Biological Evidence and Serology (P02432)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P02432

The aim of this course is to study the concepts and principles involved in the examination of biological evidence and the practices of serology as they relate to crime scene and forensic investigation.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : None other than programme entry requirements.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Registered students will access this course using their EASE username and password. In addition to the course materials and resources provided on WebCT, candidates will be expected to use internet and published resources during self directed study and research.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Forensics, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Additional Class Information : The student will be expected to spend approximately 10 hours per week reading the course materials and additional/supplementary online and published resources; participating in online discussions and submitting required assignments.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course the candidate should
- Know the techniques used in locating, storing and analysing biological evidence
- Know the preliminary and confirmatory tests conducted in the field and laboratory for identifying biological fluids
- Understand the basic principles of inheritance and blood group distribution within a population and the use of blood group identification and biochemical markers in forensic investigations
- Understand the importance of blood spatter interpretation
- Understand the legal and forensic implications of biological evidence and the limitations of data interpretation for courtroom testimony

Assessment Information

Weekly assignments (10 x 3-500 words) or essay (3-5,000 words) (70%)
Participation in weekly online discussion forum and submission of electronic assignments and activities (30%)