-
Study
-
Undergraduate
- Search for a Course
- Undergraduate Open Day & Events
- Application Guides
- Northumbria University UCAS Exhibitions
- Foundation Years
- Undergraduate Fees & Funding
- School & College Outreach
- Continuing Professional Development
-
Postgraduate
- Postgraduate Study Degree
- Postgraduate Research Degrees
- Postgraduate Open Days and Events
- Postgraduate Fees & Funding
- Flexible Learning
- Thinking about a Masters?
- Continuing Professional Development
- Change Direction
-
Student Life
- The Hub - Student Blog
- Accommodation
- Life in Newcastle
- Support for Students
- Careers
- Information for Parents
- Students' Union
- Northumbria Sport
- Be Part of It
-
-
International
International
Northumbria’s global footprint touches every continent across the world, through our global partnerships across 17 institutions in 10 countries, to our 277,000 strong alumni community and 150 recruitment partners – we prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow. Discover more about how to join Northumbria’s global family or our partnerships.
View our Global Footprint-
Applying to Northumbria
- European Union
- Our London Campus
- Northumbria Pathway
- International Events
- Entry Requirements and Country Representatives
- Regional Offices
-
Northumbria Language Centre
- Faculty Requirements
- Acceptable English Requirements
- Pre-sessional English Language and Study Skills
- Academic Language Skills Programmes (ALS)
-
International Fees, Funding & Scholarships
- International Undergraduate Fees
- International Undergraduate Funding
- International Masters Fees
- International Masters Funding
- International Postgraduate Research Fees
- International Postgraduate Research Funding
- International Money Matters
-
Life at Northumbria
- International student support
- Careers
-
International Mobility
- Current Northumbria Students
- Incoming Exchange Students
-
-
Business
Business
The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today's possibilities into tomorrows competitive edge. In a connected world, collaboration can be the key to success.
More on our Business Services -
Research
Research
Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. We conduct ground-breaking research that is responsive to the science & technology, health & well being, economic and social and arts & cultural needs for the communities
Discover more about our Research -
About Us
-
About Northumbria
- Our Strategy
- Our Staff
- Place and Partnerships
- Student Profiles
- Alumni Profiles
- Leadership & Governance
- Academic Departments
- University Services
- History of Northumbria
- Contact us
- Online Shop
-
-
Alumni
Alumni
Northumbria University is renowned for the calibre of its business-ready graduates. Our alumni network has over 244,000 graduates based in 178 countries worldwide in a range of sectors, our alumni are making a real impact on the world.
Our Alumni - Work For Us
What will I learn on this module?
Trace evidence such as fibres, glass and paint is often critical in forensic investigations. In this module you will learn the theory that underpins fibres, glass, paint, and firearms as evidence types and learn how that knowledge can be utilised to solve cases. You will learn how to apply your knowledge to determine when and how each evidence type may or may not be approppariate in a given case scenario and in doing so develop a case strategy. Your practical skills will be developed to enable you to search, recover and analyse trace evidence using appropriate techniques. Armed with hard evidence you will then apply your knowledge within the context of the case scenario to evaluate its significance. By the end of this module you will have developed an understanding of the role of a forensic examiner and what value they bring to the forensic aspect of a criminal investigation.
How will I learn on this module?
Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures and laboratory based practical sessions. This module will contain a series of introductory lectures covering sampling techniques, evidence collection and an overview of current and cutting edge screening and analytical techniques, supported by hands on laboratory sessions. The use of the case work iassessment and interpretation model (CAI) in the interpretation and evaluation of trace evidenceis explored in lectures and developed by application in practical assessments.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during laboratory practicals and scene house examinations. 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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be able to determine the role, nature, evolution and limitations of methods and technologies appropriate to chemical criminalistics specialisms
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will use evidence and criteria to integrate, evaluate, interpret and synthesise information and data from a variety of sources.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
How will I be assessed?
Examination (50%) (MLO 1) featuring a series of short answer questions designed to demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge related to forensic analytical techniques applied to trace analysis
Practical examination of material relating to a mock case (50%)(MLO2). Production of a report on the evaluation of laboratory findings within the context of the given case.
Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale
Formative laboratory sessions will cover search and recovery of The evidence types covered in the lectures, with emphasis placed on understanding the principles of the analytical techniques used. Students will gain hands on experience which they will apply in the summative sessions
Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning
Feedback on formatively assessed laboratory sessions will be given throughout each session and reinforced in teaching.
Written feedback will be provided within the university guidelines for both summative assessments
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Textile fibres, glass and paint are often turned to in the absence of a DNA lead in a forensic investigation. Trace evidence and other evidence such as firearms, have been shown to be crucial to the solving of many high profile and cold cases such as the costal path murders, the Ipswich serial killings and the murders of Jill Dando, Stephen Lawrence and Damiloa Taylor to name but a few. In this module you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the theory, practices and processes of trace evidence examination whilst developing your practical transferrable laboratory skills of industry standard methods. Crucially, you will apply your knowledge to evaluate the significance of trace evidence within the context of a case.
Case studies and case scenarios will be embedded throughout the module which underpin the theory and practical application of trace evidence in the investigation of crime. This module will provide an authentic learning experience which will strengthen your understanding of the role of a forensic trace examiner and what value they bring to the forensic aspect of a criminal investigation.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 or 3 years Part Time
1 other options available
Department Applied Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
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.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints