65312 Forensic Imaging
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65242c Principles of Forensic Science
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to introduce the key concepts of the forensic imaging discipline. Through a set of complementary lectures, practicals and computer labs, students gain theoretical and practical knowledge about the general philosophy of forensic imaging, as well as how to use a digital camera and other imaging equipment, take relevant photographs in a forensic context and perform digital enhancement of images using specialised software, such as Adobe Photoshop. The skills acquired in this subject are essential in forensic science since photography is the best way to document the entire forensic process, from the crime scene to the production of the photographic report. The subject acts as a foundation to build the photographic skills necessary for all forensic science subjects.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 01. | Understand and apply the concepts related to light theory, image formation and digital imaging |
|---|---|
| 02. | Apply basic digital photography principles to take high-quality photographs of crime scene and forensic relevant material (exhibits and traces) |
| 03. | Demonstrate basic image processing skills using photography editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop |
| 04. | Generate a digital chain of custody and maintain its integrity throughout all steps in the workflow |
| 05. | Assess the quality of images and explain their value in a forensic context |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a command of forensic science practice, including the detection, collection, and analysis of traces in order to exploit and integrate the results of analyses into investigative, evaluative and intelligence frameworks. (1.1)
- Apply investigative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to forensic science problems and design experimental methods to test hypotheses and critically analyse and interpret data. (2.1)
- Practise safe, ethical, and professional conduct with consideration for the role of forensic science in addressing current and future challenges faced by law enforcement, the legal system, security, and the wider community. (3.1)
- Demonstrate skills in communicating experimental conclusions, expert opinion, and the justification of professional decisions related to forensic science processes effectively to expert, scientific, and non-expert audiences. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
1 - Disciplinary Knowledge
Students will learn how to use a camera and process images using photography editing software. This is an essential skill for all forensic science students as it underpins a number of subsequent subjects and careers. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the application of their knowledge and practical skills in all assessment items (1-4) and feedback will be provided during the practical and computer sessions and online activities to assist student development. Students will also learn about digital chain of custody which is essential in forensic science.
2 – Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
During the practical and computer classes students will need to determine the best approach to taking and processing an image. Students will be faced with practical problems (crime scene and exhibit photography, fingermark and shoe mark photography), where they will need to find the appropriate lighting conditions and the proper camera settings to capture a correctly exposed image. Students will have the opportunity to practice and refine their problem solving skills in assessment items 1, 3 and 4. Feedback will be available after the practical and computer sessions and online activities to help student development.
3 - Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
Students will refine their professional, collaborative and independent learning skills through practicals and computer lab sessions. Students will have an opportunity to refine generic skills such as time management, problem-solving and personal organisation, and they will also work collaboratively in their practicals and computer labs. The development of these professional skills will be monitored via feedback on assessable items 3 and 4, and verbal feedback during classes.
5 – Communication
Students will develop their ability to convey meaning through the images they take and justify what makes a suitable image for a forensic purpose. Students will develop these skills in the practical classes and be assessed on this in the practical component photographic report. Students will receive feedback on their development during the practical classes.
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will attend a series of lectures, practicals and computer labs, complemented by interactive online learning activities delivered by UTSOnline. Feedback on student’s progress will be available during the practicals, computer labs and online activities.
Lectures and online learning activities
There will be 2 hours of lectures each week. It is recommended that you attend all lectures to develop a complete understanding of the content. It is important for the students to prepare before the lectures and the practicals by using the content provided on UTSOnline. Students will engage during lectures and practicals in active learning activities (learning-by-doing). The lectures and online learning activities provide the students with the theoretical knowledge required to understand the purpose of imaging in forensic science, as well as concept such as light theory, image formation and functioning of digital camera mandatory to succeed in practicals. During the entire Session there will be opportunities for classroom discussion and student feedback.
Practicals
Students will be working in a collaborative manner during the practicals.The first weeks of the practical program will empower the students with the basic skills of photography. Before these classes students will be required to complete a series of pre-practical online activities which will provide the students with an understanding of the activities they will be completing in the practical class. During the practical classes, students will work in pairs to complete a series of activities around photographing evidence and crime scenes. After these practicals students will be required to process their images in the computer lab classes and submit for feedback. During the second half of the Session, the students will rotate in pairs to complete six different and complementary practicals which aim to enhance their skills in forensic imaging and prepare them for later subjects. Images taken during these classes will be digitally processed during the subsequent computer lab class after which students will be required to submit a photographic report for each rotation.
Computer Labs
The practicals will be complemented by a series of computer labs, which aim to develop students skills in processing photographs taken during the practicals and producing professional photographic reports. Through a set of short tutorial videos (through lynda.com) and exercises, students will learn the fundamentals of image processing and digital chain of custody. These activities and videos will form part of the pre-lab work for this component of the subject. During the computer lab classes students will work through processing the images taken during the practical classes using Adobe Photoshop and they will need to maintain a digital chain of custody. Feedback on progress will be given during the practicals and computer lab activities. Students are expected to exercise considerable diligence and independence, to strive for efficient utilisation of facilities so as to ensure maximum benefit from these resources by their learning group.
Content (topics)
- Light theory and image formation
- Forensic and digital imaging
- Crime scene investigation and exhibit photography
- Specific trace photography (fingermark and shoemark)
- Microscopy
- Hyperspectral Imaging
- Introduction to electron microscopy (SEM and TEM)
- Guest lectures from practitioners
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assessment task 1: Practical component
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 01, 02, 03 and 05 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | Assessment will be based on active involvement and contributions through the Session, as well as completion of post-practicals exercises. Correctness of answers and image quality will be assessed. |
Assessment task 2: Assessment task 2: Online assessment (theory)
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 01 and 05 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Each online quiz will be timed, students will have two hours to complete the task. |
| Criteria: | Assessment will be based on understanding of forensic imaging theory and correctness of answers to the quiz questions. |
Assessment task 3: Assessment task 3: Photography (practical)
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 02, 03, 04 and 05 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 4-8 pages, depending on the task |
| Criteria: |
Pictures are in focus, correctly framed and without observable perspective distortions
. |
Assessment task 4: Assessment task 4: Practical exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsability 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 01, 02, 03 and 04 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 4-8 pages, depending on the task |
| Criteria: | Pictures are in focus, correctly framed and without observable perspective distortions
|
Minimum requirements
You are expected to attend all practicals and computer labs. Attendance is critical to achieving the subject learning outcomes for this subject.