Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Genetic & Pharmaceutical Analysis in Forensic
Module Code	FSH401
School	School of Chemical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Dermot Walls Semester 2: Dermot Walls Autumn: Dermot Walls
Module Teacher	Dermot Walls
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To acquire a grounding in the principles underlying each method for the analysis of forensic evidence

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the principal analytical techniques used in forensic chemistry and the role of the expert witness in the legal process, and outline an approach
2. Explain the concept of trace evidence and its applications, particularly in relation to paint, glass, textile fibres and firearm residue
3. Describe the role and significance of marks and impressions in forensic chemistry, particularly footwear impressions
4. Outline the principles of fire scene examination
5. Describe forensic aspects of drugs of abuse, forensic toxicology in the investigation of suspicious deaths, and criminal aspects of explosives
6. Outline the principle and applications of gene/profiling/DNA fingerprinting methods
7. Critically appraise the technology and applications associated with mitochondrial and Y chromosome analysis
8. Explain SNPs and their detection, and discuss their relevance in forensic biology
9. Outline the principles of real-time PCR and describe its applications in forensic science

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	30	Lectures
Independent learning	60	Literature and reference material
Directed learning	35	Directed learning
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Review of impact of PCR on forensic science.
Genetic typing methods and their applications.

Mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA analysis.
DNA microarray design and applications in forensics.

SNPs, SNP typing methods and forensics.
Real-time PCR and applications in forensic biology.

The principal analytical techniques used in forensic chemistry.
The concept of trace evidence and its applications.

The role and significance of marks and impressions in forensic chemistry.
The principles of fire scene examination.

Forensic toxicology and criminal aspects of explosives.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Analytical Science

SHSA

Study Abroad (Science & Health)

SHSAO

Study Abroad (Science & Health)

Timetable this semester: Timetable for FSH401

Date of Last Revision