Course description
Programme description
- The MSc in Forensic Science at King’s was established in 1985, making it the longest running programme in England.
- Research projects may be carried out with the Metropolitan Police, the Forensic Science Service plus many other organisations both here and abroad.
- Specialist topics are taught by forensic practitioners who are experts in their field.
Four taught modules and a research/casework project:
The Principles of Forensic Science; The Forensic Process;
Drugs & Toxicology; Forensic Biology; Project: Up to 16 weeks in a forensic (or forensically related) laboratory - this is usually in the UK, but there are opportunities to travel to the EU or further afield.
Programme format and assessment
Lectures; workshops and practical classes; each module assessed by examination, MCQ assessment and a piece of coursework; project assessed by dissertation, poster presentation and mini-viva.
Programme modules for MSc Forensic Science
Drugs & Toxicology (Core Module)
- Forensic toxicology, pharmacokinetics, metabolism - Forensic spectroscopy - Drink driving/drug driving - Drugs in sport - Identification, analysis and characterisation of drugs of abuse
Forensic Biology (Core Module)
- Forensic entomology - Environmental profiling - Scanning electron microscopy - Paternity testing - DNA profiling from crime scene samples - Mitochondrial DNA analysis - Future Technologies - Report writing for courts
Forensic Process (Core Module)
The chain of events involved from the time a crime has been committed to the presentation of evidence in court; Examination of the crime scene and collection of evidence; The personnel involved at each stage of the process and their roles; Specialists at the crime scene - marks and traces, blood pattern analysis, glass shatter analysis etc.; Computer Fraud; The statistical interpretation of data; The role of the expert witness; The importance of quality assurance and chain of custody.
Forensic Project (Core Module)
Placements are carried out in the following types of organisation/laboratory: forensic science, forensic toxicology, university research, paternity testing. Other institutions include Police scientific support units and training colleges. Most projects are carried out in the UK but there are opportunities for students to travel to laboratories in the EU, or further afield. The 16 week placement runs from May to late August.
Principles of Forensic Science (Core Module)
Analytical chemistry (including the major chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques used in forensic science) Molecular genetics, with an emphasis on population genetics and variation and how it relates to forensic science
Duration
One year FT, September to September.
