Course overview

This course is heavily biased towards analytical science in the broadest sense, reflecting the requirements of employers in forensics and the wider science and technology field. It will enable you to develop a range of analytical skills developed in a forensic environment, and will offer you a strong grounding in the design and implementation of research programmes.

This course will provide you with:

• the opportunity to acquire Masters level capabilities, knowledge and skills in diverse areas of forensic science from the crime scene to the court
• training in the design and execution of science-based research in an appropriate area of forensic science
• the opportunity to undertake a formal research programme in an appropriate area of forensic science.

The intention of this course is to immerse you in an environment that is as realistically close to that of a practising forensic science laboratory as is possible within an academic institution. The experience and background of Anglia Ruskin's staff, their intimate knowledge and working relationships with the industry, and the availability of new or relatively new purpose-built laboratory facilities places this course in a strong position to deliver such an experience.

This course is suitable for candidates who wish to specialise in forensic science as a progression from their first degree in forensic science and for candidates coming into forensic science with a strong background in traditional analytical science.

Additional course information

This course will provide you with:

• the opportunity to acquire Masters level capabilities, knowledge and skills in diverse areas of forensic science from the crime scene to the court.
• training in the design and execution of science based research in an appropriate area of forensic science.
• the opportunity to undertake a formal research programme in an appropriate area of forensic science.

The intention is to immerse you in an environment that is as realistically close to that of a practising forensic science laboratory as is possible in an academic institution. The experience and background of Anglia Ruskin's staff, their intimate knowledge and working relationships with the industry and the availability or new or relatively new purpose-built laboratory facilities places this course in a strong position to deliver such an experience.

This course is suitable for candidates who wish to specialise in Forensic Science as a progression from their first degree in forensic science and for candidates coming into Forensic Science with a strong background in traditional analytical science. This course is accredited by The Forensic Science Society

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

• demonstrate deep and systematic knowledge of several major areas of forensic science, including either chemical or biological criminalistics
• apply theoretical and experimentally based empirical knowledge to the solution of problems in forensic science
• demonstrate that you are cognisant with the best ethical practices, validation and accreditation procedures relevant to forensic science
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of advanced analytical techniques, as used and applied in forensic science
• Devise, design, implement and, if necessary, modify a programme of basic research directly related to the solution of practical problems in the broad field of forensic science
• Assimilate the known knowledge and information concerning a particular problem/issue and erect testable and viable alternative hypotheses, from theoretical and empirical/experimental view points
• demonstrate a level of conceptual understanding that will enable information from a wide range of sources and methodologies to be comprehensively and critically appraised
• operate competently, safely and legally in a variety of complex, possibly unpredictable contexts and be able to apply appropriate standards of established good practice in such circumstances
• demonstrate that you are able to exercise initiative in your work tasks, but yet be able to exercise your responsibility so as not to move beyond the scope of your expertise
• search for and obtain information from a wide range of traditional, non-traditional and digital/electronic sources and be able to synthesis it into a coherent argument
• present the results of your work in a number of forms (reports, papers, posters and all forms of oral presentation) at a level intelligible to the target audience (highly trained/specialised professional to informed lay-person)
• organise your own time and patterns of work to maximum effect and be able to work competently either autonomously or as part of groups and teams as required.

Assessment

Assessment is mostly through a combination of laboratory and court reports (including witness statements), oral presentations and closed examinations. Some essay and report writing is required. Research project is by submission of dissertation and oral presentation.

Mastering the Crime Scene and Advanced Biological Criminalistics are the only modules with substantial exam components in their assessments.

Facilities

Wide range of advanced microscopy instruments. SEM with EDS. Full range of organic analysis (GC, GC-MS, HPLC and ion chromatography). FT-IR and Raman spectrometers. Gene sequencing and other DNA analytical equipment. Comprehensive collection of specialist forensic equipment including GRIM, VSC and MSP. Dedicated crime scene facility with video equipment.

Special features

All the lecturers on the course are experienced forensic practitioners and most are actively engaged with case work. The equipment base is mostly new and all the laboratories have been recently refurbished. Instrument rooms are air-conditioned. State-of-the-art facilities in gene sequencing, drug analysis, isotope ratio mass spectrometry and forensic spectroscopy are particularly noteworthy.

Links with industry and professional recognition

We have excellent working relationships with most of the major employers in the forensic science industry, including the FSS, police and fire services. We are currently in the process of seeking both FSSoc and Skillsmark (Skills for Justice) accreditation.

Work placements

Though not compulsory, appropriate work placements can be incorporated into the Trimester 2 module Research Co-ordination and Laboratory Management.

Associated careers

In addition to employment in specialist forensic science laboratories, a wide range of careers in the chemical, biological, environment, pharmaceutical and law-enforcement industries would be available to those successfully completing this course.

Employers can benefit from graduates with a highly developed skill base in specialised analytical methodologies. Graduates from this course will also have a very good grounding in the theory and practice of good laboratory practice, valid analytical measurement and other quality assurance and management issues.

Entry Requirements:

Required - a good BSc (Hons) degree, or equivalent, in Forensic Science, or a related science subject, or other cognate or acceptable subject. Applications from experienced practitioners lacking a formal degree qualification will also be considered.