6B085E - Complex Crime Scene Investigation 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 6B085E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Complex Crime Scene Investigation | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Science | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Forensic Science | ||
| Module Leader: | Beth Nurse | ||
| Module Team: | James McCormack | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 6 |
| 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
To enable students to design, justify, and critically evaluate crime scene investigation strategies within complex major crime investigations, integrating evidential considerations and specialist forensic expertise.
To equip students to critically evaluate and synthesise specialist forensic contributions to major crime investigations, appraising their evidential significance and implications for investigative decision-making.
To prepare students to communicate, defend, and critically reflect on complex forensic findings and investigative decisions within professional and legal contexts, demonstrating the accountability expected of a senior forensic practitioner.
Content Summary
This module gives you the opportunity to apply advanced crime scene investigation knowledge and skills within the context of complex and major crime investigations. Building on the Level 5 Crime Scene Investigation module, you will engage with a simulated major investigation scenario that requires you to plan, implement and evaluate investigative strategies within a dynamic forensic environment.
Through scenario-based learning, you will work with a range of specialist forensic disciplines that contribute to major crime investigations, which may include forensic biology, pathology, digital forensics, anthropology and botany. The specific scenario and specialist contributions may vary each year to reflect current forensic practice and emerging investigative challenges. Input from forensic practitioners and experts will provide insight into professional practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
You will develop your ability to integrate evidential considerations, specialist forensic expertise and investigative decision-making within simulated casework. The module will also introduce you to professional practices associated with complex investigations, including evidential statement writing and participation in investigative briefings with senior investigating officers, forensic specialists and investigative teams.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 56 |
| Guided Learning - Independent (Directed Reading, VLE Tasks) | 10.5 |
| Summative Assessment and Preparation | 60 |
| Formative Assessment | 12 |
| Independent Learning (Wider reading, Research, Reflection, Consollidation) | 161.5 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Design, justify and implement crime scene investigation strategies within a complex simulated critical incident, integrating evidential considerations and specialist forensic expertise. |
| LO2 | Critically evaluate scene examinations conducted within a simulated complex investigation, reflecting on evidential outcomes, forensic specialist contributions, and investigative decision-making within relevant legal and procedural frameworks. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Self-reflective Assessment | (Observational Journal), Online, Individual The journal structure supports academic integrity by design — the requirement for students to explicitly return to and interrogate their earlier reasoning creates cross-referencing dependencies that make retrospective fabrication extremely difficult to execute convincingly. Formative check-ins at key points across the module provide timely developmental feedback without adding to the summative burden. The assessment represents a deliberate escalation from Level 5, where students demonstrated collaborative strategy-making and professional communication. At Level 6, the emphasis shifts from justified decision-making to critical self-evaluation and professional accountability — engaging with the qualitatively different intellectual demands of QAA Level 6 descriptors and the CSFS CSI and IEPE Component Standards. | 0 | 4000 | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Self-reflective Assessment | ✔ | ✔ | |