Crime Scene Investigation

Module title	Crime Scene Investigation
Module code	ARCM703
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	30
Module staff	Professor Karl Harrison (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks	10

Number students taking module (anticipated)	20

Module description

This comprehensive module delves into the intricate world of crime scene investigation, equipping you with a thorough understanding of the techniques, procedures, legal and management frameworks that underpin this vital work. Through a blend of theory-based and practical lectures, you will gain hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of crime scene investigation.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and ability to competently select and perform techniques used during forensic investigations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Understand the theories, methods and tools used when processing scenes of crime.
2. Use terms and conventions commonly employed in forensic investigations.
3. Demonstrate competence in the recognition, recording, preservation and processing of crime scenes and forensic evidence.
4. Understand the legislative and procedural frameworks within which crime scene investigations operate.
5. Demonstrate awareness of the capabilities of other forensic specialisms.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

6. Demonstrate familiarity with the literature base germane to forensic science and crime scene investigation.
7. Show initiative in interpreting a variety of information forms.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

8. Demonstrate competence in summarising published research.
9. Demonstrate competence in presenting original scientific findings, observations and evidence.
10. Demonstrate competence in the practical application of crime scene investigation techniques.
11. Acquire a range of observational and analytical skills which are applicable in the wider world especially in the context of professional work.
12. Demonstrate a competent knowledge base under examination conditions.

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover the following topics:

History, development and context of crime scene investigation (CSI)
Structure of major investigations
Forensic experts and forensic service provision
Roles and responsibilities of crime scene personnel
Evidence Recovery Theory
Forensic strategies
Scene assessments
Scene recording and photography
Anti-contamination procedures
ISO procedures
Evidence at crime scenes (DNA; trace; fingerprints)
Cognitive bias
Health and safety
Statements, evidence and court

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
28	272	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	28	Lecture content and discussion along with guided practical content
Guided Independent Study	272	Private study

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
50	0	50

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Scenario Skills Test 1	25	2 hours (or equivalent)	1-12	Mark and written comments
Scenario Skills Test 2: Oral Presentation	25	10 mins/c.1,000 words	1-11	Mark and written comments
Essay	50	3,000 words	1-11	Mark and written comments

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Scenario Skills Test 1	Scenario Skills Test 1: 2 hours (or equivalent) (25%)	1-12	Referred/deferred period
Scenario Skills Test 2: Oral Presentation	Scenario Skills Test 2: Oral Presentation 10 mins/c.1,000 words (25%)	1-11	Referred/deferred period
Essay	Essay 3,000 words (50%)	1-11	Referred/deferred period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Reading materials:

Bell, S., 2008: Encyclopedia of Forensic Science. Facts on File, New York.
Bozza, S., Tarroni, F. and Biedermann, A., 2022: Bayes Factors for Forensic Decision Analysis with R. Springer Nature, London.
Dedouit, F., Yen, K., and Heinze, S., 2022: Forensic Imaging: A Practical Guide. Springer Books, London.
Evans, Nguyen, K. and Hutches, K., 2019: Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives. Springer Nature, London.
Francese, S., 2019: Emerging Technologies for the Analysis of Forensic Traces. Springer Nature, London.
Gibson, D., 2022: Planting Clues: How plants Solve Crimes. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Gunn, A., 2019: Essential Forensic Biology. Third Edition. Wiley, Chichester.
Hackman, L., Raitt, F. and Black, S., 2019: The Expert Witness, Forensic Science and the Criminal Justice Systems of the UK. CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Harris, H.A., 2019: Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics. Boca Raton, London.
Houck, M.M., 2015: Professional issues in Forensic Science. Academic Press: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M., 2017: Forensic Science. Fourth Edition. Pearson, Harlow.
Jaskaran, S. and Sharma, N.R., 2022: Crime Scene Management within Forensic Science: Forensic Techniques from Criminal Investigations. Springer, Singapore.
Langford, A., Reed, R., Holmes, D., Weyers, J. and Jones, A., 2018: Practical Skills in Forensic Science. Third Edition.Pearson, Harlow.
Levine, B.S. and Kerrigan, S., 2020: Principles of Forensic Toxicology. Fifth Edition. Springer Books, London.
McCartney, C., 2013: Forensic Identification and Criminal Justice: Forensic Science, Justice and Risk. Taylor & Francis, Uffculme.
Moreb, M., 2022: Practical Forensic Analysis of Artifacts on IOS and Android Devices: Investigating Complex Mobile Devices. Apress L.P, Berkeley.
Morgan, J., 2023: Wrongful Convictions and Forensic Science Errors: Case Studies and Root Causes. CRC Press, Milton.
Roberts, P. and Stockdale, M., 2018: Forensic Science Evidence and Expert Witness Testimony: Reliability through Reform? Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham.
Shetty, B.S. and Shetty, P., 2020: Digital Forensic Science. IntechOpen, London.
Shrivastava, P., Dash, H.R., Lorente, J.A., Imam, J., 2020: Forensic DNA Typing: Principles, Applications and Advancements. Springer Singapore, Singapore.
Siegel, J.A. and Mirakovits, K., 2015: Forensic Science: The Basics. Third Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Singh, J. and Sharma, N.R., 2022: Crime Scene Management within Forensic Science: Forensic Techniques for Criminal Investigation. Springer, Singapore.
Wilson, W., 2009: Forensic Science in Court: The Role of the Expert Witness. Wiley, Newark.

Journals:

Forensic Science International
International Journal of Legal Medicine
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Science and Justice
The International Journal of Evidence and Proof

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE2

Key words search

Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Evidence

Credit value	30
Module ECTS	15
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	08/05/2025