FP4U002 - Advanced Crime Scene Investigation 01 Sep 2025 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | FP4U002 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Advanced Crime Scene Investigation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Biological and Forensic Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Science | ||
| Module Leader: | James McCormack | ||
| Module Team: | Beth Nurse, Ella Mason-Buck | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2025 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 7 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 101222 - crime scene investigation | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2025 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
Develop advanced critical understanding of forensic strategy design, resource coordination, and decision-making frameworks for managing complex investigations. Students will critically evaluate cognitive biases, ethical challenges, and hierarchical command structures in high-stakes scenarios.
Critically evaluate how forensic investigations are shaped by medico-legal requirements, the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Conduct, and legal frameworks, while assessing the cultural, social, and ethical impacts of traumatic investigations on individuals and communities.
Investigate the mental health impacts of prolonged exposure to traumatic scenes. Students will develop evidence-based strategies to mitigate occupational stress, foster team resilience, and address ethical dilemmas in psychologically charged environments.
Content Summary
This module provides an advanced, integrated study of crime scene management and complex investigations, preparing students for professional forensic and criminal justice roles. The curriculum combines theoretical lectures and workshops with immersive, scenario-based practical sessions in specialist facilities such as the Criminalistics Lab, Crime Scene House, Crime Scene Village, and simulation suite.
Key areas of focus include forensic strategy development, decision-making and cognitive bias, contextualising forensic evidence, and crime scene coordination. The module also explores the investigation of sudden, unexplained, and suspicious deaths—including homicides, suicides, mass fatalities, and disaster victim identification—alongside specialist topics such as pathology and mental health considerations for investigators.
By blending academic study with realistic, hands-on learning, the module ensures students develop both a strong theoretical foundation and practical competencies. This holistic approach equips graduates to address the complex and evolving challenges of contemporary forensic investigation and crime scene management in real-world settings.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes & Workshops | 54 |
| Total Hours Selected | 54 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Develop a forensic strategy for the management of complex crime scenes. |
| LO2 | Evaluate relevant legal frameworks in the contextualisation and interpretation of forensic evidence. |
| LO3 | Demonstrate leadership skills, such as fostering resilience, promoting welfare, and addressing ethical challenges within investigative teams. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment | Simulation (Onsite) 1 | This assessment evaluates students’ ability to manage a simulated major crime scene as a Crime Scene Manager, requiring strategic planning and operational decision-making. All actions and rationale must be recorded in a formal logbook, which serves as the basis for assessment. It tests applied forensic leadership, documentation accuracy, and professional communication in a realistic scenario. | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
| Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment | Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 | This assessment requires students to formally present and justify their forensic strategy from a simulated major crime scene exercise during a Forensic Management Team briefing. It assesses their ability to communicate strategic decisions, respond to investigative developments, and provide guidance on forensic submissions. The focus is on applied critical thinking, professional dialogue, and advanced understanding of forensic scene management within a dynamic investigative context. | 20 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | LO3 | |
| Simulation (Onsite) 1 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |