The aim of this module is to introduce the student to both the theoretical and practical aspects of basic microbiological techniques required to safely handle, investigate and manipulate micro-organisms in laboratory setting. Students will be provided with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the subject matter through a variety of lecturer led activities and self-directed study. Such activities will include traditional and interactive lectures, problem solving and revision tutorials and laboratory practical classes. Theoretical and practical problems will be employed to assist students in the development of their analytical and problem solving capabilities.

1. Understand that microorganisms comprise a diverse range of organisms that includes bacteria, fungi, protozoans, algae, viruses and sub-viral particles.
2. Understand microbial structural diversity and classification.
3. Be aware of microbial physiological diversity which is reflected in a range of microbial activities in nature, in their importance in biotechnology and in health and disease. Understand the theoretical and practical principles underpinning a diverse range of methodologies aimed at controlling microbial growth.
4. Be capable of manipulating and interpreting numerical data relating to microbiological analysis.
5. Understand the importance of, and work in compliance with, health and safety policies and good laboratory practice as it pertains to microbiology laboratories.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of key principles of Microbiology and be able to explain major microbiological concepts by demonstrating a capacity for critical scientific analysis of relevant issues.
7. Be able to design and execute experiments, systematically collect and analyze data, identify sources of error, and interpret the results and reach logical conclusions. They should also have a basic understanding of safety issues.
8. Operate basic laboratory instruments used in microbiology practical experimentation.
9. Apply the scientific method by stating a question; researching the topic; determining appropriate tests; performing tests; collecting, analyzing, and presenting data; and finally proposing new questions about the topic.
10. Be able to (1) differentiate between fact and opinion, (2) recognize and evaluate author bias and rhetoric, (3) develop inferential skills, (4) recognize logical fallacies and faulty reasoning, and (5) make decisions and judgments by drawing logical conclusions using sound quantitative and statistically-based reasoning.
11. Understand and appreciate the value of cooperating and working effectively with peers and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the process of developing such skills.

The module aims to illustrate to learners the structure and function of macromolecules of the cell and how they integrate into cellular function.

1. Explain the function of macromolecules in the cell.

2. Describe mammalian cellular energetics.
3. Describe the action of enzymes and discuss factors that affect enzyme kinetics.

4. Outline the organisation of nucleic acids in the cell.
5. Illustrate the cell cycle.

6. Relate some applications of molecular biology.

7. Perform and report on, biochemical laboratory experiments and communicate information accurately and effectively using written, visual and numeral forms.

This module provides a foundation in crime scene management and crime scene investigation. Appropriate management of information and evidence is fundamental to the efficacy of subsequent laboratory based examination or analysis. Any short comings at the crime scene management stage cannot be overcome by any subsequent laboratory analysis or post analysis interpretation. The module emphasises the crucial value of reliable and painstaking work at the crime scene where the continuity of evidence starts.

1. Illustratethe potential complexity of crime scene investigation and explain the techniques that CSI’s use to process a scene.Link the taking of specific evidence to theforensic strategy while maintaining the integrity of the scene, avoiding contaminationandstarting thecontinuity of evidence chain.

2. Describe the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of all personnel involved in the processing of a crime scene with particular emphasis on Scenes of Crime Investigators(CSI), First responder and Senior Investigation Officer and others with specific responsibility at the crime scene.

3. Buildskills relevant to CSI’sthrough practical work in the laboratory, including development of fingerprints, footprints, tool-marks, use of light sources and digital photography and BPS interpretation. Take part in a team mock crime scene excercise.

4. Implement safe working practices ( personal safety, safety of team members and others present)

This module covers areas of both aliphatic and aromatic chemistry including structure, reactivity, functional group inter-conversions and reaction mechanisms. Stereochemistry is introduced and its importance in organic chemical structures is examined.

