FP3S108 - Major Scene Investigation 17 Jul 2024 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP3S108
Module Title: Major Scene Investigation
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group:
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: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100388 - forensic science 101222 - crime scene investigation
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 17 Jul 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To gain an understanding of the roles of forensic services in and principles of major scene investigation and apply ISO/SOPS and other regulation guidance to working in major and complex scenes. 

To further develop and become independent in photographic and forensic techniques in scene examination, recording and evidence recovery, and the prioritisation of evidence in major and complex scene examination. 

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

Commercial Awareness: Behaviours 1,2 Communication: Behaviour 1,2,3 

Leadership: Behaviours 1,3 

Innovation & Enterprise: Behaviours 1,2,3 Project Management: Behaviours 1,2 Digital Literacy: Behaviours 3 

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

Content Summary

Understanding Major Scene Investigations, including 

Roles within Police Investigative teams – MIT, Intelligence Unit, CID etc. 

Principles of major scene investigations and investigative strategies – including forensic strategies. Role of the Coroner, Pathologist and Post mortem examination. 

Forensic Services hierarchy and specialist roles. 

Principles of Major Scene Investigations: 

Understand and employ ISO regulation and standard operating procedures (as implemented in level 4 (FP1S002) and level 5 (FP2S006)). 

External service providers, evidential value and submissions, intelligence sources and evaluation. Forensic strategies and submission strategies 

Roles within Scene processing, recording and note taking. 

Sequential processing of evidence – concerning processing in scene. 

Further photographic techniques, including: 

1:1 evidential photography – fingerprints and footwear refresher. Post-mortem and further injury photography. 

Specialist photographic techniques (e,g. low light, crime lite use). 

Practical scene examinations: 

Simulated major scenes based around major crime offences such as sexual assaults, sudden and suspicious deaths, assaults, firearms. 

Learn to develop a working hypothesis, interpret the scene and evidential value. 

Apply learnt techniques in scene processing, recording and evidence recovery using realistic major and complex scene simulations. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Practical Classes and Workshop 24
Independent Study 100
Directed Study 56
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply knowledge and practical skills in major scene examinations and evaluate complex scenes for evidential value.
LO2 2 Demonstrate a deep understanding of major scene investigation principles, ISO operations, roles within the investigation and theoretical aspects of professional skills and their application.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Online Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1 Written test of longer style MCQ – scenario based theoretical knowledge test 60 N/A 40 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Simulation (Onsite) 1 Simulated crime scene examination (s) 60 N/A 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Online) 1
Simulation (Onsite) 1

Reading List

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

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

3 Quality management in forensic science Doyle, Sean. 2019  

4 Crime Scene Management Scene Specific Methods R Sutton 2017  

5 Crime Scene Management and Evidence Recovery Beaufort-Moore 2015  

6 Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Manual Marilyn T. Miller 2018  

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