Forensic Investigation

Science For Justice

Module code: FORE40332

Techniques Of Scientific Investigation

Module code: FORE40268

Introduction To Policing

This is a core module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to policing. The module will be taken in semester one and semester two. It includes weekly lectures and tutorials throughout the two semesters. It will provide you with an overview of the history, structures and objectives of the police in England and Wales and how the delivery of policing services is developing in the 21st century. It will analyse human rights, equality legislation and ethics and consider how these relate to investigatory powers such as arrest and stop and search. There will be an introduction to criminal law and the criminal justice system including input on the influence of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) on police activities and procedures. The concept and application of ‘evidence-based policing’ will also be discussed.

Module code: FORE40256

Facial Recognition: Scientific And Investigative Tools

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.

Module code: FORE40257

Crime Scene Documentation

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. The recovery of digital evidence from the crime scene.

Module code: FORE40270

Missing Persons Investigation

"This is an optional module that provides a broad but integrated introduction to investigative methods used in the investigation of missing persons. It will enable students to have an understanding of the structure and techniques used during the course of such investigations. The module will be taken in teaching block one of the second semester. It includes a series of weekly lectures and case studies and will provides an overview of the various strategies Police and other agencies use when planning and conducting enquiries to trace missing persons. In addition to the above students are expected to add to the work undertaken in class by independent, directed study. They will also work in small groups, researching and in week 6 present the issues surrounding a study of a well known Missing persons case. The lectures are starting points providing sound foundations for the module. In addition, students are expected to develop their knowledge and skills through independent study. They will be directed to appropriate independent directed study, via textbooks, web pages and handouts given out during the lectures or distributed via electronic media. Students are expected to prepare for the forthcoming lecture by pre reading material"

Module code: FORE40329

Introduction To Forensic Science

The module begins with a discussion of the various definitions and public perceptions of forensic science, a review of the historical development of forensic science, and overview of the current structure and function of forensic science and police scientific support services in the UK. The roles of the FOA and SCI at the crime scene will be discussed, along with the fundamental principles of crime scene investigation and the importance of continuity of evidence, and an introduction to crime scene processing - protecting and documenting the scene, search, recovery, packaging and labelling of physical evidence. Crime scene management issues, and complexities such as multiple linked scenes, will be discussed, along with specialist types of crime scenes, such as fire and bomb scenes and clandestine laboratories.An overview will be given of the types of physical evidence submitted for forensic analysis, the analytical techniques used to examine them, and the types of information that this can reveal. The important issues of laboratory quality control and quality assurance will be discussed in context. The use of forensic evidence in serious crime investigation will be discussed, including the structure and function of the incident room and the HOLMES computer system, and corroborative versus intelligence-led approaches to forensic investigations.A brief introduction will be given to the legal system and the courts of law in the UK, the course of a criminal trial, and the use of forensic evidence in court, will be outlined. The different roles of the scientist appointed by the prosecution and defence will be discussed, along with written reports and the role of the expert witness.Alongside the content above, students will develop their study skills and develop their PDP in a series of tasks.

Module code: FORE40253

Drugs Of Abuse

Gain an understanding of the current drug legislation in England and Wales, with particular reference to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Identify issues with legislation such as the impact that the development of new drugs has on policing illegal drug use. Gain experience in the processing of crime scenes involving drugs and related paraphernalia, including the Health and Safety implications and the recovery and packaging of evidential items. Develop an appreciation of the current issues associated with policing illegal drug manufacture, use and trafficking. Gain an understanding of the role of forensic analysis within drug related investigations including outlining the analytical techniques available for identification and association of illegal drugs. Introduce the impact that drug use has socially and economically, highlighting examples of drugs in sport and the relationship between drug use and criminal activity. Examine methods used in workplace testing of drugs and roadside testing for drugs and alcohol, including calculating blood alcohol levels. Specific case studies will be discussed with relation to illegal drugs in sport, in the media and with particular reference to policing and investigative enquiries.

Module code: FORE50316

Forensic Archaeology

This module will examine the role of the forensic archaeologist, both within UK criminal investigations and international mass death scenarios. The fundamental principles of search, recovery and post-recovery analysis will be explored and the various scenarios in which forensic archaeologists can become involved in investigations centred around buried or concealed remains will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the various methods that can be employed by forensic archaeologists at crime scenes, such as intelligence gathering, remote sensing, geophysical survey and excavation. Case studies involving the search for, and recovery of, human remains, drugs, weapons and other clandestinely buried items will be presented, whilst specific sessions focusing on the logistical and environment factors that may hinder these investigations will be delivered. Sessions discussing the variety of trace evidence and samples that can be taken from a grave and their evidential value will allow the students to consider the methods introduced to them in other modules, such as Introduction to Forensic Science and Science For Justice, in the context of the burial environment. Practical sessions in geophysics and excavation will complement the taught components and provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the methods discussed. Lectures by specialist practitioners regularly involved in case work will offer a `real-world' perspective. Additionally, students will be expected to critique specialist reports in order providing an opportunity to understand up-to-date developments within the discipline, and as enhance their research and analytical skills.

Module code: FORE50327

Vehicle Collision Investigation

Vehicle collisions are a common occurrence and their effective investigation involves a range of forensic techniques and investigative processes. The more serious collisions are managed by a Lead investigating officer who is responsible for appropriately resourcing the scene and the resulting investigation. The module will initially focus on the roles of the collision investigator and vehicle examiner who are responsible for the collection and preservation of evidence and the reconstruction of the collision. Methods, which assist in establishing what factors contributed to the collision, whether they be human, mechanical or environmental, will allow greater understanding of how and why collisions occur. The role of the lead investigating officer will be examined, along with others key roles involved in the investigation of the collison and the policy decisions made during the investigation.

Module code: FORE50319

Methods Of Crime Detection

This module builds on the level-one Introduction to Forensic Science module. It reinforces some of the fundamental principles, whilst introducing you to a number of key areas of forensic science which are not covered elsewhere in the course. The characterisation of hairs and other fibres as items of trace evidence will be explored as will the evidential value of objects made of textile fabric. An introduction to the interpretation of blood spatter patterns is given. The analysis and comparison of glass and paint by microscopic and other means will be discussed.The comparison of tool marks (including those made by firearms on cartridge cases and projectiles) and their evidential value will be introduced. The individuality of fingerprints will be discussed, along with methods of fingerprint classification. The basic principles of visualisation and enhancement of latent fingerprints, and fingerprint analysis and identification will be outlined. The impressions made by footwear, bare feet will be described and their usefulness discussed. An overview will be given of the analysis of questioned documents, including examination of paper, writing implements and inks, banknotes, credit cards, cheques and wills, typewritten, printed and photocopied documents, handwriting and indented writing, fingerprint and DNA traces. The handling of questioned documents and the techniques for destructive and non-destructive testing will be discussed. This module also examines the increasingly important role of forensic science in the investigation of footwear analysis. This will include current protocols in footwear impression analysis including the search, retrieval and examination of footwear impressions found at crime scenes. The interpretation of footwear marks will be introduced including the use of databases for comparison purposes. The students will also be introduced to the Bayesian approach to the evaluation of evidence. This will require students to understand how to interconvert between probability and odds, and how to construct meaningful likelihood ratios and use these to convert prior odds into posterior odds. Time will also be spent on the common errors of thinking known as the prosecutor's fallacy and the defence attorney's fallacy.

Module code: FORE50314

Forensic Investigative Skills

In this module, students will develop forensic investigation skills through the examination of crime scenes, including dealing with the injured party, dynamic risk assessments, developing a forensic strategy, scene triage and crime scene management. You will learn specialist techniques required when processing scenes – such as digital crime scene recording, alternative light sources, low light and tripod photography, and remote sensing of scenes. – and the skills required when processing specialist scenes, such as those including firearms, explosives, external, public or underwater locations. Part of forensic investigation involves carrying out research informed best practice in crime scene investigations (including developments in sexual offence examinations, fibre evidence and evidence packaging) and crime scene reconstruction and identification of altered evidence and the verification of crime scene reports. You will learn techniques for location, enhancement and recovery of evidence such as fingermarks, biological evidence, textile damage and trace particulates, as well as the recovery of evidence from detained persons (searching and seizing property) and the recovery and presentation of evidence from digital sources such as CCTV and mobile devices.You will also learn about the legal requirements imposed and techniques utilised by the Police and other investigative bodies in relation to the interview of witnesses and victims of crime, including young and vulnerable persons. Role play exercises will be utilised to support the theoretical principles of interviewing victims and witnesses, together with the production of a police officer's statement of evidence addressing issues of arrest, searching property, exhibit recovery, interviewing the witnesses and victims.

