BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Criminology Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby

The module aims to provide a broad introduction to, and basic understanding of, the key concepts in classical and molecular genetics. The content will cover the range of cellular and organismal genetics and show how classical genetics, together with the latest developments in molecular genetics, are being applied to the problems of how genes in different species are organised, expressed and interact to give the final phenotype. The module also addresses the role of genetics in society and some of the ethical issues that surround its use.

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces key concepts essential to the understanding of biological and biochemical structures and processes at an atomic, molecular and cellular level. The basic skills required to understand and interpret the behaviour of biological and chemical materials, both qualitatively and quantitatively, will be covered. This module provides an introduction to biodiversity, to the cell, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, along with the basic biochemistry of carbohydrates and lipids.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

In this module students will develop their understanding of the different principles specific to forensic science, as well as learn the key concepts and skills of the forensic imaging discipline. The module covers the following areas in a forensic context: history; general definitions, concepts and reasoning; methodology and methods; trace typology, statistics and interpretation; the English Criminal Justice System and the role of the expert witness; theoretical and practical knowledge of forensic imaging; use of digital cameras and other imaging equipment; and image processing. The module will cover the fundamental aspects of forensic science, including the historical evolution and contempo

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

The module will provide students with broad introductions to the fundamental concepts, techniques and processes used in a forensic laboratory context, such as the preservation, collection, processing, analysis and storage of traces such as biological material, fingermarks and shoemarks. Students will also develop rigorous approaches to the forensic laboratory procedures employing a range of general and specialised skills, to detect, enhance and record traces, as well as analyse and compare the results to known sources. They will train their problem-solving skills while being introduced to different type of traces encountered in forensic science. Students will also develop an understanding of

Assessment: Exam, Practical

In this module students will learn fundamental concepts, techniques, methods and processes used in the examination, documentation, intervention and investigation of the crime scene. The key roles of personal and specialists present at the crime scene are presented, with an emphasis on the ISO regulations and accreditation standards. Students will acquire practical experience of intervention, documentation, examination and investigation from mock crime scene scenarios. The module will cover the fundamental concepts, techniques, methods and processes used in the crime scene investigation, including the following steps: Primary scene assessment and preliminary operations issues (rescue of the v

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module covers core aspects of chemical theory, practical and analytical techniques and sample types which form the foundation of forensic chemical analyses. The module will strengthen and build on knowledge gained in the Chemistry of Life module. Students will acquire a deeper level of knowledge of organic, physical and analytical chemistry. Organic chemistry topics will cover organic structures and functional groups and the basics of organic reactions. Physical chemistry topics will include thermodynamics and equilibria. Key analytical skills including spectroscopy and chromatography will also be introduced. Overall, this module helps to strengthen the forensic chemistry skills, partic

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

Ethical policing has become an increasingly important subject for debate. The police, like other criminal justice agencies, have a responsibility to safeguard the rule of law. Equally, policing in the UK is premised upon the support and confidence of the public, and their position of authority requires the police to take into account the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. This module deals with the concepts, debates, literature and research relating to police ethics. We will develop a systematic understanding of the ways in which policing is, and can be, practised. Throughout the programme the use of case studies and scenarios will help provide the backdrop of theoretical and

Assessment: Coursework

In this module students will explore forensic aspects and specialisms in firearms, shoemarks and document examination. This module will cover the marks created by objects, collected in the context of crime scene investigation. Students will learn how to collect, preserve, examine, analyse, compare, interpret and report traces related to these fields in forensic science. The module will cover the aspects and principles of the analysis, comparison and evaluation of object marks in the context of forensic science. Through a set of complementary lectures and practical activities, students will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about the processes involved in the following fields: Firea

Assessment: Coursework

Identification is at the core of Forensic Science and this module will begin to explore both the key and niche methods of identification which can be encountered in casework and build on core knowledge developed at level 4 within ‘Clinical Genetics’. The emphasis of the module is based within molecular techniques encountered in both human and non-human casework utilising genetic information from the mitochondrial and nuclear genome. In addition, students will also consider alternate methods of human and non-human identification such as anthropology and friction ridge skin impressions. The module will be delivered via a mix of lecture, workshop, and practical sessions in order to put into pra

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module covers the tools for measuring the informative value of traces and addressing issues of rational decision-making. It will study how a forensic scientist deals with uncertainty and makes choices in accordance with the forensic and legal framework. The module will also prepare students for their Independent Studies research project undertaken at level 6 and equip the students with relevant tools to successfully perform a thorough literature review, design their research plan and ethics, as well as analyse their data. Students will receive guidance on how to plan and propose a piece of independent research. The module will cover legal aspects of the forensic practice, including qual

