for example advance preparation for practical sessions and/ or the scholarship of case studies, which will be used with specific questions to test your ability to apply your knowledge and understand the real life application to crime.

You will be expected and encouraged to undertake a more independent approach to your learning by reading around the subject and for completion of assignments, through the use of recommended databases and literature sources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported through active participation and discussion during tutorials and practicals. These offer a unique opportunity to fully understand the scientific theory underpinning the laboratory tests and the interpretation of your scientific findings.

All lecture and practical material will be available on the University’s eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subjects.

Written assessment feedback will also be provided to allow you to understand how you performed and how you can build on this performance in subsequent assessments within your programme.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will critically apply your knowledge and understanding of forensic aspects of crime to open-ended real-world scenarios
• You will demonstrate a broad knowledge of wider concepts and principles in forensic science and relevant specialist areas

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will demonstrate your ability to research, extract, prioritise and utilse scientific data from a range of sources using a of variety of research tools

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is by unseen examination, which is 100% of the module total. This will feature questions designed to demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge related to application of the Casework Assessment and Interpretation (CAI) model in the evaluative stage of crime investigation, as well as of the forensic interpretation of analytical findings. MLO's 1-3

Class exercises, tutorials and practical sessions will provide opportunities for students to develop their skills and assess their knowledge with embedded formative feedback.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will focus on the use of forensic interpretation to support the Criminal Justice System in decision making. Emphasis will be based on the Casework Assessment and Interpretation (CAI) model in the evaluative stage of crime investigation, as well as the use of the Bayesian approach to evaluate the strength of evidence and the conclusions/limitations that can be drawn from the analytical results.

Course info

UCAS Code MF94

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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