Learning and assessment

How You Will Learn

All of the material required for this programme will be delivered to you electronically, irrespective of the providing institution within the Global Forensics Network. Each module comprises a number of different elements designed to make the learning experience enjoyable and easy for you to tailor to your own style.

Visiting Campus

There are opportunities to visit the University campus at specified points during the course (at the beginning of year 1 for an induction/orientation session and during year 2 just prior to commencing your dissertation to meet your supervisor and refresh your study skills).  However attendance at the University of Leicester is not mandatory, and all relevant materials will be available online for those who are unable to visit campus. 

Web access

You will need to make sure that you have regular access to the internet in order that you can interact fully with Blackboard. Blackboard is an evolving environment, with new material being added on a weekly basis and students are expected to make full use of it. To make full use of the materials on Blackboard you will need a broadband connection.

Podcasts and Powerpoint

Podcasts that ‘set the scene’ for a particular topic are reinforced by voice over PowerPoint presentations to equip you with the basic scientific skills and understanding required.

Self study activities

A number of self study activities supplement this learning. These are designed to enable you to expand your knowledge of a topic and to encourage you to think about what you have learned and how to apply it in the real world of forensic science.

Discussion groups

Each module also has at least one activity designed around an online discussion group where you will have an opportunity to engage with other students, to exchange ideas and to comment on each other’s views.

Generally, you will need to spend about 15 hours per week studying.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by two written assignments:

• A short one (750-1,000 words) about halfway through the module.
• A longer one (2,500-3,500 words) at the end of the module.

Group involvement

In addition, you will also be assessed throughout each module based on your participation in facilitated Blackboard discussion groups. This method of assessment is intended to enable both you and your tutors to see how well you are understanding the work as the module progresses so that any difficulties can be resolved prior to the larger written assignment.

Quizzes

Each module also includes at least two multiple choice quizzes that are not assessed but designed to enable you to check that you have understood the work as the module progresses.

Dissertation

After completing your elective modules, you will complete a dissertation of approximately 15,000-20,000 words, may be related to the work-based issues you are facing.

The assessment of elective modules may vary with partner institutions. No assessment will be made by traditional examinations.