Forensic Investigation including Foundation Year

Introduction to the Forensic Laboratory
Students will cover topics such as how to write and experimental lab report; observational skills; what are the basic essentials for a forensic lab; what can happen when evidence is compromised; introduction to quality and standards in the laboratory: requirements, regulation, failure, examples, impacts; basic health and safety; basic analytical science: what is it? How much is present?; forensic evidence composition.

Serious and Violent Crime
This module explores the definitions, characteristics, and behaviours of those engaged within serious, organised, and violent crime. The module will have a particular focus on specific offences, whilst also exploring how these crimes impact on society, the economy, and police investigations.

Introduction to Forensic Investigation
This will cover an introduction to critical thinking and the scientific process. What is an enquiry? What is an investigation? Basic processing tools and flows to solve an enquiry or investigation. Information gathering. Information analysis. Forming logical conclusions based on fact and scientific data.

You will examine forensic science as a discipline. Introduction to the core branches of forensic science, and identification of selected evidence types. The scope of forensic evidence and rules of forensic science. You will also cover case studies. Analysis of crime cases with special emphasis on investigation, the sifting and presentation of evidence and key issues raised in trials, plus key elements of Criminal Justice, the Criminal Justice system and the Courts.

Scientific Data Literacy
This module is designed to develop and support the students application of numerical literacy and data handling set in the broad context of science. It covers an introduction to quantitative science, units and measurement; the principles of basic arithmetic, BODMAS, and negative numbers; decimals and the use of significant figures, fractions, indices and scientific notation; the application of algebra and simplification/rearrangement of equations; the use of Excel, a scientists tool for manipulating data: its use to record, manipulate, analyse, and present data. I

Key Skills in Professional Development
Students will be introduced to academic life and expectations. Beginning with identifying their own strengths and weaknesses as an active learner, students will evaluate and reflect on their approach to learning and utilise new skills to improve their experience. Concepts and skills surrounding sourcing information, acknowledging the work of others, and information handling will be integrated to provide students with skills helpful for their future academic and lifelong studies.

Cyber Security and Forensics
This module allows you to develop an understanding of the key areas relating to cyber security and understand ethics relating to the protection of computer systems and data. You will also gain an awareness of tools and techniques used for digital forensics and computer security.

Introduction to Forensic Analysis
This module introduces students to the fundamental aspects of evidence processing techniques through a combination of laboratory-based training exercises and theory-based learning.  Students will develop an appreciation of a range of laboratory techniques applied to trace particulates and biological evidence materials, including, search, recovery, creating professional contemporaneous case notes to contribute to the laboratory case file, basic microscopy, and chemical testing for the presence of biological materials.

Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
The practice of forensic science requires an understanding of a broad range of forensic topics and involves many investigative techniques. This module will provide you with the knowledge, practical understanding and technical ability relating to the investigation of crime. Here you will study introduction to crime scene investigation; documentation; collection and preservation of physical evidence; interpretation of crime scene evidence and crime scene reconstruction.

Law, Governance and the Criminal Justice System
This module will introduce you to the legislative and criminal justice system of England and Wales. This will include identifying the role of the police and associated agencies, who work in this environment. You will also examine the role of governance within the policing and security environments.

Fundamental Scientific Principles for Forensic Investigation
Within this module you will be introduced to the concepts of scientific investigation, measurement, accuracy and essential chemical and biological theories and practices involved in forensic investigation.  This will include assisting you to develop good laboratory technique within these areas, but also an introduction to chemistry, cell and molecular biology, serology, genetics, and DNA.

Introduction to Criminology and Crime Analysis
In this module you will learn about the scientific and statistical tools used to evaluate crime along with its origin and context, prevalence, and effects upon victims and society. You will be given an overview of the classification of criminal offences and links to intelligence and evidence.

