This module will provide students with high level practical laboratory experience for a forensic environment. It will cover laboratory components from Forensic Toxicology, Inorganic Chemistry and Crime Scene investigation. In all practicals, students will be encouraged to develop their ability to integrate the use of various laboratory techniques in order to evaluate a prescribed scientific problem. The concept of teamwork, good laboratory practice, validation and statistical evaluation of results will be emphasised throughout. Students’ scientific communication and writing skills will be further developed and enhanced through the preparation of scenes of crime, forensic reports and case file compilation, laboratory reports and preparation of literature reviews. Furthermore oral presentation skills will be enhanced through student involvement in direct evidence presentation and exposure to cross examination techniques as well as literature review and project planning presentations. . The project planning and literature survey are due in this semester but the marks for these components are not awarded till Semester 8.
Forensic Toxicology
Light/confocal microscopic evaluation of cells following potential toxic insult.Detection and quantification of toxicants or metabolites following poisoning, using chromatographic (LC and GC), spectroscopic, electrophoretic and immuno-based analysis. Advance spectroscopic analysis (Raman and NIR) for identification of active agent(s) in pharmaceutical preparations from suspicious origin or errors in product labelling.
Inorganic Chemistry
Integrated laboratory involving synthesis of inorganic compounds and their analysis using spectroscopic techniques. Practicals based on the understanding of the chemical reactivity of inorganic complexes
Crime scene
Students will investigate a mock crime scene set up on campus, utilize and apply previously acquired skills to identify, collect, analyse and evaluate appropriate evidence. Students will be required to produce a scene of crime report, a forensic analysis report and compile a case file on the evidence they have collected. These reports will subsequently be used in the mock court trial exposing students to both direct and cross examination.
Early Stage Project Planning
Topic for project identified; literature review compiled, Materials and equipment selected; Preliminary project plan produced. Oral presentation on this work.
Lecture-based instruction; Expeditionary learning; Traditional Lectures; Small group work; Digital Learning
Individual learning - Individual work, Small group work, Digital Learning, Research, Academic
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |