What will I learn on this module?
This module will provide you with an understanding of the key principles, practice and processes of forensic science. You will gain an understanding of the role of a forensic scientist and appreciate the types of evidence that they examine as well as other key stakeholders. You will understand the importance of the continuity and integrity of exhibits from scene to court, understand the deposition and transfer and persistence of materials and you will develop your practical skills with search and recovery techniques. You will also develop observational and note taking skills aligned to a forensic examination. Unseen examination and a practical assessment will assess your knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the key principles of forensic science.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn from experienced forensic practitioners through lectures and practical laboratory sessions designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct a basic forensic examination. The module will be delivered through a series of lectures and practicals designed to emphasise the practical application of theory within a forensic casework context. Throughout the module case studies and scenarios’ will be provided which provide ‘real-world’ experiences that reinforce the potential of individual evidence types to a forensic investigation.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported through active participation and discussion during laboratory practical sessions. 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:
• You will demonstrate an understanding of the forensic principles and practices associated with difference evidence types in forensic science
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will demonstrate an ability to locate, recover and accurately record details of material of forensic note
• You will identify appropriate methodology for the preservation and evaluation of core forensic materials
How will I be assessed?
There will be two components to this assessment
• Unseen exam (50%) MLO 1
• Practical assessment (50%) MLO's 1,2,3
The unseen examination will allow you demonstrate the depth and breadth of your knowledge and understanding of essential facts, theories and concepts of forensic science
The authentic practical assessment is designed to assess your ability to locate and recover material of forensic interest and make an accurate record of your examination.
Formative laboratory practicals will develop your laboratory skills in individual aspects of forensic examinations and situate the theory delivered within lectures. These will enable students to gain confidence in the laboratory in advance of the summative laboratory assessment.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module you will discover the key principles, process and practices of forensic science and the forensic scientist. You will discover the role forensic scientists play within a forensic investigation and how they interact with police, pathologists, crime scene investigators and the criminal justice system. Not only will you study the specialisms within forensic science and learn how they can fit together in an investigation you will also develop your laboratory skills to enable you to search and recovery key evidential material such as hairs, fibres and blood. A practical assessment and examination will assess your knowledge, understanding and skills which you have gained during the course of this module.
Course info
UCAS Code F410
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 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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