Crime and Investigative Studies BSc (Hons)

Level 3 (foundation year)

• Foundation in Law and Policing

  This module will provide students with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in courses related to Law, Policing and Criminology. Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Students will also be introduced to specific concepts related to their degree programmes including an introduction to the English legal system, business law, criminal law and the criminal justice system and ethics. Real-world examples of the law in action will be highlighted, and students will practice applying the law to case studies. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Critical Thinking; Composition and Style; Ethics; Fundamentals of Law; Business Law; Criminal Law.

Year one, core modules

• United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists

  Explore the different legal systems within the United Kingdom and the different requirements of these systems. You’ll look at the development of law in the English, Scottish and Northern Ireland legal systems and examine the jury system and the investigation of crime with each of these systems. You’ll closely examine the powers relevant to the Scene of Crime Officer/Forensic Scientist and the laws of evidence as they relate to the S.O.C.O./Forensic Scientist and the codes of practice of the Crown Prosecution Service. You’ll focus on seizure, rules of evidence and codes of practice as well as forensic scientist and expert witness.

• Applied Science for Forensic Investigators

  All forensic investigators require a strong grounding in science and in this module, you will be introduced to the basic scientific principles needed for the rest of your course and beyond. You will be introduced to the broad scientific disciplines within forensic science, including chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics. You will develop the analytical skills necessary to interpret forensic evidence and be able to apply scientific principles to forensic case studies. Your introduction to chemistry will include a discussion of the periodic table and properties of elements, atomic structure and chemical bonding. You will also be introduced to the basic principles of molecular biology, focussing on the polymerase chain reaction and short tandem repeats, and how these are used in forensic and investigative sciences. We will discuss the basic principles of biochemistry and human anatomy in the context of how biological evidence may be used in forensic cases. We will also look at the basic physical principles underlying blood spatter analysis. You will learn through a series of lectures and tutorials where you will apply your knowledge to real-world forensic situations and contexts. A significant practical element is included, so that you gain competence and confidence in performing basic laboratory techniques such as the use of micropipettes, microscopy, presumptive testing, and thin layer chromatography (TLC). By completing practical sessions, you will also develop your numeracy, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Interactive lectures will also help to develop your communication skills and teamwork. Your learning here will benefit you in career pathways such as a forensic scientist, analytical science, scientific support, crime scene examination and police officers.

• Introduction to Forensic Photography and Methodologies

  Here you will be introduced to the theoretical and practical aspect of the methodologies used for forensic application including photography, crime scene examination and evidence analysis. This will be achieved via a series of lectures and practicals carried out during the first academic year. In the first semester, you will focus on learning the basics of photography such as how to use a camera and the different functions i.e. flash, focus and depth of field. You will also cover the legislation surrounding recorded evidence and the procedure for handling, recording, storing and submission of photographic evidence. The skills adopted will underpin your ability to develop further understanding regarding the practical approaches to crime scene photography which are use both by crime scene officers and forensic scientists. It also provide a platform on which to build knowledge from other modules. Following photography you will then get into the topic of crime scene examination where you will learn about the procedures used for processing of a crime scene, the different types of evidence that can be encountered, their value and interpretation at the scene, how to recover, package appropriately to ensure integrity and continuity. This will be followed by examination of evidence. The basic concepts of microscopy and the different types of instruments will be covered particularly with respect to hair and fibre analysis. Other evidence types which will be discussed include body fluid identification, DNA analysis, drugs of abuse and toxicology. The importance of ISO accreditation, taking of contemporaneous notes and prevention of contamination will be highlighted throughout the module content. All these will help your knowledge and skills if you would like to pursue a career as an investigative or forensic scientist. To help you achieving your goals, this module also include an element of personal development program and it is related directly to Personal Development Tutor (PDT) and Group Tutorial sessions. Through a portfolio, you will be encouraged to meet with your personal tutor, discuss your challenges and ambitions, reflect on your achievements and skills that you require and devise a plan to achieve your goals. On the other hand, the group tutorial are developed to help you with your academic progressions and employability skills. All this falls in line with the university graduate capitals.

• Investigative Skills

  When working in crime investigation, you will encounter different classifications of crime, including volume (minor) and serious crime. The aim of police investigation is to solve the crime, regardless of its severity. However, the various elements of the investigation process differ depending on the classification. You will learn the role of the investigator and the many processes involved within an investigation (both volume and serious crime). We will discuss the national policies and legislative framework which set out the parameters used by the police during criminal investigations. We will also explore policies and framework in detail, and apply these to relevant approaches in an investigation. You will also learn to identify and critically evaluate how these different techniques were developed. We will use real-world case studies to evaluate the investigative skills used and apply these within practical sessions.

