FORENSIC SCIENCE at Keele

FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES School of Physical and Geographical Sciences FORENSIC SCIENCE at Keele

Forensic Science at Keele Welcome to Forensic Science at Keele University. This brochure is intended to tell you more about the undergraduate degree programmes we offer and what it is like to study Forensic Science at Keele. But don t just take our word for it. Find out also what some of our graduates feel about their Keele experience, read what career choices they have made and how their Forensic Science degree from Keele has prepared them for life after university. Forensic Science - an introduction...3 Key features of the course...4 Why study Forensic Science at Keele?...5 Which Degree Route is for me?... 7 Forensic programmes in Years 1 and 2...9 Dual Honours Forensic Science in Year 3...11 Major Route Forensic Science in Year 3...13 CSFS Accreditation... 14 MSci in Forensic and Analytical Investigation...15 What is it like to study forensic science at Keele?... 16 What assessment tasks are set?...17 What Keele graduates do next...18 MSc Analytical Science for Industry...18 This is what some of our graduates say... 19 Teaching and research... 20 Contacts...back cover 1

One of the major advantages of Keele University over other institutions is the dual honours system, so you can study more than just one subject. This is a great advantage as you gain knowledge from different subject areas and can combine them, which can also provide an edge when applying for jobs, as being a rounded character with more than one specialism can be a deciding factor for prospective employers. Majoring in forensic science I developed my scientific and analytical skills. From collecting evidence at set-up crime scenes, interpreting our findings into court reports, to giving evidence and reporting our findings to internal and external examiners, all helped me to gain a real insight into the life of a forensic scientist. I am now a forensic scientist with one of the main forensic service providers in the UK. Karenjeet Kaur BSc Forensic Science with Criminology Forensic Science Introduction Forensic Science is often defined also includes the science of pattern as the application of science to matching as applied to fingerprints, the work of the courts of law. In shoe-marks, tool-marks and tyremarks as well as a range of other many people s minds this leads to a focus on crime scene investigation specialist areas of study which are which, though a very important relevant to forensic investigation part of the forensic process, does such as pathology, anthropology, not fully provide a true picture of blood-spatter analysis, ballistics, what the forensic scientist actually geosciences and digital sciences. does and what knowledge and So what makes forensic science skills you need to be a professional distinctive and why is a degree forensic scientist. in forensic science different to The forensic discipline embraces studying other sciences? a wide range of scientific topics, Firstly, forensic science is a broadlybased discipline incorporating many of which are based on analytical science the science many aspects of the core sciences of measurement, characterising so if you enjoy working across materials, usually at the molecular several areas of science then level, and determining what is forensic science may be for you. in a sample and how much of Secondly, it is problem-based various components are there. where the problem is explaining Such scientific investigations are the physical evidence, and so the applied to physical evidence - that scientist has to be able to devise is materials found at crime scenes and apply methods of experimental or associated with potentially investigation and analysis illegal activities; examples include appropriate to each individual explosives residues, drugs, inks, situation. Thirdly, the forensic glass fragments, fire accelerants, scientist needs to understand the paints, fibres and hairs. In practice context of the case in order to this means using microscopy, properly interpret the experimental chromatography, spectroscopy results and communicate their and related specialist techniques meaning to the court. This also which are also fundamental to implies that the forensic scientist some laboratory work in chemistry, must be able to explain their biology and geology, to examine scientific work in a clear and forensic materials. Forensic science understandable way to nonscientists such as those working in the court. These generic attributes of the forensic scientist are also strongly relevant to the analytical scientist working in business and industry where the problems relate to commercial products, their development, production and quality control; for example, in the environmental, pharmaceutical or chemical products sectors. For this reason studying a forensic science degree with a strong emphasis on analytical science will prepare you well for a wide range of sciencebased careers outside of the forensic business sector, as well as within it. Dr Craig Adam Course Director, Forensic Science 2 3

