CH2FA-Forensic Analysis 1
Module Provider: Chemistry, School of Chem, FoodBi and Pharm
Number of credits: 10 [5ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Autumn
Module Convenor: Dr
MJ
Almond
Pre-requisites: Part 1 or A level Chemistry
Co-requisites: CH2A1 and CH2AA1
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9
Email: m.j.almond@reading.ac.uk
Aims:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key concepts and some of the techniques used in forensic analysis.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should be able to:
Additional outcomes:
Students should improve their teamworking skills through workshops.
Outline content:
D F Rendle (1 Lecture)
Introduction to forensic analysis, with real-life examples.
N Page (3 Lectures + 3 x 2 hour workshops)
Introduction, fingerprinting and arson.
D F Rendle (2 Lectures + 2 x 2 hour workshop)
The scene of the crime, evidence retrieval, scene-to-laboratory continuity.
M J Almond (1 Lecture + 1 x 2 hour workshop)
FTIR and Raman microscopy applied to forensic analysis.
M Lewis (1 Lecture + 1 x 2 hour workshop)
Palaeopathology in forensic analysis.
S J Hibble (1 Lecture + 1 x 2 hour workshop)
Electron microscopy applied to forensic analysis.
D F Rendle (1 Lecture + 1 x 2 hour workshop)
The use of X-ray methods in forensic analysis, including powder diffraction and X-ray fluorescence.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be broken down to sessions comprising one hour of lecture material, followed by two hours of workshop/case study. In the final week of the Autumn Term and over the following vacation, students will prepare a substantial report on one area of the course.
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 10 | ||
| Tutorials/seminars | 18 workshops | ||
| Practicals | 4 | ||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | 3 | ||
| Total hours | 32 | 3 | |
| Number of essays or assignments | 4 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) | 1 | 1 oral presentation |
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will prepare both a written report and give an oral presentation on one aspect of the course - topics to be set by staff involved.
Relative percentage of coursework : 100 %
Penalties for late submission
In accordance with University policy, 10% of the total marks available will be deducted from course work which is submitted up to one week late. Work submitted later than this will receive no credit unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Assessment
50 % problems; 40 % extended essay; 10 % oral presentation.
Requirements for a pass in this module
A mark of 40%
Reassessment arrangements
Reassessment of the problems and essay will take place in September.