A 2000 word report evaluating the accuracy and reliability of facial recognition processes. The essay will be based on witness statements and images (generated using facial recognition software programmes, namely FACES and APRIL) that have been produced during group exercises. Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of how cognitive processes affect recalling of events and subsequent production of composite images. This assessment meets Learning Outcomes 1 - 5.

A group presentation on one topic covered in this module. This assessment meets Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 4, and 5.

Students will develop an understanding of the techniques available for facial identification including biometric and anthropometrical systems, 3-Dimensional facial recognition, and modelling systems and software generation of Identikit images. This module will equip students with an understanding of facial recognition software programmes and future developments in identification and verification of individuals. Specific case studies where facial composites and aged facial composites have been used to aid an investigation will also be examined in this module. Students will also develop an understanding of the reliability and accuracy of eyewitness statements. Factors affecting the accuracy of eye witness accounts including bias, faulty observation, lying, weapon focus, and post-event distortion will be investigated in this module. The module will contain an introduction to the cognitive processes that affect memory recall and false perceptions alongside specific case studies where research has been conducted into the degree in which the perception of the eye witness can be manipulated or affected. Students will also learn about the production of a witness statement followed by a comparison with eye witness statements from peer cohort, to develop an understanding of the potential inaccuracies that can occur.

This module will comprise of 13 x 2 hour sessions in the form of lectures, tutorials, and workshops. These sessions will involve the presentation, use, and discussion of facial recognition software and associated information. Students will be expected to contribute during tutorials and workshop sessions which will be carried out in groups. Workshops will be delivered in the IT labs and timetabled to fit in with other activities. The software that will be used in this module, FACES and APRIL, will be incorporated into exercises and activities in the classroom and will be available to students through Blackboard.

Non-contact independent study will be required to compliment the lecture, tutorial, and workshop sessions

Bruce, V. and Young, A. W. 2000. In the Eye of the Beholder: The Science of Face Perception. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Cutler, B. L. and Penrod, S. D. 1995. Mistaken Identification: The Eyewitness, Psychology, and the Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Loftus, E. 1996. Eyewitness Testimony. Cambridge (MA): Harvard University Press.

Taylor, K. T. 2001. Forensic Art and Illustration. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press.

Wechsler, H. 2007. Reliable Face Recognition Methods: System Design, Implementation and Evaluation. New York: Springer.

Wilkinson, C. 2010. Facial reconstruction – anatomical art or artistic anatomy? Journal of Anatomy 216, 235-250.

Module Handbook, Lecture room equipped with PowerPoint, White Board, VLE and other presentation provisions.
IT facilities and readily available facial recognition software, e.g. FACES and APRIL.

Module Handbook, Lecture room equipped with PowerPoint, White Board, VLE and other presentation provisions.
IT facilities and readily available facial recognition software, e.g. FACES and APRIL.

None

Students will develop an understanding of the techniques available for facial identification including biometric and anthropometrical systems, 3-Dimensional facial recognition, and modelling systems and software generation of Identikit images. This module will equip students with an understanding of facial recognition software programmes and future developments in identification and verification of individuals. Specific case studies where facial composites and aged facial composites have been used to aid an investigation will also be examined in this module. Students will also develop an understanding of the reliability and accuracy of eyewitness statements. Factors affecting the accuracy of eye witness accounts including bias, faulty observation, lying, weapon focus, and post-event distortion will be investigated in this module. The module will contain an introduction to the cognitive processes that affect memory recall and false perceptions alongside specific case studies where research has been conducted into the degree in which the perception of the eye witness can be manipulated or affected. Students will also learn about the production of a witness statement followed by a comparison with eye witness statements from peer cohort, to develop an understanding of the potential inaccuracies that can occur.