Module code: FORE50330

Bodies Of Evidence

In Semester 1, students will learn about the techniques utilised in body identification and identification of pathology, trauma, and taphonomy. You will use a variety of osteological techniques to analyse human skeletal remains, construct a biological profile, and identify and interpret pathology, trauma, and taphonomy.In Semester 2, students will learn about the process of DNA analysis starts at the crime scene with DNA collection (including anti-contamination procedures), DNA extraction, DNA interpretation and follows through to reporting the DNA evidence in context to the case. You will learn to identify body fluids at the crime scene through presumptive testing and an awareness of the availability of confirmatory tests; you will gain an awareness of the types of blood spatter patterns at a crime scene, and how to interpret these patterns and relate them to the investigation, including scene reconstruction using 'stringing' techniques and pattern re-enactment. You will gain an appreciation of related biological analyses such as forensic entomology, hair analysis and garment analysis. Specific case studies will be used where physical evidence and injuries such as wounds, burns and bite mark impressions can aid an investigation.

Module code: FORE50245

Research And Professional Skills

This module aims to help you develop a wide range of skills in order to enable you to effectively find, evaluate, summarise and present information on designated topics appropriate to your award. You will be given guidance in the effective use of library and IT resources for information retrieval and processing, and in designing a research project.Students will acquire knowledge of a range of statistical tests available for data analysis and learn how to apply and interpret them using statistical packages.You will also study the potential impact of cognitive bias on the development and professional practice of forensic science.

Module code: FORE50241

Forensic Multimedia

This module will develop your depth of understanding in a variety of techniques and concepts including many aspects of acquiring, processing, enhancement, manipulation and presentation of a wide variety of common digital evidence platforms; Imaging, Image processing, Video, Audio, Forensic graphics 2D and 3D.Introduction to national guidelines for dealing with forensic evidence including issues around authenticity and integrity.Topics taught will include an introduction and discussion around current, new and emerging technologies, multimedia and software that currently exist within the forensic industry for the purpose of investigative functions.Horizon scanning of the latest technological advancement in forensic technology and multimediaPractical elements will include using software for hands on experience of processing and preparation of digital evidence for investigation and presentation in courts.

Module code: FORE60351

Cyber Crime

This final year module will explore the complexities of cyber crime. It will look at the types of activity that constitute cyber crime and consider who and how such crimes are investigated. Learning will take place through interactive lectures including some supported by a range of specialist guest speakers.

Module code: FORE60350

Intelligence Led Policing And Major Crime Investigation

Intelligence Led Policing and Major Crime Investigation are linked to the National Intelligence Model (NIM) which is the foundation upon which policing is based. Students will be provided with a full understanding of the NIM including the requirement of strategic Intelligence development linked to problem oriented policing and the use of Intelligence functions in Major Crime Investigations. The use of covert and overt techniques of investigation will be examined together with the links to partnership working. Scrutiny of major crime incidents including murder, manslaughter and terrorist incidents as well as the role of the Home Office Live Major Enquiry System (HOLMES) used to administer such incidents will play a significant part in the module. A thorough tour of the Murder Investigation Manual which forms national guidance for Major Crime Investigation will be conducted. The use of expert witnesses and specialist services together with the examination of policies and procedures together with the use of the media in Critical and major Incidents.

Module code: FORE60251

Expert Witness And The Legal System

You will learn about the court system and its personnel and the principle of Criminal Law and forensic science relevant offences. You will study the conduct of a case from investigation to verdict and appeal and the nature of adversarial justice and the process of proof within it. You will gain an understanding of the rules of evidence, the role and responsibilities of the expert witness and how to present evidence in court-examination and cross-examination. There will be lectures on presenting evidence in court by expert witnesses. You will enhance learning from earlier modules about the roles of Bayesian and non-Bayesian statistics in forensic science will be consolidated in this module; the fundamentals of Bayesian statistics will be revised and then built upon. You will also build upon the Case Assessment and Interpretation mode

Module code: FORE60334

Analysis And Investigation Of Tereff Incidents

Types of firearms and ammunition, examination of suspect firearms, spent projectiles and cartridge cases, and collection and analysis of gunshot residues. Internal, external and terminal ballistics. Fires and their spread (initiation, growth, flashover), problems of fire fighting, evidence collection and analysis, fire scene investigation. Classification of explosives, types of explosives, pyrotechnics, types and extent of damage by explosives and evaluation of oxygen balances and explosive power. Terrorism including CBRN Incidents, examples of terrorist incidents, identification and collection of evidence. Intelligence gathering and application in the prevention of major crime and terrorist incidents. Post bomb scene management and examination, evaluation of witness statements and evidence analysis.

