BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Policing with Sandwich Placement

This module will provide students with practical experience of handling crime scenes from the point of entry through to evidence recovery. It will include the processing of: indoor, outdoor, and vehicle scenes and cover activities ranging from documenting the scene with written and photographic methods, recovery and packing of evidence, to briefing the Senior Investigating Officer.

This module introduces students to the criminal investigation process. Students will be required to distinguish between different types of crime and why this is important in the investigation process. Students will be introduced to the different types of evidence and understand the importance of effective evidence management and the implications of not following policy and procedure. Complex live and cold cases will form a large part of this module, with students analysing the resources required to investigate such cases. Students will consider the challenges that victims and witnesses face during a complex investigation and the police response to these challenges.

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to selected biological aspects of Forensic Science. This starts with developing an appreciation of Forensic DNA Analysis, DNA as Evidence and Serology, which will include an overview of DNA analysis methodology and an introduction into population genetics and related statistics and stochastics. Methods of evidence sample collection, recording and storage shall also be investigated, as will the different approaches to blood group analysis. The Forensic Anthropology section provides an overview of methodology to determine sex, age, body height, ancestry and other identity characteristics from skeletonized human remains, followed by further anthropological topics like facial reconstruction. You will also learn about post mortem decomposition processes and how these can be analysed to determine the Post Mortem Interval (PMI). The module includes a number of practical sessions in which you will have the opportunity to utilize your knowledge acquired in the theory sessions to practical applications.

The module will cover a number of forensically important areas including the analysis of paints, questioned document analysis (including handwriting, signatures, altered documents, etc.), bloodstain pattern analysis, forensic ballistics and digital (computer) forensics.

This module will enable students to appreciate the importance of information and intelligence to key areas of policing. Students will examine relevant legislation/guidance underpinning information and intelligence in policing. There is a particular focus on how information and intelligence can help police operations. The module enables students to appreciate the issues that can arise when data management protocols are not adhered to. Students will become familiar with the main sources of information and academic research about this area of policing and be able to use these materials for research purposes.

The module will introduce students to policing technologies and the prevalence of digitally-facilitated crimes, which are frequently evolving. Students will consider the role of the deep web, social media, hacking (and other forms of complex digital-facilitated crimes) and the variety of devices being used in policing and crime contexts.

The Honours Project module will give you the opportunity to undertake an extended, problem-focused, original investigation related to your overall programme of study and is a requirement for the award of Honours. The Project will provide you with a choice based on your interests, modules studied previously, staff expertise and physical resources within the School. The project must be approved for safety, ethics, cost, feasibility and relevance to your degree programme before you carry out any practical work. The project module will test your ability to develop successfully (a) the formulation of a Project design and specification, (b) an assessment of hazards, risk assessment and required safety procedures, (c) ethical considerations, where appropriate, (d) a survey of published literature and other source materials, (e) the execution of the Project objectives, (f) an independent programme of fieldwork, laboratory or other practical study, (g) progress presentation(s) on key stages and (h) the preparation of a written Dissertation and/or other suitable and equivalent submission of the Project outcomes. Students would normally register and gain approval for for their chosen project title towards the end of Level 5 study. Students normally undertake practical work during the semester 1 & early semester 2 of the final year of study. Anyone with special needs affecting their study or ability to participate in the module must inform the University support services and module leader / supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

This module spans all areas of public protection policing; policy, research, theory and practice. Students will be introduced to the diverse and complex nature of public protection policing and vulnerability. Students will understand vulnerability and the theories and concepts around how a person can become a victim. Students will develop an understanding of the powers and legislation relating to contemporary and significant areas of policing practice including, but not limited to, child sexual exploitation, county lines, child criminal exploitation, modern slavery, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, sexual offences ,hate crime and mental health. Students will use this knowledge to critically explore complex situations using evidence based research. Students will understand the impact these offences have on the victim, their families, the wider community and the criminal justice system. Reference will be made to how vulnerable people are supported by the police and other agencies and how risk is managed. The concept of multi- agency working will be a theme throughout this module, with reference to serious case reviews and the management of offenders.

This module will cover the role of the expert witness in the courtroom focusing on the dual role of examining the work of others in presenting materials in court as well as preparing scientific evidence in courts of law