Van Kirk, D. (2000) Vehicular Accident Investigation and Reconstruction. CRC press
Centrex (2004) Road Death Investigation Manual. HMSO

Interactive lectures (18 X 1h) will explain scientific concepts and investigative techniques.

Blackboard support will be utilised, this being largely tutorial based activities, and will include the previously mentioned formative activities.

The remaining 132 hours of independent study will involve directed reading, revision and production of formative reports.

50% Class test 1, (45min) This will require students to utilise mathematical reconstruction techniques, and the ability to appropriately interpret and evaluate the information these provide. Scenario based questions will encourage judgement of techniques used based on the limitations of the available techniques, and case specific information. (learning outcomes 1-3).

50% Class test 2, (45min) This will require students to utilise the ability to appropriately interpret and evaluate the information provide by scene relevant information (sketches, measurements etc) . (learning outcomes 2,3).

A number (normally 2) of short formative activities will be used to provide feedback towards the class tests. These may include short reports or calculations, which may be submitted for feedback on interpretation and communication of collision scenes.

In this module students will study many of the concepts involved in the investigation of vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle collision investigation and the road traffic act in the main will be used as a teaching tool, but case examples will identify transferable skills to other types of accident investigation. The procedures of officers attending reportable road traffic accidents and the relevant offences will be addressed.

The importance of both mechanical failure and the contributions of individuals will be outlined along with the mathematical reconstruction of collisions. Mathematical/physical concepts such as the three laws of motion; in particular the conservation of momentum, will be utilised to establish such information as the speed of a vehicle or vehicles prior to road traffic accidents.

Online materials and exercises will support the theoretical principles of the techniques, illustrating the collection and processing of data.

Appropriately equipped lecture rooms equipped with facilities for PowerPoint and other visual presentations, OHP, White board, surveying equipment may be needed for demonstrations.
Module handbook, access to library and to computers with www and distributed learning access.