FP2S006 - Volume Scene Examination 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP2S006
Module Title: Volume Scene Examination
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Analytical and Forensic Science
Module Leader: Beth Nurse
Module Team: Hannah Seale, Rhian Kinsella, Peter Miedziak, James McCormack
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100388 - forensic science 101222 - crime scene investigation
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

  1. To gain an understanding of the roles of forensic services, principles of volume scene investigations and apply governance and regulations to the role.
  2. To further develop photographic and forensic techniques in scene examination, recording and evidence recovery.

In engaging with the module students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate attributes:

Commercial Awareness: Behaviour 1,2,3

Communication:? Behaviour 1,2,3

Leadership: Behaviour 1,2,3

Innovation & Enterprise: Behaviour 1,2

Project Management: Behaviour 1,2,3

Digital Literacy: Behaviour 1,3

The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.

Content Summary

Roles of Forensic Services in the investigation, including:

  • Hierarchy and purposes of involved investigative teams.
  • Routine arrest sampling, databases and maintenance.
  • Principles of evidential matches.

Principles of Volume Scene Investigations:

  • Understand and employ ISO regulation and standard operating procedures (as implemented in level 4, FP1S002).
  • External service providers, evidential value and submissions.
  • Scene processing, recording and note taking.
  • Sequential processing of evidence.

Further photographic techniques:

  • 1:1 evidential photography – fingerprints and footwear.
  • Lighting techniques and flash.
  • Injury photography.
  • Specialist photographic techniques.

Practical scene examinations:

  • Common volume crime scene examinations to include burglary, theft, criminal damage.
  • Apply learnt techniques in scene processing, recording and evidence recovery

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 52
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply knowledge and practical skills in volume scene examinations to simulated scenarios and evaluate scenes for evidential value.
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of scene investigation principles, roles with investigation and theoretical aspects of professional skills required.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Observational Journal 1 A journal which can record and reflect on the practical simulations students have examined that week 0 3500 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Observational Journal 1

Reading List

Crime Scene Investigation: Methods and Procedures. Pepper, I.?(2010).?Second Edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Practical Skills In Forensic Science, Langford A 3rd Edition 2019

Quality management in forensic science Doyle, Sean. 2019

Crime Scene Management Scene Specific Methods R Sutton 2017

Crime Scene Management and Evidence Recovery Beaufort-Moore 2015

Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Manual Marilyn T. Miller 2018

From Crime Scene to Court: The Essentials of Forensic Science White, 2nd Edition