Teaching underpinned by practical experience
A new practical scenario has been developed that will underpin a core second-year forensic science module, Intermediate Forensic Science. The scenario, which asks students to put their investigation skills to the test as they face mock crime scenes as Crime Scene Investigators, ran for the first time this year. Students followed procedure to carry out searches and locate and log evidence, and then considered whether the three scenes could be linked. The scenario has been designed to reflect real-world scenarios students could be faced with in their future careers and was met with positive feedback from this year's cohort.
Learn to work as part of a complex team
For the first practical session for this year’s scenario, which took place in February, the Forensic Science Department prepared a section of Pembroke Lawn and the woodland area surrounding it on the university’s Medway Campus. Evidence was scattered prior to the students’ arrival, and included tyre tracks, footwear marks, clothing and more, along with mock human remains. Working as a team, students assessed the site and developed a search and recovery strategy for all non-osteological evidence in this large outdoor environment. Groups were sub-divided into smaller groups, with leaders being chosen from the groups to liaise with each other to deliver the strategy. Meanwhile, Çï¿ûÊÓƵ staff posed as photographers, forensic archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, forensic nurses and the Senior Investigating Officer, to add another dynamic and more realism to the scenario. In March, students were then presented with the alleged suspect’s house, a mock crime scene room on the campus, and a vehicle in the university’s mock crime scene garage.
The challenge allowed students to implement their knowledge of codes of practice and processing smaller crime scenes and apply this to a new, larger-scale scenario involving multiple teams of professionals. The scenario encouraged students to consider possible links between the three crime scenes, for example students linked the tyre tracks found in the outdoor scene to the vehicle.
Take forwards your experience into the workplace
Çï¿ûÊÓƵ Forensic Science department is proud to offer opportunities for students to gain practical experience to help them consolidate their learning and to take forwards into their future careers.
My degree has helped me get where I am today and as a CSI, I use the knowledge I learnt during my degree daily.
Natasha Parker, BSc Forensic Science graduate 2016, Crime Scene Investigator
This new practical scenario complements practical sessions already embedded in the university’s portfolio of forensic science courses, which include a clandestine excavation practical on the Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology module, and court room practical sessions on the university’s BSc Forensic Science with Criminology and BSc Forensic Toxicology courses.
