Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body / University of Central Lancashire2. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery / University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Preston Campus
School of Continuing and Professional Education, Hong Kong City University (SCOPE, HKCityU)
3. University Department/Centre / School of Engineering
4. External Accreditation / Energy Institute (EI): Chartered Engineer (CEng) as further learning
Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE): membership
5. Title of Final Award / MSc Fire Scene Investigation
6. Modes of Attendance offered / Full-time/Part Time
7. UCAS Code
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
9. Other external influences / Engineering Council
Fire and Rescue Services
10. Date of production/revision of this form / June 2013
Updated September 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
· To provide an in-depth study of fire scene investigation.
· To develop the critical and analytical skills involving the principles, practices and techniques of that fire scene investigation.
· To develop competence in research methods and presentation of information.
· To develop skills in solving problems both independently and as a team member to a level commensurate to the master’s level.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Understand the role of the expert witness.
A2. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and combustion science applied to buildings fires and fire analysis.
A3. Critically review the development of enclosed fires combustion products in buildings.
A4. Evaluate the use of fire modelling by computational fluid dynamics.
A5. Quantitatively and critically review the mechanisms of fire suppression and its impact on the environment and an investigation.
A6. Demonstrate and critically evaluate the disaster and emergency planning strategies at local and global levels.
A7. Understand the characteristics of technological accidents and catastrophes, and methods of their investigation.
A8. Critically evaluate the use of fire investigation procedures and constraints.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars, structured laboratory classes, directed reading, preparation of the research project, presentations and demonstrations.
Assessment methods
Preparation of case notes, essays, reports, practical reports, research project, group and individual presentations and end of module seen and unseen examinations.
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Implement fire scene investigation solutions to problems
B2. Communicate fire investigation solutions with both experts and non-experts effectively
B3. Research information from literature/manuals/internet
B4. Evaluate different potential solutions to a problem
B5. Analyse a problem involving the specific aspects of fire scene investigation and be able to design and implement a suitable solution
B6. Design, plan and implement solutions to problems in fire scene investigation either independently and/or as a team member and be capable of analysing the effectiveness of such solutions
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures, seminars, structured laboratory classes, directed reading, group and individual projects and presentations.
Assessment methods
Preparation of case notes, moot court exercises, practical reports, and group and individual presentations.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Evaluate technical and non-technical information
C2. Plan and conduct a practical research project
C3. Synthesise knowledge
C4. Assimilate ideas quickly
Teaching and Learning Methods
Skills developed through lectures, data interpretation, case studies, practical work, research projects, presentations, problem solving.
Assessment methods
Preparation of case notes, essays, reports, practical reports, group and individual presentations.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Work to deadlines
D2. Work in a team
D3. Work independently under minimum supervision.
D4. Generate original ideas
D5. Communicate results
D6. Develop and write a research project within guidelines and be able to assess the success of such a project
Teaching and Learning Methods
Skills developed through lectures, data interpretation, case studies, practical work, research projects, presentations, problem solving.
Assessment methods
Preparation of case notes, essays, reports, practical reports, group and individual presentations.
13. Programme Structures* / 14. Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 7 / FV4001
FV4003
FV4101
FV4104
FV4601
FZ4002
FV4901 / Fires in Buildings
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Accidents and Catastrophes
Practical Fire Investigation
Research Methods
The Expert Witness in the Legal Process
Fire Science Dissertation / 20
20
20
20
20
20
60 / Masters Degree in Fire Scene Investigation
Requires 180 credits at Level 7
MSc with Distinction APM and FV4901 ³ 70%
MSc with Merit APM and FV4901 ³ 60%
Postgraduate Diploma in Fire Scene Investigation
Requires 120 credits at Level 7 including FV4101 and FV4104
Postgraduate Certificate in Fire Scene Investigation
Requires 60 credits at Level 7 including FV4101 and FV4104
Postgraduate Certificate in Fire Investigation
Requires 60 credits at Level 7 including FV4104
15. Personal Development Planning
PDP is delivered and monitored through project modules and the personal tutor system. Students are provided with a PDP handbook and an introductory lecture on it during induction week.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
Applicants will normally be required to have:
2:2 Hons Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Fire Safety Engineering etc.
Applicants will be required to have a minimum level of proficiency in English Language equivalent to IELTS grade 6.5.
Please consult the UCLAN admissions department for the most up to date requirements.
17. Key sources of information about the programme
· University web site www.uclan.ac.uk
· School website www.uclan.ac.uk/forensic
· SCOPE website www.scope.edu
· Course Leader
· Admissions Tutor
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / A5 / A6 / A7 / A8 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / B5 / B6 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5 / D6
LEVEL 7 / FV4001 / Fires in Buildings / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
FV4003 / Computer Fluid Dynamics / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
FV4101 / Accidents and Catastrophes / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
FV4104 / Practical Fire Investigation / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
FV4601 / Research Methods / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
FZ4002 / The Expert Witness in the Legal Process / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
FV4901 / Fire Science Dissertation / COMP / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
Note: Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks