BL4221 Forensic Biology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr S M R Gurney

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Susan Gurney

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will introduce students to the fascinating subject of forensic biology, examining the role that DNA, biological samples and other evidence can play in identifying the perpetrator of a crime. The identification of victims will also be examined, through mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome analysis as well as physical and pathological features of skeletal remains. Recent technological advances will be discussed with references to cold cases, and case studies will be used to apply biological understanding to real crimes.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL3301 OR PASS BL3302

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 x 1h lecture (x 2 weeks), 1 x 1h lecture (x 4 weeks), 1 x 2h seminar (8 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

24

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

126

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how forensic biology can be used to identify an individual (for example, biological fluid analysis, DNA profiling, investigative genealogy)
  • Identify skeletal features which are forensically important, and be able to determine an individual’s age, gender, ethnicity and stature from examining or measuring bones.
  • Accurately document the analysis of biological evidence and write up a forensic biology lab report.
  • Identify recent biological advances and apply them to unsolved cases.