Forensic Psychology

Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to, and development of, a variety of research methods commonly used in the investigation of psychological phenomena. The qualitative focus will introduce methods such as interviewing, designing interview studies, coding of interview data, and thematic analyses, including content and discourse analysis and their appropriate use. Quantitative approaches will focus on the nature of descriptive statistics and significance testing which will be developed through looking at both differential and correlational designs and analysis through appropriate inferential statistical methods, based on parametric and non-parametric data. The importance of effect size and power will also be emphasised. There will be discussions surrounding the associated ethical considerations of each approach. Throughout, you will focus on the application of appropriate methods (qualitative, quantitative or both) in order to address specific research questions. You will also develop their practical skills in the collection and reporting of psychological data as part of a group, and gain familiarity with statistical software. During the semester, in further applied practical sessions, you will be instructed in the use of Psychology-based resources, such as blood pressure monitors, voting/decision making software, and the Observation lab.

Module code: PSYC40643

Crime Scene Investigation

The roles and duties of the forensic scientist and scenes-of-crime officer will be outlined, in relation to criminal investigations proceeding from the scene-of-crime to the forensic laboratory to the courtroom. The vitally important issues of quality control and continuity of evidence in the crime scene to laboratory to court chain will be introduced, and an overview will be given of the types of chemical, physical and biological evidence used in forensic science, and the essential requirements of analytical techniques used for forensic analysis. The practical considerations of the preservation of the crime scenes and the recovery, packaging, labelling and preservation of evidence from crime scenes will be covered as will the organisation of scientific support services in England and Wales. Case studies to illustrate collection of evidence from various crime scenes will be studied.

Module code: FORE40255

Perspectives In Psychology

A range of different psychological approaches (for instance, social, biological, evolutionary, developmental, cognitive) will be explored, in order to promote debate about how psychological topics are researched and understood. In this way the module will develop your ability to compare and contrast models of human behaviour which may complement or conflict with one another.A series of `real world' issues (eg. alcoholism) will be addressed in lecture and seminar sessions. Research will be presented and discussed which uses different psychological approaches to explore these issues. You will further explore the application of various psychological approaches to contemporary real world issues in a series of group enquiry based learning tasks and mini-presentations which will contribute to one of the assessments. Personal tutorial sessions are integrated into the workshops, and will develop skills based learning in areas such as group working, critical thinking, presentation skills, information search skills etc.

Module code: PSYC40642

People Behaving Badly? - The Psychology Of Social Issues

The role of psychology and its application to a number of social issues will be considered, and the relevance and usefulness of key psychological knowledge and research within these applications will be examined. This will be done using a series of contemporary real world issues (for example, the impact of media violence) that will be addressed in each lecture.

Module code: PSYC40646

Foundations Of Psychology

This module will introduce you to the key areas within psychology; individual differences (personality and intelligence), social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology. The basic principles, theories and concepts will be introduced to inform your understanding of the multiple perspectives that can be used to understand and evaluate real life situations. For example;How does learning and memory influence our everyday lives? What influences child development? Why do people behave differently in groups? What influences our attitudes?Why do people encounter prejudice? What is intelligence?

Module code: PSYC40641

Drugs Of Abuse

Gain an understanding of the current drug legislation in England and Wales, with particular reference to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Identify issues with legislation such as the impact that the development of new drugs has on policing illegal drug use. Gain experience in the processing of crime scenes involving drugs and related paraphernalia, including the Health and Safety implications and the recovery and packaging of evidential items. Develop an appreciation of the current issues associated with policing illegal drug manufacture, use and trafficking. Gain an understanding of the role of forensic analysis within drug related investigations including outlining the analytical techniques available for identification and association of illegal drugs. Introduce the impact that drug use has socially and economically, highlighting examples of drugs in sport and the relationship between drug use and criminal activity. Examine methods used in workplace testing of drugs and roadside testing for drugs and alcohol, including calculating blood alcohol levels. Specific case studies will be discussed with relation to illegal drugs in sport, in the media and with particular reference to policing and investigative enquiries.

Module code: FORE50316

Forensic Archaeology

This module will examine the role of the forensic archaeologist, both within UK criminal investigations and international mass death scenarios. The fundamental principles of search, recovery and post-recovery analysis will be explored and the various scenarios in which forensic archaeologists can become involved in investigations centred around buried or concealed remains will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the various methods that can be employed by forensic archaeologists at crime scenes, such as intelligence gathering, remote sensing, geophysical survey and excavation. Case studies involving the search for, and recovery of, human remains, drugs, weapons and other clandestinely buried items will be presented, whilst specific sessions focusing on the logistical and environment factors that may hinder these investigations will be delivered. Sessions discussing the variety of trace evidence and samples that can be taken from a grave and their evidential value will allow the students to consider the methods introduced to them in other modules, such as Introduction to Forensic Science and Science For Justice, in the context of the burial environment. Practical sessions in geophysics and excavation will complement the taught components and provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the methods discussed. Lectures by specialist practitioners regularly involved in case work will offer a `real-world' perspective. Additionally, students will be expected to critique specialist reports in order providing an opportunity to understand up-to-date developments within the discipline, and as enhance their research and analytical skills.

Module code: FORE50327

Understanding The Social World

This module brings together theory and research methods, to explore how social psychological notions and individual differences are conceptualized. The module will examine historical and conceptual issues, identifying how assumptions underpinning psychological theories shape the way research is conducted. The module will examine how concepts such as social identities, attitudes, personality or intelligence, among others, are theorized and investigated, and how their understanding is informed by context, (eg. social, historical, economic, cultural and political). The module will give you practical experience of conducting two types of research methods (e.g. psychometric assessments and thematic analysis) to investigate social psychological phenomena and individual differences.

Module code: PSYC50673

Further Research Methods In Psychology

The module will address the ethics, design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and reporting of empirical research in psychology.This will start by introducing designs which include one independent variable with at least three levels. The nature of the hypotheses which are associated with such a design will be explained. The method of conducting, interpreting and reporting the initial analysis will be explained. The types of follow-up analysis and how to analyse and report them will be covered. Designs including more than one independent variable will be explained, including how they extend the complexity of the research questions which can be dealt with. The initial analysis and necessary follow-up analysis will be covered along with the interpretation and reporting of such analysis.

Module code: PSYC50803

Cognitive And Biological Determinants Of Behaviour

This module will allow you to develop your knowledge about theories, debates and research findings and to develop research skills in cognitive and biological psychology.Examples of aspects of cognition that will be covered are: attention, perception, memory, thinking and reasoning, and consciousness. Examples of aspects of the biological underpinnings of behaviour that will be covered are: learning and memory, motivation, emotion, and psychiatric disorders. Historical and conceptual issues in cognitive and biological psychology will also be covered.

Module code: PSYC50672

The Psychology Of Social Perception

Several key areas and effects which have been studied using experimental social psychological methods will be considered. The theories and research pertaining to these areas will be examined and evaluated. The main areas covered will be impression formation, impression management, self-perception, social norms, attribution, social influence, and intergroup perception. For example, you will be introduced to various research techniques utilised in experimental social psychology and the key theories of impression formation and attribution. You will also learn about the importance of the information we convey to others about ourselves and how we believe we are perceived by others.

Module code: PSYC50790

Psychology Research Assistantship

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain experience working in research in psychology. In this module you will: - work in conjunction with a named supervisor on a suitable psychology research placement opportunity, engaging in research design, literature searching and/or data collection, as befits the research opportunity. - undertake the equivalent of a one-week full-time individual work placement

Module code: PSYC50742

Youth Crime And Justice

This module aims to develop in the student a critical understanding of the discourses surrounding youth offending and the multi-agency responses to youth offenders and youth offending in England and Wales within a social constructionist and cross-cultural perspective. Through discussion of recent research, legislation and policy, students will be encouraged to consider the response of the criminal justice agencies to children and young people in conflict with the law in England and WalesThe module will:•explore associated areas of concern such as education, welfare, young people’s services, juvenile justice and the police service. •explore the current partnership arrangements for delivering a service to young offenders •explore young offenders’ behaviour in the context of school, family, care arrangements and local communities' expectations. •analyse the construction of youth and childhood with a contemporary and historical focus.

Module code: SOCY50573

Psychology Of Crime And Criminal Justice

This module will explore some of the major psychological contributions towards understanding crime, criminal behaviour and the role of psychology in the criminal justice system. Developmental, social and genetic contributions towards understanding the psychology of criminality and the individual experience of crime will be considered. Also included will be critical evaluations of the methodologies adopted by researchers in the field and the contributions of this psychological research towards understanding contemporary and key issues such as juvenile offending, violent offending, the investigative process, interviewing and testimony, the courtroom, jury and judge decision making and sentencing.

Module code: PSYC50676

Voluntary Work Experience - Applications Of Psychology

The module will enable you to gain valuable volunteer work experience as part of their university degree, and to apply psychological knowledge to their experience within the voluntary role. You will complete a voluntary work experience placement and reflect on the voluntary activity and the extent to which the experience can be illuminated through psychological knowledge and research. You will explore the role of psychology in the workplace and the contribution of psychological research towards understanding relevant work related concepts and issues such as the nature of volunteering, community, relationships, interactions in groups and teams, motivation, and authority. You will also explore the extent to which this psychological research can be applied to practice, and how that application can be related to careers and career enhancement, and the development of the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes. Alongside scheduled classes, online learning will include exercises in reflection and self-development, reflective writing and employability skills identification and enhancement.

Module code: PSYC50788

Forensic Psychology Applications

The role of psychology in a number of forensic applications will be considered, and the relevance, utility and validity of key psychological research and theory within these applications will be examined. The main areas covered will include psychological profiling, systems for risk assessment and prediction, including evaluation of models of predicting dangerousness, providing expertise and information for legal purposes, and the role of psychology in managing offending behaviour, including the planning, delivery and evaluation of interventions with offenders, including juvenile, violent and sex offenders.The role of forensic Psychology will also be explored in relation to a number of contemporary issues and debates, such as collective violence, terrorism, school shootings.

Module code: PSYC60683

Psychology Project

This module provides you with the opportunity to conduct, under supervision, independent psychological research in one of a broad range of areas.

Module code: PSYC60685

Forensic Multimedia

This module will develop your depth of understanding in a variety of techniques and concepts including many aspects of acquiring, processing, enhancement, manipulation and presentation of a wide variety of common digital evidence platforms; Imaging, Image processing, Video, Audio, Forensic graphics 2D and 3D.Introduction to national guidelines for dealing with forensic evidence including issues around authenticity and integrity.Topics taught will include an introduction and discussion around current, new and emerging technologies, multimedia and software that currently exist within the forensic industry for the purpose of investigative functions.Horizon scanning of the latest technological advancement in forensic technology and multimediaPractical elements will include using software for hands on experience of processing and preparation of digital evidence for investigation and presentation in courts.

Module code: FORE60351

Behavioural Medicine

This module provides an historical background of the origins of contemporary Behavioural Medicine. Key theories and concepts that address the relationships among behavioural, physiological and psychosocial processes and health and disease in humans will be explored and critically analysed. In addition, you will consider the different methodological approaches and methods used by behavioural scientists to inform behavioural medicine. Further, you will also review the emotional aspects of illness, human coping behavioural patterns, personality and behavioural styles and their role in health and illness. Topics will include: Social, Cultural and Psychological influences on behaviour and health; biological pathways to disease; determinants of illness and illness patterns; psychosocial interventions and stress management. These topics will be illustrated through the application and evaluation of biopsychosocial approaches to health and disease across the lifespan and you will appraise the extent to which the essence of being human lies in the interrelationships among biology, behaviour, cognition, environment, society, and culture.

Module code: PSYC60647

Neuropsychological Disorders

Neuropsychology studies the structure and function of the brain as they relate to specific psychological processes. Neuropsychology integrates many disciplines such as cognitive neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, neurology and cognitive neuropsychiatry. The various techniques (e.g. patient studies, fMRI, MRI, PET, ERPs) used in neuropsychology will be described in relation to current research. The neuropsychological topics discussed will include disorders of: body perception (e.g. eating disorders), perception and awareness (e.g. delusional misidentification syndromes), movement (e.g. Parkinson's disease), reality (e.g. delusions and hallucinations), and memory (e.g. dementia). You will be required to attend lectures and student-led seminars to gain the theoretical and practical knowledge related to neuropsychology.

Module code: PSYC60650

Expert Witness And The Legal System

You will learn about the court system and its personnel and the principle of Criminal Law and forensic science relevant offences. You will study the conduct of a case from investigation to verdict and appeal and the nature of adversarial justice and the process of proof within it. You will gain an understanding of the rules of evidence, the role and responsibilities of the expert witness and how to present evidence in court-examination and cross-examination. There will be lectures on presenting evidence in court by expert witnesses. You will enhance learning from earlier modules about the roles of Bayesian and non-Bayesian statistics in forensic science will be consolidated in this module; the fundamentals of Bayesian statistics will be revised and then built upon. You will also build upon the Case Assessment and Interpretation mode

Module code: FORE60334

Typical And Atypical Development

This module takes a life-span perspective covering a range of typical and atypical developments (e.g., physical, biological, cognitive, social, emotional, health and clinical) within the following periods of development : pre-natal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older people. Each lecture will consider atypical variants to typical patterns, with exception of childhood onset disorders that will focus on the atypical. Furthermore, historical and conceptual issues relating to development will be addressed.

Module code: PSYC60684

Psychological Interventions

The Psychological Interventions module explores with students some of the main approaches to interventions designed to help people cope with psychological difficulties. This module will build on a critical approach to research evidence which is at the forefront of knowledge in this field. You will be expected to engage in critical discussion and debate. Included in the module content are developments in:-Cognitive-behavioural therapies -Positive psychology interventions -Counselling traditions such as integrative, psychodynamic/systemic and person-centred approaches-Self help groups-Health Psychology interventionsResearch methodology particularly pertinent to psychological interventions, such as single case designs, will be reviewed.

Module code: PSYC60648

Cyber Crime

This final year module will explore the complexities of cyber crime. It will look at the types of activity that constitute cyber crime and consider who and how such crimes are investigated. Learning will take place through interactive lectures including some supported by a range of specialist guest speakers.

Module code: FORE60350

Cyberpsychology

Cyberpsychology examines how we interact with others using technology, how our behaviours are influenced by technology, how technology can be developed to best suit our needs, and how our psychological states and cognition are affected by these technologies.The module will bring together psychological theory and research methods to explore contemporary issues in the field of Cyberpsychology. This module will allow you to develop your knowledge about theories, debates, and research findings in the field, and to develop research knowledge and application in the fields of cyberpsychology, cognitive, and applied psychology. Topics will include Gamification and Serious Games (Theory and applications), Virtual Reality (the psychology of VR and its applications in research), Internet (Online research, attention and distraction online). The module will also consider applied research from the core area of cognitive psychology (e.g. attention, executive functions, memory) and its relationship with cyberpsychology.Classes will bring together theory and method in the study of cyberpsychology, and illustrate various challenges in this particular field, through the practical observation and application of the theoretical and methodological concepts discussed.

Module code: PSYC60790

Practical Methods Of Crime Detection

This module will allow you to use equipment designed for the analysis of forensic evidence through a series of practical exercises as specified below.Fingerprints; dusting, enhancing and identification using AFIS.Footwear marks: Analysis of casts and inked footwear marks to establish order.Document Analysis: Use of ESDA to reveal indented writing to order pages in a report.Use of Gas Chromatography in Analysis of Drugs. Analysis of blood spatter and DNA profiling.Crime scene investigation and processing of a mock crime scene.

