Module manager: Sarah Sayer
Email: S.E.Sayer@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
As per programme specifation
| ARCS3204 | Forensic Imaging |
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module allows students to critically explore the use of forensic imaging in the investigation of crime, identification of mass fatality victims and the investigation of the cause of death.
The aim of this module is to enable students to explore more fully the use of forensic imaging. Students will be able to critically evaluate the use of the virtual autopsy, methods employed in the investigation of mass fatalities, the importance of diagnostic imaging in the investigation of crime and other fields in which imaging is used as an investigation tool.
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Evalute the role of forensic radiography within current UK legislation
2. Be able to discuss professional, ethical, moral and legal frameworks that guide the practice of forensic radiographers
3. Critically evaluate the role of forensic imaging in a variety of situations, making comparison to other techniques used in those areas
Students will critically evaluate and make recommendations on practice or application in the following areas:
- Legal framework in which forensic imaging is involved
- The differences between criminal, civil and international law and how this impacts on different imaging practices and validity
- The advantages, disadvantages and future applications of diagnostic imaging as a forensic tool
- The use of forensic imaging in the identification of mass fatality victims
- Involvement of medical imaging in the planning for major disasters.
- Deeper investigation of non accidental injury
- Exploration of the role in archaeology and security monitoring
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2.5 | 25 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 2.5 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 115 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 35 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Time is allocated in the module hours for writing up and revising notes, visiting relevant websites, accessing electronic literature and library based study, and preparing for assessments.
The students can review research articles and texts prior to each lecture and to find relevant information themselves with which to contribute to sessions.
Tutorial to aid student understanding of the essay titles.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster Presentation | 15 minute poster presentation followed by 5 minutes of questions | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
This assessment will allow students to demonstrate their depth of knowledge and understanding about key issues that will relate to the use of forensic imaging. They will reflect on real world situations by undertaking a focused critical analysis of the issues involved and interpret relevant legal frameworks, key drivers and laws that govern the use of forensic imaging. Opportunities for formative feedback will be through group discussion boards, followed by focused tutorials based around these discussions. They will also be encouraged to practice their presentation with their peers. The resit will normally be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated. The resit assessment week is scheduled at the beginning of each academic year.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 09/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team