Sunday, January 9, 2011

Forensic Ballistics , M.Sc. Cranfield University,

Country: United Kingdom Duration: 12 months

City: Cranfield Start Date: September
Educational Form:
  • Taught
Languages: English
Education Variants:
  • Parttime
  • Fulltime

Location of the University

Programme Description
The Forensic Ballistics MSc is designed to give a broad introduction to the subject, rapidly advancing into the understanding of the cutting-edge research and latest methodologies.

This MSc is offered as part of the Forensic MSc Programme run by the Cranfield Forensic Institute (CFI) which is based at Cranfield University´s Shrivenham campus.

The Forensic MSc Programme has been constructed from the modules of two existing and well-established Forensic MSc courses- Forensic Engineering and Science and Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology.


The course aims to provide students with an understanding of how the physical sciences and other disciplines including ballistics, weapon function and weapon failure can be used to help resolve issues in relation to civil and criminal law. It is designed to help equip students with the necessary understanding of science, firearms classification, firearms law, courtroom skills, other specific disciplines and research methods, in order to prepare them to practice as a professional expert witness in forensic ballistics.

Students benefit from the expertise of academics as well as visiting experts who contribute to teaching. Students will also have access to well-equipped science and engineering laboratories and you will visit forensic establishments relevant to specific modules.

Suitable for both recent graduates and professionals working in relevant fields of study, this programme will prepare you for a variety of exciting Forensic related career opportunities.
  • Contents
  • Requirements
  • More

Contents
1 - IntroductionA 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 modulesStudents 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.

Students must complete the following eight compulsory modules:

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

Role Specific Modules * Failure of Materials and Components * Introduction to Firearms Investigations and Forensic Ballistics * Firearms Investigations * Forensic Ballistics Investigations

Elective ModulesStudents must select three modules from those listed below:

* Forensic Investigation of Explosives and Explosive Devices * Fires, Explosions and their Investigation * Trace Evidence * 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

Research project and thesisStudents 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.

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