Module code: FORE60333

Children And Pictures

The module examines children's making and understanding of pictures, as well as relating the research findings to more general developmental, cognitive, clinical, aesthetic, educational and cross-cultural issues in child development. Examples:Development: The developmental pattern of children's drawings of realism and expression, and factors that explain such developments.Cognitive: The relationship between production and comprehension, understanding the dual nature of pictures, drawings as measures on internal representations, drawings as memory aids.Clinical: Can drawings be used to assess maladjustment?Aesthetic: Children's expressive drawings and their understanding of expression in drawings and art.Culture and Education: Differences in drawings and art teaching programmes across cultures.

Module code: PSYC60652

Advanced Research Methods In Psychology

The method of reviewing literature via Meta-Analysis will be covered. An overview of multivariate designs and their analysis will be presented. A selection of multivariate analyses will be covered in greater depth: looking at the designs they are appropriate for, how to conduct them using statistical software and how to interpret and report their results.

Module code: PSYC60654

Psychology Of Oppression And Empowerment

The module will consider a number of contemporary socio-political issues at national and global level and will evaluate the contribution of psychological theories, research and practice towards addressing and influencing such issues, including those of oppression and empowerment in society. The areas/issues may vary from year to year, according to socio-political developments, but will include mental health, poverty, gender/sexuality, war, politics and law, in a variety of contexts such as the workplace, media, education, welfare, or health. The module will address issues of representation, theorisation and research in psychological applications to these areas and will evaluate the ethical and professional consequences and implications thereof, as well the impact of these challenges on professional and discipline development in psychology.

Module code: PSYC60789

Health Psychology

This module provides you with an overview of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application. As well as covering different models and theories of health behaviour, sessions may include topics such as long-term conditions, communication issues and applications of health psychology, for example, behaviour change and health promotion. Topics such as health across the lifespan and critical health psychology may also be included.

Module code: PSYC60792

Psychology Placement Year

Module code: PSYCP0001

Voluntary Work Experience: Solving Organisational Problems

This module provides the opportunity for students to gain experience working in a voluntary role, and to apply psychological research and knowledge to problem solving within that experience.You will work in conjunction with a named academic supervisor to identify an issue or problem experienced during the voluntary work which is amenable to psychological analysis. Issues can range from those directly affecting you (eg. Working in teams, communication problems, motivation issues) through to those directly affecting an organisation (eg. Organisational culture, management systems, volunteer recruitment issues). Once the issue has been agreed with the academic supervisor, you will independently (under supervision) identify and review the appropriate psychological literature which will enable analysis of that issue. Again, working with the supervisor, you will then work towards identifying a set of solutions or recommendations for that issue to be addressed.

Module code: PSYC60791

Techniques In Identification Of Human Remains

This module will provide you with advanced theory and knowledge of advanced forensic techniques that are involved in human identification. The module will specialise in:Victim identification and the problems encountered,Concepts of facial reconstruction will also be investigated along with Biometric analysis for identification andHuman identification protocols in Mass disaster environments will be considered.You will be expected to think analytically and be aware of new research presented in journals. The module will also allow you to develop your own analytical approach within moral and ethical grounds in relation to research in forensic scienceAs well as acquiring knowledge of specialised techniques,you will be made aware of current research and potential future developments in forensic science.Expertise from external lecturers will be employed to bring you 'cutting-edge' forensic presentations.

Module code: FORE60322

Analysis And Investigation Of Tereff Incidents

Types of firearms and ammunition, examination of suspect firearms, spent projectiles and cartridge cases, and collection and analysis of gunshot residues. Internal, external and terminal ballistics. Fires and their spread (initiation, growth, flashover), problems of fire fighting, evidence collection and analysis, fire scene investigation. Classification of explosives, types of explosives, pyrotechnics, types and extent of damage by explosives and evaluation of oxygen balances and explosive power. Terrorism including CBRN Incidents, examples of terrorist incidents, identification and collection of evidence. Intelligence gathering and application in the prevention of major crime and terrorist incidents. Post bomb scene management and examination, evaluation of witness statements and evidence analysis.

Module code: FORE60320