Forensic Engineering and Science – (M.Sc.)

Contents

1 - Introduction
A two-week introductory study period is designed to allow students the opportunity to revise, consolidate and expand their skills before embarking on the rest of the course. It will identify any areas of weakness where students might need additional support. This component is not assessed and gives a brief overview or archaeology and anthropology, physical sciences, mathematics and statistics.

2 - Taught modules
Students must complete four compulsory modules, four role specific modules relating to their MSc specialty and three elective modules from a range of options*. This element accounts for 60% of the overall mark.

Each module is two weeks in duration and comprises one week of lectures, practical work and site visits and one week for private study and completion of coursework assignments. Marks for each of the modules are obtained from a piece of coursework which may take the form of a written piece, group work, and /or an oral presentation.

Part-time students may attend the first week of each module and continue with coursework assignments at a suitable time and location.

Core modules
Students must complete the following eight compulsory modules:

* Investigation and Evidence Collection
* Reasoning for Forensic Science
* Analytical Techniques
* Courtroom Skills

Role Specific
* Fires, Explosions and their Investigations
* Trace Evidence
* Forensic Aspects of the Effects of Explosions on Materials
* Failure of Materials and Components

Elective Modules
Students must select three modules from those listed below:

* Forensic Investigation of Explosives and Explosive Devices
* Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics
* Firearms Investigations
* Forensic Ballistics Investigations
* Forensic Archaeology: Recovering Buried Remains
* Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology: Osteology
* Forensic Craniofacial Identification
* Mass Fatality Incidents
* Introduction to Environmental Forensics
* Fakes and Forgeries
* Radiographic Investigations in Forensic Science
* DNA Profiling and Toxicology
* Forensic Bioscience
* Aircraft Accident Investigation & Response

Research project and thesis
Students carry out an original research project allowing them to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the taught phase of the course. This element accounts for 40% of the overall mark. The marks are obtained from a combination of a submitted thesis and an oral presentation.

The research project can be undertaken in industry or academia. Ideas for projects come from various sources; academic staff, the student´s employer or members of the wider forensic community. Funding can be provided for a proportion of the costs of research and travel.

Part-time students can carry out their project at their place of work and continue to receive support from an academic supervisor at Cranfield University.