1. Demonstrate practical ability in the use of a wide range of forensic methods in real world situations.
2. Demonstrate the ability to work as a team, as well as independently as required, evidencing strong communication skills and time management.
3. Critically evaluate forensic methodologies and demonstrate an understanding of the benefits and limitations of the techniques used.

This module is assessed by
1/ a portfolio report that explains and critically evaluates the results and outcomes of the field school [LO 1, 3]
2/ a fieldwork performance review, to include staff of the student’s performance during the Field School [LO1,2]

This module gives the students the opportunity to undertake a Field School in Forensics. This enables students to participate in off campus field investigations where the knowledge that they have gained throughout their degree can be applied to real-world scenarios. This represents a unique opportunity for the students to apply their theoretical knowledge as part of an active research project and to gain first-hand experience of some of the issues involved in the study of crime scenes. Additionally, students will be expected to develop and demonstrate competency in generic skills such as team working, communication and time management via their participation within the field investigation. The nature of the practical work undertaken, and the skills and techniques explored will vary dependent upon the site or sites chosen for the field course; these may differ between years but all will allow the learning outcomes to be met and will ensure a comparable experience. The sites chosen may be in the UK or abroad. The students will be guided by tutors in forensic investigation, forensic science, and forensic archaeology. This fieldwork is likely to be residential and students will work for 10 days, for 8 hours a day. Depending on the field investigation sites, the specific activities will vary but are likely to involve a combination of sampling, scene analysis, use of field equipment and analysis in the laboratory (either off or on-site).

Gain practical experience of real-world casework and research. This module will give you the opportunity to put into practice the skills you have learnt during your degree program. You will be invited to join active forensic investigators from the School to carry out fieldwork one of their important research projects. You will gain practical experience of the wide range of methodologies used to investigate different crime scenes. Taught by specialists in their field, you will use state of the art technologies. This module represents an important step in your development towards a career in forensics.

This module involves the successful completion of a total of 10 days of practical field course activities. Students will be on site, actively participating in a “real world” investigation led by experts from the School. Students will have the opportunity to develop their practical and investigative skills across a range of techniques. In addition, they will develop and demonstrate generic skills such as communication, and teamwork. The self-directed study also makes up an important part of the module enabling students to become more independent learners and helps prepare them for doctoral study or employment. This directed self-learning will be guided by the location and type of the field investigation that will form the basis of this field school module. It would be expected that most of the independent learning will take place prior to the field school in order to prepare the student for the onsite activities. For example the students would be expected to have researched the site location and history, topography and mapping, geology and hydrology, and existing buildings and development.

Barone, P.M and,¿Groen, W. J. M (Eds.) 2018. Multidisciplinary Approaches to Forensic Archaeology. New York: Springer International Publishing.
Sturdy Colls, C. 2015. Holocaust Archaeologies: Approaches and Future Directions. New York: Springer
Forte, M and Campana, S. 2018. Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology: Archaeology in the Age of Sensing (Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences). New York: Springer
Dupras, T,¿Schultz, J,¿Wheeler, S,¿Williams, L. 2016. Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches, 2nd Edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Murphy.B, Morrison.R (2014) Introduction to Environmental Forensics, 3rd Edition, Academic Press
Baxter. E (2015) Complete Crime Scene Investigation Handbook, Taylor and Francis
Dutelle. A.W (2020) An Introduction to Crime Scene Analysis, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc; 4th Revised edition
Danelo.D.J (2017) The Field Researcher’s Handbook: A Guide to the Art and Science of Professional Fieldwork, Georgetown University Press.
Langford.A (2018) Practical Skills in Forensic Science - Practical Skills, 3rd edition, Pearson.

Laser scanning and photogrammetry equipment, geophysical survey equipment, GPS systems, Total Station and excavation equipment (site dependant), drones, sampling equipment, analytical equipment, criminalistic equipment, crime scene kits, forensic laboratories with technical support.