Forensic Investigation MSc

Forensic MSc Programme

Forensic Investigation MSc is designed an overview of specific areas of the application physical sciences to forensic problems, allowing maximum student choice. The course is designed to give a broad introduction to the subject, rapidly advancing into the understanding of the cutting-edge research and latest techniques.

Course aims

To provide students with an understanding of how the physical sciences and other specific disciplines can be used to help resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law.
To help equip students with the necessary understanding of science and other specific disciplines, courtroom skills and research methods in order to prepare them to practise as professional forensic practitioners.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge

Develop a critical awareness of current practice in forensic science through partaking in crime scene exercises run by professional crime scene investigators and the attendance at lectures given by practising forensic scientists and engineers and by being encouraged to join professional organisations such as the Forensic Science Society.
Demonstrate critical assessment and originality of thought through the examination of a wide range of different types of evidence using at first hand many of the analytical techniques within the armoury of the modern forensic scientist or engineer.
Critically assess data through the application of appropriate statistical tests and reasoning.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of traceability of evidence.
Acquire and assimilate knowledge from a wide range of adjacent disciplines in archaeology, anthropology, engineering and the physical sciences that impact on forensics.
Understand and employ the scientific principles behind current analytical techniques and procedures to critically evaluate new ones and solve problems encountered.

Skills

Communicate effectively through the written word and orally by means of expert witness reports and the presentation of evidence in court.
Demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills through the regular use of computer-based literature searches, critical use of the Internet and the use of desktop publishing techniques to construct reports
Independently plan and execute a detailed research project and present results at meetings.
Write a research thesis that includes:
- - A critical review of established forensic practice in a particular field.
  - Describe and critically evaluate current research and methodologies in the area, categorising good and bad practice, and defending their opinions.
  - A clear explanation of experimental/analytical procedures and the presentation of results by appropriate means.
  - Self-critical discussion of experimental/analytical results with conclusions that place the research in the context of the professional practice of the forensic sciences.