What will I learn on this module?
You will experience the forensic application of science to crime investigation. This module will enable you to understand how your scientific thinking and practical laboratory skills can be deployed in a real world context. You will cover how forensic science is utilised to assist a crime investigation, following a case specific example to illustrate key points along the investigation process. You will further develop your microscopy and pipette skills through laboratory practicals designed around the recovery, examination and analysis of forensic material of relevance to a particular case. Your attention to detail, precision and inquisitive mind will be core skills covered during the laboratory practical.
You will also explore how science is communicated to others. Forensic scientists have a high level of scientific understanding that underpins the forensic evidence that they give in a statement or court room. However, the audience - police, jury - aren't expected to have any scientific knowledge or experience but do need to understand how the scientific forensic evidence assists a crime investigation. This requires the forensic scientists to 'translate' complex information and relay it to others at a level that they can confidentally understand it. You will work together with colleagues in small groups to prepare a poster, conveying complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.
Your involvement in this module will help you learn what it is to be a professional scientist, understanding the importance of observations, attention to detail and clear communication. These are key transferable skills for those in the scientific profession and are directly applicable to all of the degree programmes that you could progress onto after successful study of your foundation year.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through lectures and laboratory sessions specifically designed to provide the theory and laboratory skills to develop your understanding of professions within science and the experience and behaviours required. Case studies and recent academic and government publications will supplement your learning, ensuring that your knowledge is situated within 'real world' experiences.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during lectures and laboratory sessions. These offer a unique opportunity to experience the complexity and decision making within forensic science.
All lecture and practical material will be available on the University's eLearning Portal, supplemented with guidance on further reading relevant to the subject.
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 learn to apply the scientific knowledge that you are going to achieve to forensic contexts, to understand how it can be used to address crime investigations.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will demonstrate an ability to effectively retrieve and appraise appropriate scientific information from a variety of sources to illustrate an understanding of the disciplines within forensic science.
3. You will show an ability to effectively communicate - interpersonally and to a wider audience - as part of a team
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will demonstrate an awareness of forensic science and its wider role in society
How will I be assessed?
The assessment will be in two parts:
One part of the assessment (70%) will be an on-line multiple choice questions assessment designed to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge on the full content of the module. MLO’s KU2 and IPSA6.
The other part of the assessment (30%) will be a group presentation (that will be marked individually) that will enable you to work as a part of a team to produce a presentation on a chosen area of forensic science, to demonstrate your knowledge of the topic and to effectively communicate to a non-scientific audience. MLO’s KU1, IPSA2, IPSA 3 and PVA4.
Formative discussion will take place during the lectures and taught laboratory classes, which will direct and support you to complete your coursework. Written feedback will be provided for your assessed pieces of work. Supports MLOs (KU1, IPA 2, IPSA 3 and PVA4).
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
AP0306, AP0307, AP0308, AP0309
Module abstract
You will experience the forensic application of science to crime investigation, applying your scientific thinking and practical laboratory skills in a real world context. You will follow a case specific example to illustrate key points along the investigation process.
As part of a group you will also explore how science is communicated to others. Forensic scientists have a high level of scientific understanding that underpins the forensic evidence that they give in a statement or court room. However, the audience - police, jury - aren't expected to have any scientific knowledge or experience but do need to understand how the scientific forensic evidence assists a crime investigation. This requires the forensic scientists to 'translate' complex information and relay it to others at a level that they can confidentially understand it. You will work together with colleagues in small groups to prepare a group presentation, conveying complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.
Course info
UCAS Code Y002
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
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.
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