Forensic & Criminal Investigation BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

Welcome to your first forensic challenge! As future forensic scientists, you’ll learn that evidence is everywhere, often hidden in plain sight, and that every detail tells a story.

Your task is to capture a series of 5 – 10 photographs that tell an “unseen story” about something in your environment related to science, the human body, or photography itself.

For each photograph, you should provide:

1. A Title: A creative title for your photograph.
2. Scientific Explanation: A brief paragraph (approx. 50-100 words) explaining the scientific principles, anatomical features, or photographic techniques that are in your image.
3. Forensic Connection: A short sentence or two explaining how this “unseen story” or the evidence it represents could be relevant in a forensic investigation.

Possible Themes & Ideas to Inspire You (Choose ONE theme for your set of photos):

Theme A: The Science of Decay & Change

• Focus: Observe the natural processes of decomposition, erosion, or biological change.
• Ideas:

• A forgotten fruit: Photograph a fruit (e.g. apple, banana) over a week or two, showing its decomposition at different stages.
• Weathered material: Capture close-ups of eroded stone, rusted metal, or peeling paint, highlighting the effects of natural forces.
• Plant growth/decay: Document the life cycle of a small plant or the decay of leaves.

• Forensic Connection: Understanding decomposition rates is important in forensic taphonomy (time of death).

Theme B: Human Traces & Biological Uniqueness

• Focus: Explore the ways our bodies interact with the environment and the unique biological markers we leave behind.
• Ideas:

• A “hidden” fingerprint: Take a close-up photo of a latent print on a common surface (e.g., a glass, a polished table – you won’t see it perfectly, but you can use subtle smudges or reflections).
• Hair diversity: Capture different types of hair (your own, a pet’s, a family member’s) up close, noting colour, texture, and other visible characteristics.
• The ageing hand/face: Photograph the subtle lines, wrinkles, or veins that reveal age or individual characteristics.
• Footwear patterns: A close-up of the unique wear pattern on the sole of your shoe.

• Forensic Connection: Fingerprints are unique identifiers; Hair can provide DNA and racial characteristics; Facial features aid identification; Footwear impressions link suspects to scenes.

Theme C: The Art & Science of Photography as Evidence

• Focus: Experiment with photographic techniques that forensic photographers use to capture detail, highlight features, or control light.
• Ideas:

• Macro photography: Use your phone’s macro mode to capture extreme close-ups of small details (e.g., fabric weave, insect wing, a grain of sand).
• Lighting for detail: Experiment with side lighting or oblique lighting to reveal texture and shadows on a flat surface (e.g. dust on a table, writing on paper).
• Depth of Field: Photograph an object with a very shallow depth of field (blurred background) to make a specific piece of “evidence” stand out.

• Forensic Connection: Forensic photography relies on precise techniques to document evidence accurately, ensuring clarity, detail, and proper scale for court.

Submission Guidelines:

• Content:

• Your name and chosen theme.
• For each of your photographs:

• The high-quality image itself
• Title
• The Scientific Explanation (50-100 words)
• The Forensic Connection (1-2 sentences)
• Deadline: Bring your photographs to Induction Week (first week of term).

Why This Work is Important:

This task isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about developing the observational skills, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity that are absolutely essential for a successful career in forensic science. We look forward to seeing your unique perspectives!