FORENSIC IMAGING - 2026/7

Module Overview

The purpose of this module is to provide an insight into the use of forensic imaging in the documentation, collection and analysis of forensic evidence and how this can be used in an investigative setting. This allows students to further develop their practical skills in forensic photography and their understanding of the management and integrity of images and the distinction between legitimate and unethical manipulation of images. The module also explores emerging technologies in forensic imaging, including artificial intelligence, facial recognition, photogrammetry, drone-based imaging, and 3D crime scene reconstruction. Students will critically evaluate the operational, legal, and ethical implications of these technologies for modern policing and forensic practice.

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

HARVEY Keeley (Sociology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

n/a

Module content

The indicative content of this module includes:
* The principles and practice of forensic imaging used in forensic investigation and evidential documentation
* Use of lighting techniques to enhance forensic evidence
* The use of alternative light sources in forensic investigations and evidence analysis and capture
* Preservation, management and enhancement of digital images and the implications for evidential reliability
* Emerging technologies in forensic imaging and the ethical and legal challenges associated with these

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

n/a

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate they have achieved the learning outcomes for this module:

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Portfolio (50%, LOs 1 and 2) ¿ Students will produce a forensic photography portfolio demonstrating the correct workflow for documenting a crime scene using recognised forensic imaging protocols. The written report will justify key technical choices made during documentation, including lighting setup, camera settings, scale placement, and any limitations or errors encountered during the photographic process. This assessment evaluates students¿ ability to apply forensic imaging procedures, produce accurate evidential images, and demonstrate an understanding of the technical and procedural considerations required for forensic documentation.

Report (50%, LOs 3 and 4). Students will complete a policy brief as a forensic imaging specialist working for a police force considering the deployment of a new forensic imaging technology. The brief will provide a professional recommendation considering technical capability, evidential value, operational limitations, legal compliance, and ethical implications.

Formative assessment

Informal formative assessment is conducted throughout the module during workshops and seminars where students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities and to receive both peer and tutor feedback, with the aim of allowing students to assess their progress week by week.

Feedback

Feedback and feedforward on summative assignments will be provided via SurreyLearn. This will indicate what students did well, less well, and what they need to do to improve in the future and will relate both to issues specific to the module and to transferable skills. Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module within in-class discussions and activities, and tutorials.

Module aims

• To explore the key principles fundamental to forensic imaging practice
• To critically examine the techniques and processes of forensic imaging and the management and integrity of digital images to establish how they are applied to investigations
• To develop an applied understanding of the different types forensic imaging techniques, including image formats, file storage and the maintenance of evidential reliability an their impact on investigations
• To explore emerging technologies in forensic imaging and critically evaluate the implications of these for modern policing and forensic practice
• To understand forensic imaging as a tool for evidence documentation and presentation in court

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
* Allow students to learn in a mutually supportive environment where they can benefit from the input of tutors, peers, and professional guest speakers.
* Enable students to develop a critical and evaluative understanding of cutting edge research and the opportunities for application within investigations.
* Engage students with the current forensic science landscape, with the purpose of reinforcing the significance of properly understanding the wider investigative issues considered in both previous modules that comprise the programme.
* Maximise learning by encouraging students to be actively engaged in decision-making, negotiation, evaluation and interpretation of information, and the application of theory to practice, to address challenges and solve problems commonly faced by practitioners in a forensic investigation.


To achieve this, learning and teaching methods will include lectures, seminars, practicals, casework examples, videos, active learning/discussion sessions, professional guest speakers, and online resources. Collectively, these methods will combine guided learning, independent learning, peer review, and self-reflection.

The lectures will introduce and explain key concepts, theories, and core aspects of the practical application of the issues discussed. The seminars will provide students with the opportunity to be active participants in their learning experience by undertaking interactive exercises and group discussions, demonstrating their acquired understanding and knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills. To build confidence and to engage students with diverse learning backgrounds, students will be encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and reflections, including those relating to their own experiences. Ongoing feedback opportunities from staff and peers will be variously present in seminars and tutorials, and online.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: SOC2111

Other information

Surrey's Curriculum Framework is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following area: Employability: This module allows students to develop their understanding of the forensic science landscape and new and emerging techniques that could be applied to forensic investigation. Students will gain the latest and best available information relating to their subject area, a proportion of which will have been delivered by external speakers, giving students direct access to professionals currently working in the field and thereby supporting their future career planning for roles in forensic investigation. This will hold clear benefits in relation to their employability as they approach the end of their degree. Coupled with the development of critical thinking, reasoning, decision-making, collaboration, self-reflection and evaluation, the ability to evaluate established evidential techniques, and other transferable skills, the module allows students to further practice wider attributes that will be attractive to employers in this field. The focus of the assessment strategy will help to prepare students for the realities of the world of work because it allows them to be familiar with how different types of forensic evidence are utilised into the wider context of investigation, and to conduct their own review of previous professional practice and cutting edge research. Digital Capabilities: As the module focuses on digital imaging and emerging digital technologies, it provides students with the opportunity to develop their digital capabilities in this area. This will hold clear benefits in relation to their employability as they approach the end of their degree.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.