Forensic Science - MSc

• Forensic Expert (20 cp) - Gain professional awareness of the legal standards for presentation of expert evidence in court, including the duties and liabilities of the expert witness.
• Analytical Toxicology (20 cp) - Develop working knowledge of various drug separation and detection techniques and the application of analytical approaches to detect and quantify drugs and matabolites in biological fluids and tissues. You'll review the use of abuse of substances used as both medicines and poisons.
• Biometrics & Databases (20 cp) - Gain an overview of identification, authentication and verification techniques, with an introduction to the theory of database systems and the lagal and moral implications of database use.
• Bioarchaeology (20 cp) - You will look at the recovery of bodies in missing persons and unexplained death scenarios, including search, recording, recovery and the evidential significance of plants, pollen and soils.
• Advanced Topics in Forensic Science (20 cp) - Focus will be on the current topics in the forensic industry, which include regulatory subject areas.
• Research Methods and Independent Study (20 cp) - This module provides an underpinning in research skills relevant to the independent study. You will be introduced to the techniques required to formulate a research project and to carry out a literature review. You will be given practice in the use of the library and learning resources, including relevant IT packages.
• Research Project (60 cp) - You will work on laboratory-based research and will evaluate and review the scientific literature relevant to the topic. You will design and conduct experimental work, and present the findings in the form of a presentation, poster, and a written thesis.

Examples of project titles:

• Investigating Anaphylaxis and the Contribution of Cross-Reactivity of Allergens in Sudden Death
• Factors Affecting the Rate of Digestive Transit, and Techniques to Help Characterise Liquid Content of Stomach for Investigation of Sudden Death in Children and Vulnerable Adults
• Techniques to Refine and Standardise Scent Dog Training for Police Officers
• Factors Contributing to the Rise of Acid Attacks