• Physical Criminalistics

  The examination of most physical forensic evidence requires a knowledge of the characteristics of a wide range of materials. A forensic scientist has no way of predicting what evidential types will be available and/or significant when an investigation begins, so all criminalists require a basic knowledge of the main evidence types. Through a series of integrated lecture and practical sessions, you will learn the physical properties of the most common types of evidence encountered at crime scenes. You will develop the professionalism to determine when to seek more highly qualified or expert advice on the basis of 'if in doubt then do no harm'. You will focus on physical evidence, and will cover the basic principles of a forensic examination, the physical properties of documents, glass fragments (including fracture patterns and optical properties), paint, tool, tyre and footwear marks, soil and vegetation, and finger marks as well as other body prints. You will be taught via laboratory-based practical sessions and group work, enabling you to develop your teamwork as well as transferrable communication skills essential in a professional forensics laboratory.

• Personal and Professional Development - Level 4

  At Anglia Ruskin University we strive to ensure that you receive an outstanding academic education and student experience - and understand that, whilst embedding employability skills within the credit-bearing curriculum is important, it is only part of the set of achievements needed to obtain employment. This zero-credit module will be used to track and verify the progress you've made with respect to key employability skills and endeavours. You'll work closely with your personal tutor, Students' Union Volunteering Service, Study Skills Plus, and Faculty Employability Advisor to engage with co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities and activities to enhance your personal attributes.

Year two, core modules

• Forensic Scene Examination

  Forensic scene examination builds on your knowledge of evidence recovery and packaging. You will gain hands-on experience of recovery of evidence in authentic crime scenes and will be exposed to a variety of volume (everyday) crime scenes that will build your confidence in recovery techniques. We will also discuss accreditation standards relevant to various roles within the crime and forensic fields. By enhancing your knowledge of quality and competency standards, you will be able to recognise how the issues around contamination determine the process of your examination. The recovery and processing of evidence relies on continuity and the integrity of each stage. As you progress through the module you will gain an understanding of how important the chain of evidence from the crime scene to the laboratory is. As well as the crime scene practical sessions, you will also discover the crucial value of evidence to any criminal case. You will complete Laboratory Submissions Forms to submit your evidence, providing your reasoning as to why this evidence will be submitted. For both the crime scene and laboratory submission aspects, you will focus on the correct recording of crime scenes using photography, sketching and contemporaneous note taking, maintaining continuity and integrity of your evidence. While developing your report writing skills, you will also gain further communication skills from working in small teams, organising and taking responsibility for all aspects of your evidence. You will be prepared for future employment with enhanced familiarity with crime scene processes, forensic and policing terminology, laboratory etiquette, and how the whole process fits within investigations.

• Police and Forensic Investigations

  There are a wide variety of roles found within the modern police service, including dog handlers, crime investigators, firearms officers, search officers, and police support units. These are in addition to general response and community officers, all of whom could be deployed within a police investigation. We will explore the different scientific support departments within the police service, such as crime scene examiners, fingerprint laboratories, fingerprint bureaux, and external forensic providers. You will therefore build your knowledge and understanding of the policing environment and the varied roles within the police service. You will apply your learning through exploring cold cases, reviewing techniques gained in previous modules, and evaluating how new methods and technology could impact an investigation. By working in teams, you will experience an environment similar to that in the policing field, giving you an opportunity to discuss your ideas, review procedures and learn to support your conclusions. You will be provided with a variety of specialist topics to research and discuss, helping you to gain transferable skills for a future career in roles within or associated with crime investigation.

• Introduction to Fire Investigation

  Fire investigation is a specialist area that requires both theoretical and practical skills. You will be introduced to the agencies involved in fire investigation and the different roles therein, including the fire service and private agencies. You will also look at the various roles within the police service including police and scientific support officers who would be called in to a fire scene. The involvement of other agencies including the health and safety executive, the coroner and pathologists will be discussed. You will thus have the context to apply your understanding of this type of investigation in a broader field that introduces you to a wide variety of potential employability routes. You will learn through a mix of lectures, practicals and tutorial sessions, helping you to build understanding of how fire investigation is undertaken, from scene to court. You will learn how fires start, the dynamics of fire behaviour, and how to distinguish a variety of causes, including accidental and deliberate ignition. You will explore the investigation process of both criminal and non-criminal causes as well as fatal fire investigations. Your lectures and tutorials will enhance your understanding of the UK law and legal system, considering criminal, civil and coroner’s courts. You will explore the different levels of expertise required in fire investigation and the specific roles involved in recognising, interpreting and reconstructing fire scenes. You will learn the importance of scene preservation, recording, health and safety, and forensic procedures and policies at the fire scene. Included are the recording, recovery and analysis of relevant forensic evidence types. You will be able to understand the context of a complex scene type within the broad nature of national forensic protocols and requirements, enabling you to demonstrate strong employability skills across the forensic, policing and wider investigative employer framework. Practical sessions and working in small groups in tutorials will develop your team working and collaborative practice, essential skills in forensic sector and investigative careers.

• Personal and Professional Development - Level 5

  At Anglia Ruskin University we strive to ensure that you receive an outstanding academic education and student experience - and understand that, whilst embedding employability skills within the credit-bearing curriculum is important, it is only part of the set of achievements needed to obtain employment. This zero-credit module will be used to track and verify the progress you've made with respect to key employability skills and endeavours. You'll work closely with your personal tutor, Students' Union Volunteering Service, Study Skills Plus, and Faculty Employability Advisor to engage with co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities and activities to enhance your personal attributes.

• Ruskin Module

  Ruskin Modules are designed to prepare our students for a complex, challenging and changing future. These interdisciplinary modules provide the opportunity to further broaden your perspectives, develop your intellectual flexibility and creativity. You will work with others from different disciplines to enable you to reflect critically on the limitations of a single discipline to solve wider societal concerns. You will be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines to apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, seek and maximise opportunities to realise your potential to give you a distinctive edge and enhance your success in the workplace.

• Mass Fatality Incidents

  Mass fatality incidents are the largescale crimes and natural disasters which are often front page news. You will be introduced to the concepts of mass fatality incidents and explore examples both local (e.g. London bombings) and international (e.g. Asian Tsunami). You will be shown how the dramatic consequences of such incidents can be limited by implementation of an effective pre-planning procedure, and management by the incident management teams. The roles and responsibilities of each team member will be highlighted. You will also cover in detail the response procedures used for the recovery of victims and personal effect, as well as the stages through which the victim is passed through for examination while filling the international accepted post-mortem form. We will review the principles and procedures used to identify of victims through various scientific methods (such as DNA, fingerprints and odontology), physical and external features. We will also discuss the procedures used to gather information from the relatives on the ante-mortem form that aids in disaster victim identification (DVI). The roles and the responsibilities of the people involved in the various areas will also be discussed. By working through the different stages of mass fatality incidents, you will appreciate the complexity of such incidents, gain an insight of how they are managed, and develop your critical skills in using standard verified techniques for more complex case scenarios. You will thus be equipped to aid in victim identification, an essential role following mass disasters.

• Evidence Based Policing

  Evidence-based policing is a methodology increasingly being employed across the country to tackle crime in times of austerity and greater demand for transparency and accountability. Content will include; review of twentieth-century policing style; how research is employed to aid policy decisions in the twenty-first century; analysis of the police response to common problems in society; and how current methodologies such as hotspot policing can be improved with the use of research: and the scope for evidence-based policing in the future. You will learn through a combination of lectures and workshops where you will be able to apply the theory you learn. This module includes the use of ‘live-briefs’ where you will work in a group on current policing problems, identifying solutions which will be presented to academics and representatives of the police in an oral presentation. Guest speakers will provide real-life examples of how an evidence-based approach has been and is being used in policing. You will have the opportunity to interact with practitioners and to develop transferable skills (such as team working, presentation, communication and analytical skills) for future careers in or associated with policing.

• Digital Forensics

  You will be introduced to the field of digital forensics and cybercrime, a critical component in the majority of modern policing incidents and/or investigations. You will be introduced to the key aspects of the digital investigative strategy, including identification, the powers necessary for lawful seizure, safe handling, policy and legislation, and methods of examination of digital evidence. We will also explore how digital evidence is reported within the criminal justice system and consider the transnational implications for this crime type. Material will be delivered in lecture/practical formats to secure the knowledge-base, were you will be exposed to various scientific methods and standards to support and develop the learning process. You will also learn about the different types of jobs available in in digital forensics, from public services/corporate to analyst/consultant and eDiscovery manager. You will be able to incorporate and contextualise the learning from this module into other key modules demanding advanced crime scene investigation skills.

Work placement (optional placement year)

Year three, core modules

• Undergraduate Major Project

  You will create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic of your choice. You could choose your topic from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, a suggestion from your tutor or a topic you are specifically interested in. You will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artifacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.

• Crime Scene Analysis

  Building on your knowledge of volume (everyday) crime, you will apply your learning to major incidents and how to manage these under scrutiny. With any major crime you need to apply standard processes and procedures but must also manage a wider range of resources and justify any decisions made that could later impact the case. You will expand your knowledge of evidence and crimes types, and the pertinent evidence to recover in support of your case. You will ensure your evidence is ready to present at court, as you will be giving evidence on the case and providing your witness testimony. You will further develop your skills in contemporaneous note taking, and gain practise in writing submission forms as well as witness statements. You will implement your theoretical and practical skills, working in groups in a specific capacity to examine crime scenes, recover evidence and analyse findings; for example as an investigator, specialist or a crime scene manager. You will review the most up-to-date methodologies in examining, recording and recovering evidence from mock crime scenes, including the packing of evidence, ensuring continuity and integrity. A key aspect of your learning throughout will be adhering to best practice, both in terms of evidence recovery, and scene approach and recording. You will demonstrate your acquired knowledge of the vulnerability and value of forensic evidence at crime scenes. This advanced knowledge will also be explored in the context of how crime series are linked, both forensically and through intelligence which is contextualised through consideration of linking crimes in both volume and serious crime scenes. You will be expected to utilise your knowledge of scene preservation and issues regarding the contamination of evidence. An experience of the court procedures will help to prepare you for your future, as most roles with crime and investigation will include an aspect of this stage of an investigation.

• Specialised Topics in Investigative Science

  The topic of crime and its investigation is vast and ever-changing as society continues to evolve. We will explore a range of specialised and contemporary areas of crime investigation which you may not be aware of when compared to the more commonly reported media crimes. We will cover specific areas of current and emerging crime within the large and complex range of criminalities, including UK-based and international crimes. Within each specialist area, we will discuss among other aspects the history, investigative techniques used, forensic science techniques applied, investigative agencies involved, relevant legislation, impact of and response the crime. This is very interactive module where you will have an opportunity to participate in the group discussions on the topics within the specialist areas that we introduce. You will undertake real world assessment (media style-based report) that is authentic to the sector. You will develop independent learning, teamwork and communications skills.

• Forensic Pathology

  Forensic pathology is a discipline of pathology concerned with the investigation of deaths where there are medico-legal implications, for example, suspected homicide and other complex medico-legal cases. Forensic pathologists are medically qualified doctors who perform autopsies on sudden, unexpected and suspicious deaths. The forensic investigation of death is a multi-disciplinary approach that involves collaboration between pathologists, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists and other experts in the forensic field. You will be introduced to the field of forensic pathology, which contributes to the investigation of suspicious death and identification of the deceased. We will cover the code of conduct and performance standards that are developed for forensic pathology. You will study the role of forensic pathology in fulfilling the key functions of the medico-legal autopsy determination of cause of death, postmortem changes after death, estimate of time since death, traumatic causes of death and asphyxias. You will also learn how the forensic pathologist works in close collaboration with police and crime investigators in the investigation of a suspicious death. A number of case studies and peer-reviewed articles relating to the subject area will be covered in the lecture and seminar sessions. This module will help you to develop your critical thinking, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.

• Forensic Anthropology

  Forensic anthropology involves the analysis of skeletal remains to assist in the identification of victims of crimes or mass disasters. This is a global role, meaning that your learning could take you anywhere, applying your knowledge to criminal investigations and mass disasters. You will explore the processes involved in search, recovery and identification of human remains, considering the role of the anthropologist both at the crime scene and the mortuary. You will learn how the anthropologist works with other experts within the investigative framework, and cover both domestic and international applications - from single fatality investigations through to the use of anthropology during mass fatality incidents. You will enhance your knowledge of the complexity of forensic responses to major crimes, key to employment in forensic and investigative roles. You will discover the methods of archaeology and osteology and their application to forensic contexts, with an emphasis on basic principles and the critical application of techniques and their selection. A variety of resources will be available to you during the lectures and practical sessions, including our collection of human remains and anthropological teaching aids. We will also discuss case studies and peer reviewed articles. The complexity of scene types involving the recovery of buried and/or skeletal remains will allow you to draw on your fundamental knowledge of crime scene and laboratory protocols and procedures. Your understanding of the roles of subject specific forensic experts and how they fit into a complex investigation will be enhanced. The skills developed on this module, which include team working, time management and the development of complex forensic argument, are core to a career in the forensic or investigative sector. You will be given clear guidance on the role and career of a forensic anthropologist, but also how the skills, such as differentiation of human/animal bones, can be utilised within other careers such as a crime scene examiner.

• Major Investigations

  Major investigations within the police service are the most complex, involving not only police personnel but also staff from many other agencies involved in the investigation of crime. We will cover the national standards involved in major investigations as well as the different disciplines, reviewing investigative theory, intelligence, planning and investigative strategies. You will look in depth at various roles within the major investigation team, including senior investigating officers, exhibits officers, intelligence analysts, and scientific support, in addition to general detective roles. The importance of such roles and how these interact with the strategic plan of the investigation management team will be explored. The practical aspects of major investigations will also considered, highlighting many of the challenges faced by police regarding both personnel and resource management This module has strong links to a number of other modules on the degree pathway and builds on knowledge of the legal context and investigative processes introduced at previous levels. Your learning process in regards to the wider policing framework will be advanced. The knowledge and skills you develop will broaden your understanding of the number of potential roles available to you in the investigative field, and facilitate your career progression and goals.