Forensic Science

Fundamental Concepts in Forensic Science

Ethics and quality assurance in forensic science. Principles of criminal law, principles of evidence and procedure, expert evidence, interpretation of scientific evidence, probability and statistics. Forensic pathology, psychology and psychiatry.

Introduction to Forensic Science

Forensic biology, documents, fingerprints, physical evidence, toolmarks, fire examination, explosives, hairs and fibres, drugs, toxicology, alcohol (including blood and breath alcohol), crime scene examination, firearms identification.

Statistics and Molecular Biology for Forensic Science

Statistics: data summarisation and reduction, laws of probability, conditional probability, likelihood ratios and Bayes theorem. Interpretation of statistical results. Forensic biology: basic principles of population genetics, genomic structure, conventional blood grouping. DNA profiling: structure, enzymology and basic chemistry of nucleic acids, PCR and microsatellites, interpretation of DNA profiles, developing forensic DNA technologies.

Techniques and Applications for Forensic Science

Analytical techniques: GC, HPLC, GC-MS chromatography, IR and UV spectroscopy. Applications: toxicology, illicit drugs, sports drugs, racing chemistry. Physical and trace evidence.

Environmental Forensic Science

Concepts of environmental science. Environmental monitoring and spill analysis, environmental legislation, criminal and environmental law. Case studies and practical work.

Project in Forensic Science

A research essay on an aspect of forensic science.

Restriction: FORENSIC 705

To complete this course students must enrol in FORENSIC 707 A and B, or FORENSIC 707

Special Topic: Forensic Science in a Digital World

Principles and applications of data science and statistics to forensic science. Methods may include machine learning, artificial intelligence, Bayesian inference, data visualisation, data security and the ethical use of data. Applications may include wastewater analysis, DNA sequencing, drug identification, biometrics, and crime detection and prevention. Prior knowledge of basic statistics is assumed.  Familiarity with statistical programming language R is beneficial.

Advanced Topics in Forensic Science

A modular course comprising topics in Forensic Science related to staff research interests.

To complete this course students must enrol in FORENSIC 710 A and B, or FORENSIC 710

MSc Thesis in Forensic Science - Level 9

Note: The Forensic Science MSc thesis research courses are mounted with the assistance of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) and ESR facilities and databases will be used for some research. As ESR facilities and databases are relied on in Court proceedings, appropriate steps must be taken to ensure the integrity of ESR's analyses. This means students wishing to use ESR laboratory facilities as part of the MSc programme will be subject to the same type of access requirements as ESR employees. This includes a security clearance (essentially a check of any convictions recorded against you) and a drug test prior to being given access to ESR resources. Students will normally be required to provide a DNA sample to ensure that any allegations of cross-contamination of a DNA sample can be properly investigated. The DNA profile will be retained by ESR. All other information will be returned to the students at the completion of their studies. Students who would like further details of these conditions should contact the Programme Director.

Prerequisite: Permission of Programme Director

To complete this course students must enrol in FORENSIC 796 A and B