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FSC-10025 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

FSC-10025 - CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Coordinator: Clare Smith Tel: +44 1782 7 34113
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

In this module you will be introduced to the basic principles of crime scene investigation. You will develop and practice key skills in crime scene investigation and will understand the different types of crime scenes encountered in the field. You will begin to learn the basics of evidence handling and processing as well as crime scene documentation and accreditation standards for a working as a professional forensic scientist. You will experience mock crime scenes and dedicated workshops to develop these key skills.

Aims
Develop and practice key skills in basic crime scene investigation, demonstrating an understanding; of the different types of crime scenes, evidence handling and processing, and crime scene documentation. The module further aims to support understanding of crime scene accreditation standards.

Intended Learning Outcomes

categorise the different types of crime scene that an investigator might analyse, and identify the different personnel, and their roles, involved in this.: 2
demonstrate knowledge of scene and evidence preservation, including different recovery techniques and priority considerations.: 1,2
apply professional protocols and standards to accurately record and document crime scenes, including the use of basic photography.: 1,2
demonstrate key skills in exhibit handling, including documentation of the requirement for further processing needs and appropriate storage conditions for recovered evidence.: 1,2
demonstrate a basic awareness of what standard operating procedures are and the accreditation requirements for crime scene investigation under ISO17020.: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
19h content delivery
4 x 2h simulated crime scene scenarios (8hrs)
Independent study hours:
20h simulated crime scene student preparation
40h portfolio preparation
63h independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Laboratory Practicals weighted 30%
Exhibiting and Packaging
Completion of contemporaneous notes forms - students will complete contemporaneous notes based on their individual observations and information available. Packaging and documentation of exhibits will also be completed during the practical session(s). Equivalent of 1500 words

2: Portfolio weighted 70%
CSI Portfolio
Portfolio of work demonstrating key skills in crime scene investigation to the equivalent of 3500 words. This scenario-based portfolio will be based on the practical work completed throughout the semester and demonstrate core skills required for processing a crime scene, including contemporaneous note taking, photography, sketching and crime scene reconstruction.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025