5B101E - Serious and Major Crime Scene Investigation 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5B101E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Serious and Major Crime Scene Investigation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Module Leader: | James McCormack | ||
| Module Team: | Beth Nurse, Rebecca Lakin | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| 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 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
1. To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the principles, frameworks and professional practices involved in the investigation of serious and major crime scenes.
2. To develop students’ ability to apply crime scene investigation techniques to complex scenes, identifying and evaluating evidential opportunities to support investigative strategies.
3. To introduce the strategic, professional and well-being considerations associated with major crime investigation, including decision-making frameworks, suspect strategy, and the recovery and management of human remains.
Content Summary
This module enables students to further develop the knowledge and practical skills required to investigate serious and major crime scenes. Scaffolding from previous Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal Investigation modules, students will engage with the complexities of investigating incidents such as serious assaults, sexual offences, suspicious deaths and murder. Through workshops and simulated crime scene activities, students will apply investigative techniques to systematically examine complex scenes, identify evidentiary opportunities, and evaluate the forensic value of evidence.
Students will explore investigative frameworks used in major crime investigations, including the National Decision-Making Model and the development of forensic and investigative strategies. The module also introduces key considerations related to body recovery and provides an introductory awareness of human remains, including basic bone identification and the roles of forensic archaeology and anthropology.
Through scenario-based learning, students will develop their ability to make informed investigative decisions, work collaboratively within investigative teams and reflect on professional practice. Students will also consider the potential impact of investigative decisions on the progression of an investigation, the interpretation of evidence and the wider criminal justice process. The module also promotes awareness of the professional challenges associated with major crime investigation, including the importance of mental health and well-being in these roles.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 56 |
| Guided Learning - Independent | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Formative assessment | 12 |
| Independent learning | 161.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply investigative knowledge and practical skills to the systematic examination of serious and major crime scenes, evaluating evidential opportunities and their forensic value |
| LO2 | Examine and evaluate major crime investigation frameworks to support the development of investigative strategies and informed decision-making in complex investigations. |
Module Requisites
| Code | Title | Requisite Type |
|---|---|---|
| MOD014220 | Crime Scene Investigation | pre-requisite |
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment | Practical Coursework (Onsite) | Individual/Group | 240 | N/A | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Practical Coursework (Onsite) | ✔ | ✔ | |