1. Describe the chemistry of the functional groups and the features, both structural and electronic, which areresponsible for their reactivity.
2. Explain the reaction mechanisms involved in a selection of organic chemical reactions.
3. Identify the reactions involved in the interconversion the various functional groups.
4. Evaluate the use of some organometallic reagents
5. Discuss areas of Aromatic Chemistry, including structure and reactivity of some benzene derivatives.
6. Describe the concept of Stereochemistry, including chirality, enantiomers and nomenclature.
7. Perform a series of Organic Chemistry practicals

The course is a single semester introductory theoretical course on analytical methodologies. The course introduces the student to the basic elements of chemical analysis from sampling to the collection and statistical evaluation of analytical data. The course covers aspects of volumetric analysis including the application of primary and secondary standards and various titrimetric analytical techniques. The course also provides both a theoretical introduction to several instrumental analysis techniques including infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet -visible spectroscopy, atomic spectrometry, electrochemistry and chromatographic methods of analysis.

1. Describe fundamental strategies for the performance of volumetric and instrumental chemical analyses.
2. Explain the fundamental principles of a range of instrumental and classical methods of analysis.
3. Express chemical compositions in a range of concentration units.
4. Calculate chemical compositions from raw instrumental and non-instrumental analytical data.
5. Evaluate the reliability of analytical data using simple statistical and quality control techniques.

This course provides a practical and theoretical introduction to forensic inorganic analytical techniques particularly classical non-instrumental methods of analysis. Fundamental aspects of good laboratory practice in the analytical laboratory are emphasised. The module develops the ability to carry out gravimetric and volumetric analyses with confidence and with a high level of accuracy and precision.

1. Describe the features of a range of classical inorganic techniques used for forensic analysis.

2. Calculate chemical compositions from raw analytical data in a variety of units and evaluate the reliability of analytical data using simple statistical and quality control techniques.

3. Develop skills to perform a complex inorganic analysis safely and with confidence.

4. Record data and maintain records of analytical work in a laboratory notebook in a format required by Good Laboratory Practice and ISO17025.

5. Write experimental reports concisely, and in proper scientific format.

This module aims to develop the learner's written and oral communications skills to effectively encode a technical message to a technical and non-technical audience.

1. Deliver effective oral presentations on Scientific topics.
2. Visually Represent Scientific Data in a manner that facilitates ease of communication.
3. Paraphrase and Summarise written scientific information, reference sources and write a bibliography.
4. Use appropriate software to format, structure and publish short scientific reportaccording to established conventions.

5. Assess own communications skills and develop a personal development plan.

To provide an overview of the types of evidence that may be collected from a crime scene and the range of methods used in the collection, preservation, examination, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence by chemical analysis. This module is linked to the Forensic Chemistry 2 module in year 3. This module will focus mainly on use of microscopy and on those samples requiring inorganic chemical analysis.

1. List the common types of physical evidence that may be collected from a crime scene focusing particularly on those requiring inorganic and chemical testing.
2. Discuss possible techniques for laboratory analysis of inorganic material such as paint, glass, soil, gunshot residue,hair and fibres and apply literature search techniques to prepare a technical report and present technical info in a manner understandable by the court of law.

3. Recognise the relevance of contamination avoidance procedures and give examples in relation to the location, extraction and analysis of contact trace material
4. Explain and demonstrate competence in the range of methods used for the recovery / extraction of the commonly encountered physical and chemical trace materials including the use of controls and reference materials.
5. Demonstrate competence in setting up and use of microscopes for locating, identifying and comparing commonly encountered contact trace material

This module deals with laboratory instrumentation and applications of information technology for forensic and analytical science.

Students will learn the basic operation, calibration and data processing capabilities of a range of instrumentation used for forensic analysis. Instrumentation used will include uv-visible, infrared, atomic absorption and chromatographic instrumentation.

Other software applications/techniques used will include drawing two-dimensional chemical structures, determining basic chemical parameters with software (i.e. determination of molecular weights, verifying chemical reactions, etc.) and using a spreadsheet to simulate titrations.

The teaching methods used will be a combination of lectures, self-study, labs, tutorials, and any combination of discussion, case study, problem-solving exercises and computer-based learning.

1. Describe the components of selected general purpose analytical instrumentation

2. Operate, optimise and calibrate selected general purpose analytical instrumentation

3. Process and present analytical data using spreadsheets.

4. Collect and process data from modern scientific instrumentation

This module introduces students of physical sciences to the concepts of gas behaviour, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium, electrolytes and acid-base behaviour.

1. Define various laws that are fundamental to physical chemistry.
2. Describe the behaviour of gases (ideal and non-ideal).
3. Explain the laws of thermodynamics and manipulate chemical equations to calculate physical parameters.
4. Describe the behaviour of electrolytes.
5. Describe the function and operation of electrochemical cells and list various types of electrochemical cells.
6. Demonstrate concepts in physical chemistry through problem solving and calculations of physical parameters.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to a range of statistical tools of relevance to scientists. Specific topics include an overview of statistical distributions, significance testing, uncertainty determination, linear regression and experimental design. The application of statistics for quality control and practical experience in the application of statistical features in the widely available Microsoft Excel is particularly emphasised.

The teaching methods used will be a combination of lectures, self-study, labs, tutorials, and any combination of discussion, case study, problem-solving exercises and computer-based learning.

1. Describe basic statistical terms which are of relevance to the area of analytical science.

2. Graphically display and numerically summarise data using appropriatetables, graphs and measures of centre, spread and position.

3. Explain and apply concepts of basic probability including, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, independent events and counting formulae;

4. Make interferences about population parameters using sample statistics using confidence interval estimates and tests of statisticalhypotheses

5. Describe the application of statistics tosampling, quality control, analytical method validation andexperimental design.

6. Use an appropriate method for analysingrelationships between variables in a dataset

This module provides the student with an overview of International Quality Management Systems, quality culture and tools for implementation of quality improvements with a particular emphasis on systems that would operate in testing and calibration laboratories, forensic laboratories and general manufacturing facilities.

1. Illustrate the principle benifits and requirements of implementing a quality system.
2. Select, explain and interpret the current revisions of ISO Standards such as ISO9000and ISO 17025 and apply to case studies.

3. Discuss analytical method validation in the context of good laboratory practices

4. Employ quality tools to categorise and evaluate the root cause ofa problem and suggest appropriate corrective action

5. Design, use and revisea working document system for a pilot manufacturing and testing process and maintain detailed records

This module aims to introduce the basic concepts of human genetics and genomics including Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. The course content emphasises knowledge that allows a deep understanding of the role of genetics in health and forensic applications.

1. Demonstrate intellectual knowledge by explaining the basic principles underpinning human genetics.

2. Demonstrate professional skills/practice by being able to interpret, analyse and report Genetic data.

3. Communicate scientific data in an appropriate format

This module covers a range of analytical separation techniques. It address the fundamental science involved in separation science and includes instrumental and non instrumental separation methodologies. The module also addresses sample preparation and pre treatments with particular emphasis on trace organic analysis in forensically relevant samples.

1. Explain the separation process in column chromatography.
2. Describe the chemistries of some of the phases used in instrumental chromatographic techniques.
3. Perform and interpret both qualitative and quantitative analytical chromatographic separations.
4. Evaluate the limitations, accuracies and precision of various separation techniques.
5. Communicate scientific data in an appropriate format.

This module deals with applications of information technology for forensic and analytical science. Topics will include the following: Introduction to forensic computing; laboratory data acquisition and signal processing; importing and exporting scientific data; hardware and software systems on modern scientific instrumentation; use of information technology to enhance scientific presentations including the application of molecular graphics applications.

