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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Genetic & Pharmaceutical Analysis in Forensics
Module Code CHM1000 (ITS: FSH401)
Faculty Chemical Sciences School Science & Health
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

To acquire a grounding in biological and chemical analytical methods that have applications in forensic science.

Learning Outcomes

1. outline the principle and applications of gene/profiling/DNA fingerprinting methods
2. critically appraise the technology and applications associated with mitochondrial and Y chromosome analysis
3. explain SNPs and their detection, and discuss their relevance in forensic biology
4. outline the principles of real-time PCR and describe its applications in forensic science
5. describe the area of forensic chemistry and the principal analytical techniques with which it is associated
6. explain the concept of trace evidence and its applications, particularly in relation to paint, glass, textile fibres and firearm residue
7. explain counterfeit products and the role of forensics and analytical techniques in identifying counterfeits - emphasis on pharmaceuticals and pesticides
8. explain the 'polluter pays' principle as applied to environmental forensics


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Lectures
Tutorial4Tutorial/discussion
Independent Study62Literature and reference material
Directed learning35Directed learning
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10176Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorFiona ReganModule TeacherCiprian Briciu Burghina, Denis Collins
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentBook review25%n/a
PresentationPresentation on a forensic-science related topic15%n/a
ParticipationAttendance and contribution to online sessions10%n/a
Loop ExamAssessment on topics in biological forensics, including research papers50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Overview the development timeline in forensic biology

Overview genetic typing methods and their applications

Review of Mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA analyses

Review SNPs, SNP typing methods and forensics

Review Real-time PCR and applications in forensics

Review forensic chemistry and associated analytical techniques

Review trace evidence including glass, paint, textiles/fibres, explosives and firearm residue

Review the 'polluter pays' principle in environmental forensics

Review of counterfeit products -pharmaceuticals and pesticides

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for FSH401