Forensic Science Diploma Level 4

Forensic Science (Level 4)

The Level 4 in Forensic Science is divided into twenty comprehensive modules.

Module 1: The Crime Scene

This introductory module focuses specifically on the crime scene and will provide you with an understanding of the importance of time, care and detail when evaluating a crime scene. Module 1 explores key concepts such as Locard’s Exchange Principle, the ‘Golden Hour’ and ‘Fast Track Action’ and covers the identification, preservation, collection, documentation and presentation of evidence.

Module 2: Evidence

Module 2 of the Level 4 Forensic Science Diploma looks at the legal categories of evidence in criminal investigation and identifies the difference between individual and class characteristics of evidence. This module then takes a more detailed look into trace evidence including how trace evidence is discovered, examined, collected, recovered, recorded, packaged and labelled.

Module 3: Biological Evidence

Module 3 examines various examples of biological evidence and also explores how and why biological evidence is collected. In this module learners will investigate how biological evidence connects victim and offender to the crime scene looking closely at how blood spatter patterns can be used to reconstruct a crime scene.

Module 4: Non Biological Trace Evidence

Module 4 takes a closer look at non-biological trace evidence including how and why this is collected and how non-biological trace evidence connects victim and offender to the crime scene. This module also explores how impression and imprint patterns can be used to reconstruct a crime scene.

Module 5: Fingerprint Evidence

This module investigates the uniqueness of fingerprints and their value as evidence. In module 5 of the Forensic Science Diploma Level 4 the student will discover how and why fingerprints are recovered and will investigate different types and characteristics of fingerprints found at the crime scene.

Module 6: Ballistics Evidence

In this module of the Forensic Science Level 4 Diploma we will discover how and why Ballistics/Firearms Evidence, expended ammunition and gunshot residue (GSR) are recovered at the crime scene.

Module 7: Evidence of Arson

Module 7 examines the difference between arson and accidental fires. This module looks at the fire triangle concept before going on to investigate what evidence is collected to establish the causes and origin of a fire, and the evidential value of accelerants and how these are collected at the scene. The difficulties and the continuing requirement of maintaining the chain of evidence at the fire scene will also be examined.

Module 8: Evidence at the Explosive Scene

Module 8 explores the difference between an accidental explosion and the triggering of a bomb and investigates how and why the bomb scene is processed. In this module learners will discover how explosives differ and why this is important in assisting the Bomb Scene Investigator to determine what evidence to look for. Module 8 also delves into what evidence the Bomb Scene Investigator might collect and the particular difficulties presented at the bomb scene.

Module 9: Forensic Pathology at the Crime Scene

In module 9 of this Level 4 Forensic Science Diploma the role of both the Coroner and Pathologist will be explored. The student will investigate how and what evidence is collected at the murder scene and how biological processes are used to estimate the time of death.

Module 10: Forensic Pathology at the Mortuary

Module 10 of the Forensic Science Diploma examines how and why an autopsy is carried out, investigating some of the many ways in which death can occur and how the forensic pathologist recognises them. In this module the learner will also look at how and why an external and internal examination of a corpse is conducted at the mortuary.

Module 11: Forensic Anthropology

In module 11 of the Forensic Science Level 4 Diploma the student will examine the role of the forensic anthropologist, investigate the anthropological determination of gender, investigate the anthropological determination of age, the anthropological determination of ethnicity and the anthropological determination of height weight and individual differences.

Module 12: Forensic Odontology

Module 12 examines the role of the Forensic Odontologist, how the characteristics of human dentition can be used to help identify human remains, how the characteristics of human dentition can be used to help establish the age of human remains and investigate how bite marks can establish connections between a suspect and the victim.

Module 13: Forensic Entomology

In module 13 the student will examine the role of the forensic entomologist, investigate arthropods and insects and their role in determining PMI, examine the actions of the forensic entomologist, crime scene investigator at the scene, investigate the life cycle of the blowfly, factors in its development and its importance in determining PMI and how the forensic entomologist maintains the chain of evidence.

Module 14: Forensic Botany

Module 14 examines the role of the forensic botanist, investigates the sub discipline of palynology, anatomy and dendrochronology, plant ecology and investigates limnology.

Module 15: Forensic Serology

In module 15 the student will examine the role of the forensic serologist, investigate blood typing, investigate the analysis of blood, semen, saliva other bodily fluids in the laboratory.

Module 16: DNA Typing (Fingerprinting)

Module 16 of the Forensic Science Level 4 Diploma covers DNA and its structure, DNA coding, DNA testing and profiling and the National DNA database and the legislation that supports it.

Module 17: Forensic Toxicology

In module 17 the student will investigate toxicology and the role of the forensic toxicologist, examine presumptive and confirmatory testing for drugs and poisons and revise chain of evidence maintenance in respect of toxicological samples.

Module 18: Forensic Firearms Investigation

Module 18 looks into the role of the firearms examiner, firearms identification, ammunition comparison, distance and angle of trajectory, identification of trace evidence and analysis of gunshot residue and serial number restoration.

Module 19: Questioned Documents

In module 19 the student will examine questioned documents and the role of the questioned document examiner, examine handwriting analysis, investigate the examination of typewriters and typewritten documents, word processors and printed documents and investigate the examination of forged documents, the examination of inks and papers and document verification.

Module 20: Forensic Vehicle Examination

Module 20 of the Forensic Science Level 4 Diploma covers the investigate forensic vehicle examination and the forensic vehicle examiner, the role of the forensic vehicle examiner in respect of fatal road traffic accidents, motor vehicle paint chip analysis and motor vehicle glass analysis.