1. Describe the basic processes and features of computer forensics, including evidence collection and analysis

2. Describe features of computing hardware and software used in the analytical laboratory

3. Demonstrate the features of selected advanced analytical instrumentation including associated computer systems.

4. Apply spreadsheets to process experimental data.

5. Make use of a range of software applications to present scientific reports

The aims of this module are to provide a theoretical and practical introduction to a range of modern instrumental analytical techniques based on spectroscopy and atomic spectrometry and used for forensic analysis. The course will emphasise the forensic application of these techniques, sample preparation, quality control and the interpretation of analytical data from these instruments.

1. Explain the fundamental features of the following spectrometric techniques: molecular ultraviolet visible spectroscopy; atomic absorption and atomic emission spectroscopy; infrared spectroscopy.

2. Contrast the analytical features (including applications and limitations, etc.) of the following techniques: molecular ultraviolet visible spectroscopy; atomic absorption spectrometry; atomic emission spectrometry; infrared spectroscopy.

3. Prepare forensic samples for analysis and operate flame photometers, atomic absorption spectrometers, ultraviolet visible spectrophotometers and infrared spectrometers.

4. Record data and maintain records of analytical work in a laboratory notebook in a format required by Good Laboratory Practice and ISO17025.

5. Write experimental reports and evaluate scientific data including the reliability of analytical data using simple statistical and quality control techniques.

To provide an overview of the types of evidence that may be collected from a crime scene and the range of methods used in the collection, preservation, examination, analysis and interpretation of physical evidence. This module is linked to the Forensic Chemistry 1 module in year 2. The module will focus on mainly on those samples that are organic or biological in nature and require chemical analysis.

1. Outline the analyticaltechniques for presumptive and confirmatory testing of a range of range of organic materials of forensic importance including drugs, alcohol, carbon monoxide,accelerants and explosives.

2. Illustrate the range of presumptive and confirmatorymethods used for the location,recovery, presumptive and confirmatory testing ofcommonly encountered biological material of forensic important including blood, semen and saliva.

3. Apply literature search techniques to an assigned topic and practice oral and presentational skills to present technical information in a manner understandable in a court of law.
4. Evaluate and interpret data from examination and/or analytical equipment andapply toa range of forensic examinations in the biological and organic chemistry areas while demonstrating safe working practices and team skills.

5. Write robust, balanced, impartial, logical and transparent reports which are unbiased, comprehensive and comprehensible to the intended recipients.

This module aims to introduce the student to the basic principles underpinning molecular biology with relevance to Forensic Science and also explores practical applications in molecular biology.

1. Explain basic principles in Gene Cloning and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technologies.
2. Perform and interpret selected practical applications of Gene Cloning and PCR.
3. Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from data obtained in the laboratory and/or data presented in problem solving exercises.
4. Define the principal applications of Gene Cloning and PCR technologies.
5. Communicate scientific data in an appropriate format.

This module covers advanced topics in chemistry in the physical and organic synthetic chemistry areas that are relevant to forensic chemistry. These include synthesis and purification of drugs, synthesis of polymeric material, reaction kinetics, surface chemistry and combustion reactions.

1. Describe organic synthetic pathways andsuitable purification methods fornatural drug products.
2. Characterisepolymeric materials and describe the mechanisms involved in their synthesis
3. Evaluate the by products of organic synthesis
4. Describe comprehensively the chemistry of kinetics, catalysis, surface phenomenonand combustion reactions

5. To apply complex mathemathetical formulae to calculatereaction rates etc. of different chemical processes.

This module will enable learners to assimilate technical knowledge from previous laboratory-based modules while developing research skills across four core competencies: Personal effectiveness in team-based problem solving. Management of information, time and resources for investigative research and complex analysis. Performance of valid laboratory investigations. Verbal and written communication of scientific information in a professional context.

The module aims are achieved through participation in a series of mini-projects on topics relevant to forensic investigation. The learners will be required to work in teams to conduct literature searches to develop methodologies for analysis of a variety of complex samples and then use a range of forensic instrumentation and analytical techniques / processes to achieve accurate analytical measurements. They will then be required to interpret the analytical results in the context of the original question and present verbal and written reports on their findings

1. Participate in a team to investigate and peer review experimental findings and information provided.

2. Engage in technical, theoretical, personal and inter-personal problem solving in a team.

3. Plan and manage information sources (literature, textbooks, online resources, standard / reference methods) and experimental results.

