About the Course

Overview 

Over the past 20 years, the scope and importance of forensic science has grown exponentially. Recent cases have shown that traditional forms of evidence that were once considered infallible - e.g. fingerprinting - are now open to challenge in court. Prosecutions that were once secured by means of a simple blood group test now require DNA testing. As forensic technology advances, so too do the expectations of the courts regarding forensic science. As a result, there is now a shortage of high quality forensic scientists - particularly in analytical chemistry. This MSc in Forensic Materials aims to address that deficit by training students in modern and advanced analytical techniques, together with materials science and engineering principles. In addition, you will gain a sound working knowledge of other mainstream areas of forensic science such as DNA, pathology and toxicology. Finally, you will be given a thorough grounding in criminal law and expert witness courtroom skills.

Although many Forensic Science courses exist, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, few address the relevant scientific issues in sufficient depth to be of use to the forensic professions. This Masters course provides a thorough practical and theoretical grounding in those areas of Materials Science which are of relevance to the forensic process, while imparting an understanding of the forensic process as a whole. 

Course Structure

The MSc Forensic Materials course contains the following core modules:

• Semester 1
• Advanced Forensic Science 1
• Microstructure & Properties of Materials
• Forensic Instrumental Techniques
• Foundation Molecular Biology
• Semester 2
• Advanced Forensic Science 2
• Advanced Physical Instrumental Techniques
• Failure and Accident Analysis
• Critical Analysis and Research Preparation
• Summer
• Masters Research Project

Duration

Normally 1 year, with part-time participation possible, typically over 2 years.

Entry Requirements

A First or Second Class Honours Degree in an engineering discipline or in the physical or chemical sciences. The degree can be from a British or overseas university. Different degrees, together with relevant industrial experience, will be considered.

Employment and Industrial Links

Graduate Destinations

The course will develop problem-solving analytical skills and its graduates will find career opportunities in the chemical and other manufacturing industries as well as in the police and Home Office forensic labs. Graduates of the course will have knowledge of and skills in applied analytical chemistry, an area identified by recent industry-driven reports as constituting a skills shortage in the UK.

The course will provide both a practical and a theoretical education in Forensic Materials, building upon a graduate-level education in science or engineering and providing specialist training or refocusing or previous knowledge. The broad aim of the course is to produce highly skilled, motivated and capable graduates ideally equipped for careers in the forensic or analytical science sector. 

Below are a few of the companies in which recent graduates have found employment:

• ALMAC Sciences
• Bodycote
• Syngenta plc
• PhD research

Industrial Project Opportunities

A few examples of companies that have offered project placements are Syngenta plc and  Edinburgh City Analysts.

About the Course Director

Dr Paul Henderson is a member of staff in the Chemistry Department of the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences. Dr Henderson is a qualified Barrister and is also the inventor of a novel saliva-based drug test for drivers.