Forensic Science and Technology, MSc

This exciting course will provide you with the advanced knowledge, skills and attributes for a career in a range of forensic disciplines or act as an entry to PhD studies. Why study this course?

This postgraduate masters course is based around key themes of forensic technology with a crime scene to court approach. You'll study the legal aspects of introducing and utilising new technologies in both forensic science and information security.

• Learn how to prepare and present complex scientific and technical reports consistent with current best practice.
• Evaluate technologies involved in security systems and develop specialist knowledge of recording and recovery of trace and physical evidence from crime scenes.
• Ethics and aspects of European legislation are also covered.

Legal issues surrounding the implementation of new and emerging technologies will be explored to allow you to apply this in researching and developing your own project in a chosen specialist area.

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

How do you study?

Terms one – two: Three taught modules
Term three: Research project

What do you study?

An MSc course comprises 120 credit points (CP) of taught modules and 60 CP obtained from undertaking a research project.

Modules

Digital Forensics – 20 CP
The theme of technology-based evidence is covered in this module. It examines the role of the digital crime investigator, the tools which allow the investigator to find and examine digital evidence, and the analysis and subsequent reporting used in-line with current practice. Legal aspects and use of developing systems in tackling this important and topical area of criminality are covered with a crime scene through to court perspective

Forensic Databases – 20 CP
This module looks at evidence submitted to and derived from the use of databases including the National DNA Database and IDENT1. The legal and ethical issues of database use is covered, including the use of such evidence in court; the use of case studies and debates on current topics such as EU rulings and international information exchange across law enforcement agencies gives a contemporary approach to this highly relevant topic area.

Materials and Security Imaging -20 CP
Examine the range of techniques available to capture and process digital images and image related techniques used in security systems. This is applicable across a broad area of security in both industry and the forensic field, including biometrics and databases.

Research Methods and IT – 20 CP
This module provides the fundamental research skills relevant to the independent study. You are introduced to the process involved in formulating a research project, carrying out a literature review, writing research proposals and delivering presentations. There will be a session involving the critical appraisal of scientific papers and the preparation of a poster presentation.

Crime Scene Technology – 20 CP
Look at technology used to aid the crime scene investigator in recording, locating and recovery of evidence. Examine issues of contamination, management of scenes and continuity of evidence. Learn how to present evidence in court as an expert witness.

Advanced Security Technologies – 20 CP
This module covers security systems used to protect personal information. Understand the principles involved in and related to information systems used in a wider forensic context is developed; looking at biometric applications, security imaging and management of security systems. This broadens into systems management used in most industries in an effort to protect data.

Research Project – 60 CP
Following the taught part of the programme, students will undertake a research topic, derived from those offered by research teams from across the school. The project will involve the design and implementation of a research task, a project and poster presentation.

Industry links

Our Forensics Team work with a wide range of organisations including:

• Forensic Science Society
• Royal Society of Chemistry
• Nottinghamshire Police
• Derbyshire Constabulary
• The Fingerprint Societ
• Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• The Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland.

You will have access to a range of first-class facilities at the School of Science and Technology. Find out how these will be used to help you develop employable skills.

Crime Scene Training Facility

This is a typical residential property based on-campus with a garage, outbuildings and gardens. You will use it exclusively as a crime scene investigation training facility. The rooms are set up to replicate a range of realistic crime scene scenarios, ranging from burglaries and assaults to searches for illegal substances. You will learn how to take on the role of Crime Scene Examiner and develop your investigation, collection and analysis techniques.

Ballistics Laboratory
This is used to train students in ammunition recognition. You will have access to a large reference collection of spent and inert:

• shotguns
• rifles
• pistols
• revolver ammunition.

The focal point of the Ballistics Laboratory is the comparison microscope. You will use it to identify the characteristics of spent cartridge cases and bullets recovered from crime scenes.

You can also access ammunition and firearms identification databases. These databases are the same as the ones used by UK ballistics experts and firearms examiners.

Document Examination Laboratory
You will be trained in digital photography and image processing using:

• a video spectral comparator (VSC) to determine the authenticity of security documents such as passports, identity cards and currency
• electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) to recover indented writing evidence from documents
• specialist stands and light sources tailored to photograph a range of evidence types that have been recovered from crime scenes.