4. Source reliable literature, and apply same to samples and analytical methodologies.

5. Carry out appropriate experimentation to elicit the chemical structure and/or content of complex samples.

6. Design and perform a range of analytical techniques to obtain valid analytical data within a limited timeframe.

7. Assess analytical data andapply appropriate statistical tests.

8. Verbally present, explain and defend scientific information in a professional context.
9. Demonstrate awareness of correct use of contemporaneous notes, data recording and professional codes of ethics (research, plagiarism, reporting of scientific data).

The module introduces learners to the structure and functions of antibodies in immnoassays with respect to forensic applications.

1. Explain the production of antibodies by an immune system
2. Illustrate the differences between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.

3. Outline different types of techniques used in immunodiagnostics.
4. Describe the antibody antigen interaction and precipitation reactions.
5. Perform and report on, immunodiagnostic laboratory experiments and communicate information accurately and effectively using written, visual and numeral forms.

This module aims to provide the student with specialised knowledge in the theory and practice of forensic DNA typing by investigating the biology, technology and genetic interpretation underpinning modern forensic DNA typing methods.

1. Demonstrate intellectual knowledge by explaining the principles underpinning modern forensic DNA typing.

2. Demonstrate professional/practical skills by being able to perform and interpret selected practical applications of forensic DNA typing methods.

3. Analyse, evaluate and draw conclusions from data obtained in the laboratory and/or data presented in problem solving exercises.

4. Communicate scientific data in an appropriate format.

The students engage in an independent piece of literature research where they utilise the skills and competencies that they have acquired in their programme to compile a literature review on an assigned area of forensic / analytical science. The work is presented both as a written report and in oral format.

1. Source primary literature on an assigned topic in forensic science / biology / chemistry
2. Critically appraise thequality and relevance of scientific literature and assess importance to assigned topic
3. Be self directed in terms of time, motivation and planning with minmal supervisory input
4. Demonstrate depth of sceintific knowledge andunderstanding in a clearly written, insightful, structured written review.
5. Present the findings as on oral presentation

This module includes enriched work-integrated learning experiences. Students gain experience of a work-based activity in a scientific, legal, or other course relevant environment; and reflect on their role of their scientific skills base in a workplace context. During the third academic year the student will collaborate in a search for appropriate work experience activities which will address both the requirements of the module and the future career interests of the student. This activity will require the student to keep a daily log of activities with associated reflection. Following work experience the student will reflect on the experience, present a report and give a presentation. Integrated within the module are visits to the laboratories of both industrial and public sector employers. A professional interview with associated preparation and feedback is also a component part of this module. The work experience will normally take place during the summer of the third year of the programme.

1. Describe the personal objectives of work placement and detail various actions, activities and communications required in order to achieve it

2. Reflect on the work experience,the mission of the organizationincluding reference to the roles and functions of the various personnel encountered.

3. Keep comprehensive records of daily activities in an appropriate format including a daily reflection.

4. Develop professional skills including written communication skills, presentation, interview, time management, project management and conflict resolution skills.

5. Preparefora technical interview and give a professional presentation

6. Discuss learning fromtheir visits to industry and public sector laboratories and insights fromvisiting speakers

This module covers advanced topics in forensic analysis. spectroscopy and atomic spectrometry, chromatography, electroanalytical and sample preparation for these techniques. In involves collection, storage, preparation and pretreatments of forensic samples. This module covers the wide range of advanced instrument currently available and also addresses troubleshooting and problem solving with advanced instrumentation. This module also covers evaluation of chromatographic data and interpretation of spectra as well as instrument characteristics.

1. Evaluate appropriate sample preparation techniques for chromatographic and spectrometric analysis.

2. Interpret chromatographic and spectrometric data and investigate troubleshooting and problem solving strategies for chromatographic and otheranalytical systems.

