Module: FPS6003-20 Advanced Contemporary Topics in Forensic Psychology

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Rui Paulo

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.paulo@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module aims to provide you with advanced forensic psychological theories and methods by providing an overview of contemporary topics within forensic psychology in relation to modern developments in how psychology can study, inform, and have an impact on modern criminal investigations (e.g. on cases of terrorism and cybercrime) and civil and criminal Law with developments in the areas like lie detection, profiling, forensic linguistics, or collecting identifications and testimony. The unit focuses on describing cutting edge research areas and findings, the research paradigms and methods that inform them, and the contributions that such research can make to understanding topical contemporary events within the criminal and forensic fields. This unit therefore provides students with an up to date understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in modern forensic psychology. Along with a sophisticated understanding of contemporary topics in forensic psychology, emphasis will also be placed on developing skills to equip students for the workplace.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The syllabus will reflect current topics and research within forensic psychology, and example topics may include the following:

• Psychology of Cyber-crime

• Psychology of Terrorism

• Forensic linguistics

• Modern police practices in the UK

• Profiling in serious crimes

• Detecting deception 1: the use of verbal and nonverbal cues

• Detecting deception 2: physiological lie detection

• Expert testimony in Legal and Criminal cases

• Advanced research design and analysis in Forensic Psychology

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Teaching and learning methods will include lectures, tutor and student-led seminars, and individual tutorials. The lecture introduces a weekly topic and provides a framework for the module which is supported by the seminars and tutorials. These flexible sessions are designed to support students in skills development and preparing for the module assessments. Students are expected to supplement the formal teaching with their own independent study and will be provided with suggested reading and other activities each week.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Assessment 1 will be a systematic literature review which will be written to communicate the findings to a specialist professional audience (briefing note) and a non-specialist audience (poster presentation). 2500 words

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Assessment 2 will be an unseen 2-hour exam

• % Weighting: 50