Examination of Trace Evidence
Forensic Trace evidence will be explored focusing on evidence collection, current analytical techniques (eg XRF, FTIR, AAS, EDX) and the evaluation and interpretation of the evidence in context to forensic science. The interpretation and statistical significance of the results will be critically evaluated, as will report writing and expert opinion.
This module will allow you to engender a spirit of enquiry into a substantial research-based project in your specialist discipline. Here, you will apply the knowledge and skills obtained in previous modules in a range of IT, literature-based or lab-based projects. All projects will include development of research skills and discussion of results as well as an opportunity to compose a written dissertation.
Hand in hand with scientific and technological advances often come ethical dilemmas and associated issues. This module will raise your awareness of a range of ethical dilemmas and issues that stem from the impact of science and technology on society. The module demonstrates ethics methodologies, which can be used to make or defend ethical decisions or recommendations.
Graduate Research Methods
This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your skills in the use of literature and quantitative methods. You will be able to evaluate and contribute to scientific literature and interpret and disseminate scientific information as well as assessing scientific data and tests of hypotheses.
This module is designed to critically evaluate the delivery of forensic science to the Criminal Justice system (CJS). For those involved with the delivery and/or procurement of forensic science there is a requirement to understand the needs of the CJS and associated standards (accreditation, quality assurance, validation). This module reviews the overall management of forensic science from the demands upon the individual scientist to the overall contribution made to society.
This module is specifically designed as an overview of the key processes in forensic science covering crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and Court presentation. Discussion will centre around the Criminal Justice System, the roles and responsibilities of personnel, chain of custody, crime scene investigation, evidence recovery and specialist areas of expertise eg DNA, body fluid detection, bulk drug analysis, culminating in interpretation of analytical findings with the production of reports and presentation of evidence in Court.
This programme is aimed at those from traditional science subjects (ie the Chemical or Biological Sciences) and aims to build on the scientific knowledge gained at undergraduate level and focus, apply and extend this knowledge and its associated skills into specialist areas in Forensic Sciences (you can choose either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology).
Forensic Science covers a wide range of scientific disciplines in criminal detection. This Masters degree covers subject material drawn from a unique combination of forensic chemistry and biology. The course will introduce you to the underlying principles of the themes of biological and chemical analysis, which are then developed in their applications to Forensic Science as well as the management of Forensic Science within the investigation process and the Criminal Justice System.
You will be able to explore and develop a critical understanding of the place and role of scientific expertise and skills in a wider forensic and social context, focusing on specialist topics in forensic chemistry (eg trace evidence, toxicology) and in forensic biology (eg anatomy, DNA, body fluid analysis).
The MSc will enhance your career opportunities in the analytical science sector. It may also be useful for those individuals within the Police or Scientific Support with an appropriate first degree. It will enable you to take full advantage of opportunities that will ensue from the expansion of this area and/or prepare you for further academic research.
Career opportunities
Graduates find careers in forensic science and closely related work in pharmaceutical analysis, consumer product analysis or hospital laboratories. Some may continue on to further study.
Professional accreditation/exemption
Students are eligible for Associate Membership of the Institute of Biology. The Royal Society of Chemistry recognises the requirements for admission to AMRSC.
Three levels, each of 120 credits. If you take a Joint you study each subject for 60 credits at each level. See page 40.
Level 1 modules include
Cell Biology
General Chemistry
Molecular Biology and Genetics I
General Biochemistry
Laboratory Skills
Professional Studies (Molecular Biosciences)
Level 2 modules include
Bioanalytical Techniques I
Criminalistics
Practical Criminalistics
Project Preparation
Metabolic Biochemistry
Molecular Biology II
Level 3 modules include
Bioanalytical Techniques II
Project
Biochemical Toxicology
Forensic Inference from Biological Remains
This fascinating course explores the use of analytical procedures in Forensic Science. The course will train you to carry out a range of biological, chemical and criminalistics procedures in a safe, competent and reliable way. You will also gain the knowledge needed to appreciate the proper application of forensic science and bioanalysis in the modern world. With the growing demand for analytical expertise, our graduates will be able to apply for posts in a wide range of employment, not only forensic science laboratories.
Career opportunities
Most graduates are expected to continue on to careers in one of the main settings in which forensic psychologists work: the police services, the Home Office, the Prison Service, in special hospitals, regional secure units, the probation services, as consultants and in academia. Prospects in many of these areas are good. On graduation you can also apply for an MPhil/PhD course.
Assessment
The course is assessed through both coursework and examination. Assessment requirements vary according to each module and include essays, professional reports, portfolios, oral presentations, case studies and research exercises.