To research and write two detailed, critical, state of the art reviews targeted at your chosen specialism. The topic and scope of review will be agreed in advance with tutors.
Students will identify a current issue of forensic science and conduct a paper based research exercise. This will critically discuss the scientific and evidential basis of the techniques and issues relating to peer review and acceptance by courts. Particular account will be taken of both scene and subsequent laboratory based protocols to minimize cross-contamination.
Outline Syllabus
Introduction to module. Tutorials to support learning.
Present a substantial piece of independent work.
Critically review a subject e.g. Utilisation of low copy number DNA, non-ballistic forensic evidence recovered from firearms, absence of scavenger activity from a body dump site.
Critically discuss search and recovery protocols for e.g. buried weapons, buried money, bodies concealed in buildings during construction/alteration, use of imagery and other data to assess landscape change as part of a search strategy, taphonomic effects of body disposal in water