Teaching Responsibility
LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Learning Methods
Lecture
Practical
Workshop
Module Offerings
6214NATSCI-JAN-CTY
Aims
To critically review how biological evidence can contribute to a wide range of forensic investigations.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Evaluate the factors that influence the decay of human remains in a forensic
context.
2.
Critically evaluate how fauna and flora contribute evidence in forensic
investigations.
3.
Discuss the ways in which microbes and viruses can contribute to forensic
investigations.
4.
Present and analyse forensic data/information using appropriate statistical/analytical techniques.
5.
Explain how biological evidence is collected, identified and processed in a forensic
investigation.
Module Content
Outline Syllabus:This module will explore and assess the value that various organisms contribute towards crime reconstruction in forensic investigations. The morphology, physiology, and ecology of human remains throughout post-mortem decomposition processes will be examined in addition to the identification and analysis of ante-mortem trauma (e.g. wounds) during autopsy in forensic pathology. Environmental indicators including viruses, bacteria, microeukaryotes, plants, pollen, diatoms, invertebrates and vertebrates will be explored and considered within the context of various crime investigations including murder, serious assault, wildlife, and environmental crime. Common themes throughout the module include the use of biological evidence to estimate the time since death, identify geographic locations, and link persons and scenes of forensic interest. The collection, analysis, and interpretation of biological forensic evidence will be introduced in lectures with practical skills taught in laboratory practicals and workshops. Various international case examples and the findings from experimental research studies will be incorporated throughout. Students will design experiments in order to collect, analyse, and interpret forensic data which is directly applicable to crime reconstructions.
Module Overview:
Within this module, you will learn about the applications of biological techniques in forensic science and be able to review how biological evidence can contribute to a wide range of forensic investigations.
Within this module, you will learn about the applications of biological techniques in forensic science and be able to review how biological evidence can contribute to a wide range of forensic investigations.
Additional Information:This module is designed to highlight the important contributions of biological techniques in forensic science. By the end of the module, students should be able to use data obtained by these techniques in forensic interpretation.