| CODE | GSC3400 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Forensic Geosciences | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geosciences | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Forensic geosciences includes several branches of earth and physical sciences and has the main goal of providing interpretation of a given environment and its surroundings in different investigative contexts and at different scales. The topics covered include the following, and will be treated mainly through the use of case studies where relevant. - introduction to the history of forensic geosciences; - geological material at a crime scene and forensic analysis of soils and geological materials (e.g. distinguishing between gems and metals, forensic laboratory procedure for soil types, x-ray diffraction, raman and FT-IR spectroscopy, etc; - remote sensing applications in forensic investigations (e.g.; photointerpration, photogrammetry, use of UAV vehicles; Lidar and laser scanner) - forensic geophysics techniques (ground penetrating radar, georesistivity, magnetometry etc); - forensic seismology (e.g. principle of array seismology, nuclear and ordinary bomb explosion verification, location of industrial accidents, submarine, airplanes and train explosions); - principle of ethics in forensic geosciences As part of the teaching methods, students will be given reading assignments based on journal articles, which they will be expected to read and critically discuss. Study-Unit Aims: This study provides a general introduction to the most important concepts, methods and applications related to forensic geosciences. In particular, the study units aims to tackle an introduction and overview of some of the basic fundamental principles of geosciences and how these may be applied to policing and law enforcement, geological materials, forensic pedology, the use of remote sensing in forensic investigations, forensic geomorphology, environmental forensics, forensic geophysics, forensic archaeology and geotechnical aspects of forensic geology. Furthermore, also included are some of the operational and ethical issues facing forensic geologists working at crime scenes. It describes physical principles, campaign procedures and processing, as well as interpretation techniques, while also highlighting new acquisition and data analysis procedures. A large section of the study unit is centered on the applications, from measurements to the interpretation of data. Further, the study unit aims to instruct student on how to design and perform a forensic survey, and offers guidance on selecting the best method for the problem at hand, and on selecting the best type of data acquisition and processing. Overall, it will give students a thorough understanding of relevant aspects of applied geosciences in the context of forensic sciences. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Outline the principles of forensic geoscience - Discuss the basic scientific concepts underlying collection and interpretation of scientific evidence - Discuss the use of new technologies used at crime scenes investigations - Outline the role of forensic science in a forensic investigation and the role of geoscintists experts 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Contribute to the knowledge relevant legislation in relation to collection of evidence - Use basic geosciences knowledge that has been acquired through previous study units, and scientific data to assess potential crime scenes - Read reports drafted by others on different case studies - Draft reports about forensic investigation. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Leucci G., 2020, Advances in Geophysical Methods Applied to Forensic Investigations: New Developments in Acquisition and Data Analysis Methodologies. Springer editore, pp 200, ISBN 978-3-030-46241-3. - Di Maggio R. M., Barone P. M., (2017). Geoscientists at crime scenes, Springer. Supplementary Readings: - Moran, K.S. and Gold, C.L. eds., 2019. Forensic archaeology: multidisciplinary perspectives. Springer - Bergslien, E. (2012). An introduction to forensic geoscience. John Wiley & Sons. - Pye, K., & Croft, D. J. (Eds.). (2004). Forensic geoscience: principles, techniques and applications. Geological Society of London. - Ruffell, A., & McKinley, J. (2008). Geoforensics. John Wiley & Sons. - Pye, K. (2007). Geological and soil evidence: forensic applications. CRC press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Independent Study & Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Sebastiano D'Amico |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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