Entry to postgraduate programme in Forensic Science

"Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science" (7th edition), Richard Saferstein, Prentice Hall (2001)
"Forensic Science" (2nd edition), Jackson and Jackson, Pearson (2008) + others as directed in structured learning.

An appropriately equipped Criminalistics Laboratory and a purpose-designed scene of crime facility.

Portfolio of laboratory based practical exercises (50%) - outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5
Group produced report* on crime scene processing and evidence collection (25%) - outcome 4
Individual analysis of evidence collected from the mock crime scene (25%) - outcomes 2, 3 and 5

Work carried out prior to the workshop through Blackboard will be formative, but a good performance should be reflected in the performance and report production during the workshop

* Normalised through peer assessment of individual's contribution to report production

This module will provide hands on experience of using techniques generally described as criminalistic methods. The range of techniques covered include: fingerprinting, collection (dusting from different surfaces using a range of agents), enhancement (superglue fuming, ninhydrin etc.) and digitising/analysis (using the DCS 121 system and Automatic Fingerprint Identification System - AFIS) with appropriate emphasis on the labelling to identify characteristics, analysis of fibres through various microscopic techniques, analysis of documents and inks, using ESDA, VSC, Raman Spectroscopy, FTIR Spectroscopy, analysis of paints, especially using FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy and SEM, collection and analysis of glasses and fracture patterns, especially determination of refractive index by hot stage microscopy, ballistic interpretations and markings. The module will progress to collect evidence from a simulated crime scene with subsequent analysis of the evidence in the laboratory.

The bulk of the time will be taken up by an intensive in-house residential workshop. Many of the practical exercises and the crime scene investigation will be carried out in small teams. Prior to the workshop, you will receive information on the techniques and instruments, and practical schedules through Blackboard to aid preparation for the workshop. The laboratory sessions and crime scene investigation will occupy 80h, with the remaining 70h roughly being taken up by: preparation 40h and team discussions and report writing 30h.

Collect evidence correctly from simulated crime scenes, paying due consideration to avoidance of contamination and accurate packaging. Become familiar with a wide range of specialised equipment, interpret data and relate crime to potential suspect for a range of evidence.