Forensic Investigation Procedures

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE 2024
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
Not available
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Understand procedures used to preserve, collect and record forensic evidence from a simulated crime scene.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1.

    Explain the procedures used to preserve, collect and record forensic evidence.

  • 1.2.

    Justify the choice of procedures used to preserve, collect and record forensic evidence.

2.

Know analytical techniques to examine forensic evidence collected from a simulated crime scene.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1.

    Explain the analytical techniques used to examine biological, chemical and physical forensic evidence.

    Physical evidence – evidence that has not come from a living or once living organism and does not contain chemicals. This could include:

    • ballistics – rifling, ballistic profiling, propellants, micro stamping, calibre wound patterns, trajectory
    • footwear – oblique lighting, casting, electrostatic lifting, gel lifting, visual analysis and comparison
    • tool marks – casting
    • documents – handwriting (cursive, printing and signatures), printed documents (typewriters, photocopiers, laser printers, ink jet printers), paper, ink
    • IT – mobile phones, computers, tablets and CCTV
    • fibre – identification and analysis – microscopy.

  • 2.2.

    Perform appropriate analytical techniques to examine biological, chemical and physical forensic evidence.

3.

Be able to draw conclusions and report on the results of the analysis of forensic evidence.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1.

    Produce a correctly structured forensic expert witness statement/report, showing clear scientific reasoning to draw valid conclusions.