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

Victims of crime attract unprecedented academic interest, both as a subject of psychological enquiry, and as a focus of criminal justice policy. Since the 1960s, victimisation surveys have aimed to quantify the unreported ‘dark figure’ of crime and have thus helped to build interest in this area. The need to protect the rights of victims has become increasingly important in terms of public opinion and judicial practice. This has given rise to revisions in sentencing and the advent of restorative justice. The rights of victims are now viewed as an integral part of criminal justice. Whilst societal views and criminal justice responses have impacted upon victims and their status, it is of impor

Assessment: Coursework

This module is designed to provide you with the tools and techniques necessary to identify and analyse human skeletal remains within medicolegal contexts. Through a series of lectures and practical laboratory sessions, you will develop knowledge in human skeletal anatomy, explore various techniques used to identify human remains (osteological profiling/bioprofiling), become familiar with disease and trauma that can be observed on bone, understand the ethical concerns involved when working with human remains, and better understand how they work in the legal context of forensic anthropological investigations.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module introduces you to a wide range of topics and techniques used within the niche areas of forensic investigation such as wildlife crime, botany, entomology, microbiology and taphonomy. The module will also introduce histology and histopathological investigation techniques used in forensic science. There is a strong practical component, both in the laboratory and the field. You will learn how to collect different types of specimens including insects, bacteria, tissue samples analyse them and apply your skills and knowledge to determine temporal, causal, and spatial information to aid forensic investigators. Presentation skills will be developed through the design, production and oral

Assessment: Coursework, Practical

This module forms part of the placement year typically completed between the second and final stage of a degree programme. The module provides a framework for the development of reflective skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice including for example aspects of problem solving such as objective setting, planning, negotiating, demonstrating, and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of work completed within the organisation and future employability planning. During the module students will develop a reflective portfolio where they record the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the placement experience and evaluate how this wil

Assessment: Coursework

This module presents an opportunity for students to further enhance their technical, analytical and problem solving skills as well as transferable skills such as time management, creativity and the ability to work independently. The student will conduct a research project of their choosing within which they will formulate hypotheses and conduct a methodology suitable to their project. Skills in scientific writing developed through levels 4 and 5 will be used to complete a dissertation reporting the findings from their research.

Assessment: Coursework

This module enables you to work in an applied manner with reference to cases of miscarriages of justice (MOJ). You will be working in groups throughout your final year on past and present cases with a view to identifying the causes of MOJ. This module takes a more traditional and theoretical approach to the subject area with reference to historical and current cases. The rationale for this module is to identify common themes and causes of MOJ and to make recommendations for best practice and thus prevent and minimise the number of cases going to appeal.

Assessment: Coursework

In this module students will expand their knowledge of crime scene investigation and focus on specific type of scenes, such as fire, explosion, shooting, blood contaminated or digital scenes. The students will explore current approaches, techniques and methods that are used for the investigation and analysis of specific scenes and traces using a deductive and abductive reasonings, experimentation, and thorough understanding of the scene. They will learn those skill through practical experience of documentation, examination, investigation, recovery and interpretation methods from mock specific scene scenarios. They will learn to communicate their findings to the Criminal Justice System. The m

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

In this module students will develop the skills necessary to cover the entire forensic process, from the investigation of the crime scenes to the expert witness cross-examination in court. Students will be actively involved in the process providing them with a hand-on experience of a mock crime; this will include the crime scene investigation, relevant laboratory analyses, statistical interpretation and evaluation of traces in the context of the case and a court room trial. The module develops an understanding of the importance of making informed decisions and appropriate judgements in the application of forensic science at all stages of the Criminal Justice system. Students will be expected

Assessment: Coursework, Practical

The module will allow students to develop an in-depth detailed knowledge on several areas of Medical Forensics including Traumatology, Thanatology, Taphonomy, Asphyxiology, Toxicology, Histopathology, Human Identification and Mass Fatalities. Medical Forensics presents an overview of medicolegal examinations and processes that occur before and after death.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to substances which are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) and the Road Traffic Act (1988). The chemistry, legislation and forensic investigation of commonly abused drugs will be addressed, including laboratory techniques currently used for both the qualitative and quantitative analysis of illicit drugs. The methods employed in investigating potential links between drug seizures, including their packaging, common excipients and associated paraphernalia will also be explored. This module will also provide an introduction to the multidisciplinary field of toxicology, from the biological and b

Assessment: Coursework, Exam