Module code: FORE60320

Investigating And Reporting Of Crime Scenes

In this module you will work in small groups to investigate three selected simulations of crime scenes. The selected scenes may differ from year to year and will cover situations such as domestic disputes, breaking and entering, violent struggles, drugs raids, murder etc. Each group will liaise with the module tutor to approve the plan for practical analysis of the evidence collected at the scenes. The groups will be assigned a time per crime scene and will be observed during the investigation of the scenes and collection of evidence by a module tutor. There will also be dedicated laboratory time to undertake analysis of the evidence. This analysis may involve aspects such as: dusting, lifting, developing and analysing fingerprints, analysis of hairs, fibres, glass fragments etc., analysis of any suspect powders, particularly but not exclusively drugs, obtaining casts and electrostatic lifts of footwear, obtaining casts of tool marks, documenting (photographing, sketching etc.) of the crime scenes, DNA profiling of blood, semen, saliva etc.Based on the results of the analysis, the group will produce a report, which will include an individual critical assessment of how their group performed and may improve for subsequent scenes. Reports 1 and 2 will be formatively assessed and feedback given before undertaking the third scene. Each of the students will undertake a presentation of their analysis of the evidence from the third of the crime scenes in a courtroom situation, acting as an expert witness.

Module code: FORE60332

Techniques In Identification Of Human Remains

This module will provide you with advanced theory and knowledge of advanced forensic techniques that are involved in human identification. The module will specialise in:Victim identification and the problems encountered,Concepts of facial reconstruction will also be investigated along with Biometric analysis for identification andHuman identification protocols in Mass disaster environments will be considered.You will be expected to think analytically and be aware of new research presented in journals. The module will also allow you to develop your own analytical approach within moral and ethical grounds in relation to research in forensic scienceAs well as acquiring knowledge of specialised techniques,you will be made aware of current research and potential future developments in forensic science.Expertise from external lecturers will be employed to bring you 'cutting-edge' forensic presentations.

Module code: FORE60322

Independent Project

Explore new areas of Forensic Science in your own research project. Develop new ideas in partnership with experts and present your results to the world.

Module code: FORE60331

Field School In Forensic Archaeology

This module will allow students to participate in a field course where the knowledge gained as part of the Forensic Archaeology module can be applied to an actual case study site. This fieldwork is likely to be residential and students will work for 10 days, for 8 hours a day. Practical work in field survey, geophysics, excavation and recording will be undertaken, thus providing an introduction to the practical applications of the methods discussed in taught sessions. Additionally, students will be expected to demonstrate competency in generic skills such as team working, communication and time management.Forensic archaeology is a very practical subject area but the opportunities for casework experiences are limited for students. This represents a unique opportunity for the student's to apply their theoretical knowledge as part of an active research project and to gain first-hand experience of some of the issues involved in the study of crime scenes at which buried evidence exists. This field course also represents an opportunity for students to collect data for their third year project, subject to prior agreement with the module leader, thus offering an applied research and publication opportunity.Note: This field course also represents an opportunity for students to collect data for their third year project, subject to prior agreement with the module leader.

Module code: FORE60348

Crime In Context

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to Criminal Law, Criminology and the Criminal Justice System. The module requires the demonstration of the necessary skills to apply the law to a range of case studies, regularly using the principles of practice and problem based learning. Students learn about the rules and statutes that define conduct prohibited by the government because it threatens and harms public safety. The students reflect on the potential causes for deviant behaviour.

Module code: LAWS31301

Principles Of English Law

Designed to give you an introduction to the function of the law, the legal principles that underpin the development of the law and the legal system as we see it today. You explore the court hierarchy, role of the judiciary and jury, and the history of common law. In semester two the module examines the legal profession and routes into the profession. Each week a different area of Law is studied to provide an insight into various areas including: Family, Social Welfare, Medical, Employment and Human Rights.

Module code: LAWS31300

Advanced Research Methods

You will learn to critically engage with the literature at a deep level, and design experiments and studies that produce meaningful data of publishable quality. You will learn methods used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Your learning will be underpinned by tuition in the use of statistical analysis software such as R and Nivo to simulate, present, explore and test data at a professional level.

Module code: FORE70338

The Human Capital Dimension

Module code: HRMG70043

Trafficking: The Illegal Trade In People, Goods And Services

This module provides a comparative and transnational analysis of the historical development and recent growth of trafficking at the transnational level of people, goods and services. In historical terms, it will examine the historical precedents for transnational trafficking in the form, for example, of international state and non-state criminal activities such as piracy, slavery and drug trafficking during the colonial period.It will look at a number of relevant historical and contemporary in-depth case studies of illegal trafficking such as trafficking in drugs, sex, arms, nuclear materials, labour, body parts, stolen antiquities and protected animals.Accompanying this will be a critical analysis of the recent response of national and international agencies to the growth of transnational trafficking and the effectiveness at the global level of policies such as the US 'war on drugs'. In particular, the role of policy makers, security services, international law and law enforcement agencies will be examined in detail as well as the increasing involvement of non-governmental agencies in combating and ameliorating the effects of illegal trafficking.The context for this will be the global division of labour which has emerged in the post-1945 period, the increasing differentiation of societies, the growth of international cooperation in security terms, the deregulation of the global economy as a result of neo-liberalism and the social inequalities within and between societies.In preparation for the dissertation the module will focus upon the issues, problems and methodologies involved in researching and analysing trafficking at the transnational level and, in particular, the interpretation of international crime statistics, the difficulties of covert research and the relationship between qualitative and quantitative approaches to criminological research.

Module code: SOCY70502

Crimes Against Humanity: State Crime, War Crimes And Transnational Terrorism

Module code: SOCY70503

Integrated Masters Placement

You will spend the second semester of your final year working on an internal or external placement. This will give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you can work effectively in a professional environment. You will learn new skills and conduct research appropriate to the placement requirements.

Module code: FORE70571

Advanced Investigative Techniques

The module will examine and explore the use and effectiveness of the key advanced investigative techniques available for use by the Police and other Investigative Agencies operating in the UK utilised in the investigation of Major Crime.Specific focus will be made in relation to techniques utilised in ten areas of investigative strategy available to the Senior Investigating Officer relating to approaches around Forensic; Pathology; Scene; Witness; Suspect; Search; Intelligence; Covert; Communication and Incident Room management strategies.Analysis of the effectiveness of advanced investigative techniques utilised within the UK will be assessed by drawing upon and considering other models and practices on a used by agencies outside of the United Kingdom.

Module code: FORE70337

Specialist Topics In Forensic Investigations

This module builds upon the theories and practical skills gained during L4-6 in the Forensic Investigation, Forensic Science and Policing and Criminal Investigation awards. It reinforces some of the fundamental principles, whilst introducing you to a number of specialist areas of forensic investigation which are not covered elsewhere in the course. You will have the opportunity to choose which specialist topics you would like to study. However, some topics may have specific eligibility criteria that need to be met prior to completing that specialism. These topics are indicative only and subject to change so as to keep module content up-to-date. Examples of specialist topics that may be chosen are as follows;1.Underwater Crime Scene Investigation2.Advanced Wildlife Crime Investigation3.Forensic Firearms Identification and Ballistics4.Forensic ImagingEach topic is described below.1.Underwater Crime Scene Investigation The fundamental principles of underwater crime scene investigation, including underwater crime scene documentation, searching methods, evidence recovery and the role of a police diver will be explored. Practical activities will be conducted in underwater crime scene analysis. 2.Advanced Wildlife Crime InvestigationThe current issues relating to Wildlife Crime in the UK will be explored, including badger baiting, dog fighting, stealing bird eggs and illegally smuggling, trading in wild animals and protected species and the role of the Wildlife Crime Officer. Documentation of a wildlife crime cases, search, recovery and analysis of evidence of an animal origin will be investigated. 3.Forensic Firearms Identification and BallisticsThe role of the firearms examiner in forensic firearms investigations and the underlying principles in the field of firearms identification and ballistics, including; the affect of projectile ricochet on scene interpretation, firearm component manufacturing, forensic firearms identification, internal, intermediate, external and terminal ballistics will be explored.

Module code: FORE70343