University of the
West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Code: USSJRM-20-1 Title: General and Forensic Photography Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field:
Faculty Committee approval: Q&S Committee (School of Life Sciences) Date: June 2010
Approved for Delivery by: University Centre Yeovil (Name of affiliated institution if module will only be delivered by them)
Valid from: September 2010 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Entry Requirements:
N/A
Excluded Combinations:
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
- demonstrate competence in the use of a variety of digital and film-based cameras, including
Single-Lens reflex cameras (SLRs), and associated equipment, such as lighting equipment, lenses and tripods;
- develop exposed film and print photographic images, including enlargements;
- demonstrate compliance with Criminal Justice System (CJS) requirements, such as labelling, safe storage and continuity;
- create professional photographic records of a variety of crime scenes and present these in a portfolio;
- demonstrate awareness of health and safety and ethical issues.
Syllabus Outline:
- Theory and practical use of:
- Photographic Equipment: e.g. cameras, lenses, filters, tripods
- Recording media: films and digital recording media
- Lighting and metering: continuous light sources and flash, oblique lighting
- Correct image acquisition, e.g. focus, exposure, depth of field
- Aesthetic principles of image composition
(colour, patterns, textures, format, spatial arrangement, symmetry)
- Rules of crime scene photography: types of images required, continuity, legal aspects
- Practical crime scene photography on a variety of indoor and outdoor scenes
- Photography of special items, e.g. fingermarks, blood patterns, trace evidence
- Dark room skills
- Basic use of digital imaging equipment and programmes
- Health and Safety and Ethics
Teaching and Learning Methods:
Theoretical knowledge, such as camera construction or legal requirements will be imparted in lectures and strengthened in tutorials. Demonstrations and supervised practical classes will teach skills, such as practical photography and dark room skills. Feedback will be given individually or in tutorial group discussions. Basic image processing skills will be taught through structured computer exercises.
Independent learning will be encouraged through the requirement of the compilation of a photographic portfolio, which captures the techniques studied throughout the year and culminates in the photographic documentation of a crime scene.
Reading Strategy:
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
Any essential reading will be indicated clearly, along with the method for accessing it, e.g. students may be expected to purchase a set text, be given or sold a print study pack or be referred to texts that are available electronically, etc. This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on Blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
If further reading is expected, this will be indicated clearly. If specific texts are listed, a clear indication will be given regarding how to access them and, if appropriate, students will be given guidance on how to identify relevant sources for themselves, e.g. through use of bibliographical databases.
Indicative Reading List:
• Hicks R and Schultz F — Darkroom Basics and Beyond (Collins & Brown, 2003) ISBN 1843400480
• Langford M — Basic Photography (Focal Press, 2000) ISBN 0240515927
• Redsicker,D.R. et al., The Practical Methodology of Forensic Photography, 2nd edition (CRC Press, 2001) ISBN: 978-0-8493-2004-0
• Stone J and London B — A Short Course in Photography: An Introduction to
Photographic Technique, 6th Edition (Prentice Hall, 2005) ISBN 0131933809
• Stroebel L — View Camera Technique (Focal Press, 1999) ISBN 0240803450
• Stroebel L et al — Basic Photographic Materials and Processes (Focal Press, 2000)
ISBN 0240804058
Websites
The Association of Photographers: www.aophoto.co.uk
Crime Scene Photography: http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/csi-photo.html
General photography techniques, tips and advice: www.ephotozine.com/techniques
Photo-Net: www.photo.net
The Beginner’s Guide To Photography: www.photonhead.com/beginners
Assessment:
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 100% B: 0%
FIRST ATTEMPT
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
Second Assessment Opportunity (Resit) further attendance at taught classes
Component A (controlled) Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
CW1 |
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Component B Element Wt (Ratio)
Description of each element (within Component)
EXCEPTIONAL SECOND ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)