Module Descriptors
CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
FORE40212
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Dean Northfield
Email: D.Northfield@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 40
Independent Study Hours: 110
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- PROJECT weighted at 40%
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%
- CLASS-TEST weighted at 30%
Module Details
Module Texts
"Forensic Science", Jackson and Jackson, Pearson (2004)
"Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science", 8th edition, Safrestein, Prentice-Hall (2003)
Introductory Mathematics through Science: J Berry, CUP, (1989)
"Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science", 8th edition, Safrestein, Prentice-Hall (2003)
Introductory Mathematics through Science: J Berry, CUP, (1989)
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Entry to a Forensic Science or other relevant award
Module Resources
Crime Scene House, Dark Room, Cameras (both wet film and digital), tape measures, module handbook
Blackboard VLE
Blackboard VLE
Module Learning Strategies
Lectures and associated tutorials (24 x 1h) will be used to explain the principles and applications, allowing you to discuss and apply this material to problems and numerical examples under the tutors' supervision. Split group practical/tutorial sessions (8 x 2h) will be used to support the photography.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment.
Practically based photography project assessing the understanding of the factors influencing the taking of photographs as well as the practicalities (outcomes 1 and 2). (40%)
One assignment: based on crime scene recording in the form of a sketch made at the Crime Scene House (outcomes 3 and 4). (30%).
Two in class tests of the mathematical material (outcome 5). (30%)
Additional Assessment Details:
Criteria for assessing the two pieces of work will be provided in the module handbook.
Formative Assessment:
Will be provided through feedback during tutorials and workshops
Practically based photography project assessing the understanding of the factors influencing the taking of photographs as well as the practicalities (outcomes 1 and 2). (40%)
One assignment: based on crime scene recording in the form of a sketch made at the Crime Scene House (outcomes 3 and 4). (30%).
Two in class tests of the mathematical material (outcome 5). (30%)
Additional Assessment Details:
Criteria for assessing the two pieces of work will be provided in the module handbook.
Formative Assessment:
Will be provided through feedback during tutorials and workshops
Module Indicative Content
The content of the photographic material is basic principles, varieties and functions of lenses, focal lengths, depth of field, primer zoom lenses, basic camera movements, exposure, exposure varilians, working with light, controlling light direction, available light, the sun through the day, fundamentals of composition, viewpoint, shape and form, pattern and texture, still life, framing; use of digital cameras.
The crime scene photography will look at how photography is used to document the crime scene and any evidence found there in, by means of using overview, approach and close-up photographs. Demonstration of the different types of measuring and sketching methods available for documenting a scene, with discussion to identify their pro's and con's for given situations and/or locations along with the creation of contemporaneous notes and evidence sheets/logs. To support the measurement area a number of mathematical topics including trigonometry, algebra, exponential and log functions and calculus will also be covered.
The crime scene photography will look at how photography is used to document the crime scene and any evidence found there in, by means of using overview, approach and close-up photographs. Demonstration of the different types of measuring and sketching methods available for documenting a scene, with discussion to identify their pro's and con's for given situations and/or locations along with the creation of contemporaneous notes and evidence sheets/logs. To support the measurement area a number of mathematical topics including trigonometry, algebra, exponential and log functions and calculus will also be covered.