- Home
-
Study
Study
Interested in studying at Northumbria? With 31,500 students, Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the country, offering courses on either a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis.
Discover more-
Undergraduate
- Undergraduate Study Degree
- 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
-
-
International
International
Students from all over the world choose Northumbria University for many reasons; our academic excellence, and that they will benefit from a fantastic student experience.
Discover more-
Applying to Northumbria
- European Union
- Our London Campus
- Our Amsterdam Campus
- Northumbria Pathway
- International Events
- Northumbria and your Country
- Entry Requirements
- Agent Information
-
Northumbria Language Centre
- Faculty Requirements
- Acceptable English Requirements
- Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills
- Academic Language Skills Programmes (ALS)
-
International & EU Fees, Funding & Scholarships
- EU/International Undergraduate Fees
- EU/International Undergraduate Funding
- EU/International Masters Fees
- EU/International Masters Funding
- EU/International Postgraduate Research Fees
- EU/International Postgraduate Research Funding
- International Money Matters
-
Life at Northumbria
- International student support
- The Hub - Student Blog
- 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.
Discover more -
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 Us
-
About Northumbria
- Our Vision
- Our Staff
- Our Partners
- 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 227,000 graduates based in 176 countries worldwide in a range of sectors, our alumni are making a real impact on the world.
Discover more - Work For Us
What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will discover the biological principles underpinning the scientific and statistical methods used to enable the identification of individuals from biological material recovered following unlawful activity. During the course of this module you will cover all of the major techniques that have been used in forensic genetics, from the original DNA fingerprinting method to contemporary STR profiling. You will also explore emerging technologies such as Next Generation DNA Sequencing and RNA profiling that will provide investigators with an ever increasing array of genetic information to progress a case. The ethical implications of the use of genetic information for criminal investigation and storage of information in DNA databases will also be considered during this course.
How will I learn on this module?
Theoretical material will be delivered to you using a combination of traditional lectures, seminars, tutorials and in-class discussions. To embed the knowledge, you will also be given the opportunity to carry out practical laboratory work relevant to the module.
Technology enabled learning is used throughout this module to ensure that you have access to the required materials from a range of online sources including PC, laptop, tablets and mobile devices using the relevant software and apps.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during laboratory 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:
1. You will be required to provide your own opinion on the utility of genetic markers currently used in forensic science as well as recognising the potential of emerging technologies in the field.
2. In an examination format you will be required to critically examine, understand, apply, discuss and evaluate philosophies, techniques, tools and methods relevant to forensic genetics in a range of applications
How will I be assessed?
1. Coursework (50%)
You will be asked to write a 2000 word critique of contemporary genetic markers used within a case based framework. This assessment will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary and future genetic markers and will prompt you to provide your own opinion on their use in forensic science (MLO 1)
2. In class examination (25%)
You will sit a 1 hour unseen in class examination at the end of the course where you will be required to answer a variety of short answer questions relating to the material covered in the module. This exam will test the broader range of knowledge you will gain during the module and will include questions designed for you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the technologies used for forensic genetic investigation. Feedback will be provided as annotation to your exam scripts (MLO2).
3. Assessed PPT document (25%)
You will submit a short PPT document on an assigned topic crucial to the technology or development of forensic genetic investigation (MLO2). You will be given the opportunity to develop your PPT document via presentation and formative feedback during the module. Formal feedback will be provided as annotations to your PPT document on eLP supported by the rubric provided
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
In this module you will discover the biological principles underpinning the scientific and statistical methods used to enable the identification of individuals from biological material recovered following unlawful activity. During the course of this module you will cover all of the major techniques that have been used in forensic genetics, from the original DNA fingerprinting method to contemporary STR profiling. You will also explore emerging technologies such as Next Generation DNA Sequencing and RNA profiling that are providing investigators with an ever increasing array of genetic information to progress a case. The ethical implications of the use of genetic information for criminal investigation and storage of information in DNA databases will also be considered during this course. The theoretical and practical knowledge gained in this module will provide the background necessary to pursue a career as a forensic DNA analyst upon completion of your degree programme.
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 2023
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Current, Relevant and Inspiring
We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.
Your Learning Experience
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