Key Skills for Forensic Investigation*
This module will provide you with an appreciation of the principles of safe working in laboratories, accident prevention and the promotion of safety in the workplace and the consequences for health due to exposure to hazards. You will develop an understanding of the information concerning hazards in performing experimental work and in the calculation of the probability of an accident and to estimate risk. Additionally, the use of IT for scientific working, accessing journals and referencing skills are provided.

*25% of this module can be studied in Welsh

Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence
To extend the student’s practical capabilities and knowledge pertaining to particulate and biological trace evidence analysis with a particular focus on the use of sector-standard instrumentation, quality control processes and sector-standard documentation. To introduce students to the interpretation and presentation of scientific data generated from analytical techniques.

Volume Scene Examination
Within this module you will gain practical digital imaging, crime scene photography and video experience recording a variety of crime scenes scenarios. This will involve studying the theoretical aspects of photography, and equipment: Films and film speeds, camera formats, focal length, aperture and depth of field, lighting techniques and flash. In addition to this, you will gain practical training in core skills for the crime scene investigator within a series of simulated volume crime scenes including vehicle examination.

Forensic Examination of Human Remains
To introduce students to the strategic and unique aspects involved in the analysis of human remains. To provide a detailed description of scientific and technological methods used in the investigation of victims of crime or natural disasters.

Digital Forensics (e-crime)
You will develop knowledge and evaluate the tools and techniques associated with the creation and delivery of a computer forensic service within a team environment. You will learn to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the processes required to manage a forensic project, from initial seizure to presenting evidence in the courtroom.

Forensic Psychology and Investigative Strategies
In this module you will gain an understanding of the reactive and proactive approaches to criminal investigations. You will understand the complex nature of offender motivation and consequences for the crime scene. The module will also include an introduction to the complex field of forensic psychology and its role and uses in the criminal investigation procedure. 

Science in Practice for Forensic Investigation
You will learn about the prevalence, abuse and effects and forensic examination of drugs and alcohol. This will include the sports doping, hair analysis and in the investigation of consumer products. In addition to this, you will gain an appreciation of the role of earth science data in the forensic examination of crime scenes or reported episodes. 

Research Project and Employability Skills
This will involve the scientific evaluation of cases and evidence and statistical evaluation of forensic evidence and professional ethics and standards. Cases will include forensic pathology, homicide, suicide, and accidental death amongst others. In addition to this, you will be introduced to the court room processes and the role of the expert witness, barristers, cross-examination, and evidence in chief. As part of this module, you will conduct a literature review which will involve a critical evaluation of primary information and data on a selected topic within forensic science.

Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness
To allow the development and application of teamwork, critical thinking and forensic skills through the experimental design and processing of a simulated forensic case with particular attention to DNA, paint and glass evidence, QA and the interpretation of analytical data using statistical methods. To allow the student to consolidate and advance their understanding of the regulations applying to forensic practitioners when analysing, interpreting, and presenting evidence and to develop knowledge and skills to be able to provide witness testimony.

Road Traffic Policing and Vehicle Investigation 
To receive theoretical and practical instruction in traffic incident examination and interpretation, including GIS technology, speed calculations and vehicle penetration profiles. To critically analyse complex road policing legislation.

Specialist Subjects in Criminology
To provide students with a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a wide range of specialist and serious offences including the study of their origins, offender motivation, traceability including a focus on evidence, and the associated legal frameworks and penalties. To provide students with an opportunity to appreciate serious and organised crime at a national, regional, and global level.

Specialist Evidence and its Investigation
Within this module you will be provided with an understanding of a variety of specialist investigation fields including wildlife forensics, forensic engineering, and the investigation of biological and radiological hazards. In addition to this, you will learn about bioterrorism and its’ investigation and wildlife forensics.

Major Scene Examination
This module aims to allow you to develop a detailed knowledge of the forensic criminal investigation process and gain a critical understanding applied to a range of specialist and serious offences described as major incident investigations. You will apply associated learning through exposure to relevant and related simulated major scene scenarios and case studies.