3. Evaluate validation procedures for chromatographic methodsfor forensic and clinical samples.

4. Examine a range of electroanalytical methodologies and assess their role in forensic applications.

5. Assess and compare analytical features of advanced analytical techniques such as the detection capability and interferences of atomic spectrometry techniques

The students engage in an independent research project where they utilise the skills and competencies, that they have acquired in their programme of study, to research an area of forensic / analytical science.

1. Work independently on Forensic / Analytical problem.
2. Design experiments and/orcasework related experimentsand formulate a project plan
3. Execute experimental / practical activities, troubleshoot andproblem solvewithin a limited time frame
4. Present a report on literature review, methodology, research findings, analysis of results.
5. Interpret and evaluate research findings including the use of statistical tests and defend and critically appraise their research findings.

The systematic examination of environmental information that is used in litigation to allocate responsibility for contamination. The successful use of environmental forensics encompasses an understanding of a variety of disciplines and the wisdom to understand which forensic tool(s) are best suited for a particular set of facts. The module introduces the chemical and biological tools which can be used in Environmental Forensic Investigations.

1. Evaluatethe environmental liability legislation framework and evaluate the consequences of some major environmental pollution incidents.

2. Examine a range of sources and the fate ofenvironmental pollutants.

3. Design a programme for estimating the age and source of a pollution release.
4. Evaluate the scientific analytical methods used in establishing the nature of pollutants and assess the signature ofpollutants.

5. Statistically appraise the pollutant signature.

This module reinforces the crucial value of reliable and painstaking work at the crime scene. It builds on the skills introduced in crime scene investigation in year 2. Appropriate management of investigational information, preservation of the scene and collection of evidence is fundamental to the efficacy of subsequent laboratory based examination or analysis. Any short coming at the crime scene cannot be overcome by subsequent laboratory analysis or post analysis interpretation. The module will put the students in control of a simulated crime scene where they are required as teams to manage a crime scene from beginning to end. They will be required to maintain the integrity of the crime scene while managing the collection of physical evidence and commencement of the chain of custody.

1. Work effectively as part of an investigative team, as CS manager orCSI member, to process a simulated crime scene.

2. Appraise a simulated crime scene and carry out the steps required for the preservation and documentation (including photography) of the crime scene, organise a systematic search for evidence, collect, package and label evidence. Communicate the required testing rationale.

3. Learn to act in an unfamiliar environment such as a mock crime scene, managing and assessing tasks as they unfold, rationalizing information and communicating information in real time.
4. Evaluate the potential complexity of a crime scene and the many practical and legal constraints, including the need for timeliness.
5. Assess their personnel safety and the safety of team members, and take suitable control measures to protect scene and personnel

This module will provide the student with practical skills in the presentation of both oral and written evidence in a court of law. The module will provide strategies and practice for interpretation of forensic analytical results in a meaningful, structured, non biased manner in context with the intelligence data, databases, literature while maintaining continuity and scientific independence.

1. WriteForensic Scientist reports that are robust, balanced, impartial and transparent which are unbiased and comprehensibleto the intended recipient such as lawyers or a jury.

2. Assess the frequency of occurrence of evidential materials in order to aid the interpretation of analytical results, using databases, where appropriate, to support interpretation.

3. Prepare sections of the book of evidence and present oral evidence in mock court as an expert witness

4. Outlinenational legislation relevant to presentation of forensic science in court including issues relating to criminal law, laws of evidence,the courts and legal privilege.

The module introduces learners to the principles of toxicology and to toxicology testing and analysis.

1. Discuss the principles of toxicology and communicate information accurately and effectively using written, visual and numeral forms.

2. Outline the major drugs and toxins of forensic interest.
3. Describe the use of drugs in sport.
4. Explain the processes involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics
5. Perform and report on, toxicological & analytical laboratory experiments.