Key features of the Forensic Why study Forensic Science at Keele? Science programme at Keele: An interdisciplinary applied science course with a strong emphasis on analytical science and skills development Extensive and wide career opportunities National Student Survey 2014 Top in the UK for student satisfaction in Forensic Science Flexibility to choose Dual Honours or Major in Forensic Science for year 3 Study for a 4 year integrated masters in Forensic and Analytical Investigation Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences* *formerly the Forensic Science Society Opportunity to study abroad for one semester Keele offers many opportunities outside of lectures as well, including a great students union, and being a campus university also provides a relaxing place to live and study. At Keele I was also offered the chance to study abroad which is a brilliant opportunity; it was a fantastic experience that allowed me to study one semester of my second year at a university in Canada, whilst still covering the work required for my degree. Since leaving Keele I have been very lucky to get my ideal job. I was employed within six months of graduating as a drugs analyst for the Forensic Science Service doing basic identifications of police drugs seizures. Four years down the line I am now a forensic practitioner for LGC Forensics drugs department carrying out thousands of examinations each year for the majority of UK police forces, SOCA, UKBA, Gibraltar and the Armed Services, and I have also been called upon to provide evidence as an expert witness in court. Rian Charles BSc Forensic Science and Geology The campus at Keele is an ideal place in which to live and work and our graduates frequently look back and comment on how much they enjoyed student life at Keele. We offer dual honours degrees in forensic science where two subjects are studied equally over all three years of your course. This leads to degree titles, organised alphabetically, such as Biology and Forensic Science or Forensic Science and Physics. You can move on to study for a post-graduate degree in either subject from a Keele dual honours degree, if you wish. At the end of year 2 you can choose to study only one subject in your final year. This is called taking a major/ minor degree where the major subject precedes the minor subject in the degree title; for example, Forensic Science with Biology or Chemistry with Forensic Science. Alternatively you can choose to continue for two further years on the MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation integrated masters programme. You can of course apply directly via UCAS for any of these routes but your final choice can be delayed until the end of year 2. The flexibility to tailor your degree to your evolving career plans is a strong advantage of the Keele degree structure. We are the only university to offer Forensic Science in a genuine dual honours combination with all three core sciences and the only university to offer the Forensic Science and Physics combination in dual honours. In total, Keele offers Forensic Science in combination with 31 other subjects as well as Foundation Year entry to all programmes. A dual honours degree provides significant benefits if you are considering a career in the forensic science sector. The breadth of the forensic science discipline means that including a relevant second subject enhances your career prospects in some niche areas of the job market. For example: Forensic Science and Law: police and criminal justice sector careers Computer Science and Forensic Science: a career in digital forensics Forensic Science and Human Biology: Medical and forensic companies working with DNA Snapshots of some of our graduates careers are given throughout this booklet. Other highlights of studying forensic science at Keele include: Be informed by a wide range of guest lecturers, including forensic practitioners in areas such as toxicology, fire scene examination, crime scene examination and documents analysis Enhance your skills and employability with the Distinctive Keele Curriculum Study for a semester abroad at one of our partner universities in the USA, Canada or Australia Go on an optional escorted visit to the Forensic Anthropology Centre at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and study for the short course certificate: Introduction to Human Identification Inspire the next generation as a Keele Student Ambassador 4 5

List of degree combinations with Forensic Science Subject Forensic and Analytical Investigation (MSci) Forensic Science (Major) Forensic Science with Science Foundation Year Accounting American Studies Astrophysics Biology Business Management Chemistry Computer Science Creative Computing Economics Educational Studies Film Studies Geography History Human Biology Human Geography Information Systems International Business International Relations Law Marketing Media, Communications and Culture Medicinal Chemistry Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physical Geography Physics Psychology Smart Systems Sociology UCAS code F412 F411 F410 NF44 FT47 FF54 FC41 FN47 FF41 FG44 GF44 FL41 FX43 F4P3 FL47 FV41 FC4C FL4C FG45 FN41 F4LC FM41 FN45 FP43 FF4C FW43 FB41 FV45 FF48 FF43 FC48 GF74 FLK3 Which Degree Route is for me? At Keele University you can choose whether you wish to combine your study of Forensic Science with another subject over all three years as a dual honours degree or to focus only on Forensic Science in your final year as the major honours degree route or continue to MSci level. As many areas of forensic science develop aspects of the core sciences and apply them to the study of physical evidence, for example biology and DNA profiles, chemistry and drugs analysis, physics and blood-spatter patterns or computer science and digital forensics, dual honours degrees with these other science subjects are particularly appropriate and popular. Alternatively, the combination with law or psychology provides you with a broad range of expertise across the social and scientific study of crime and criminal justice system which students find provides an excellent platform on which to base a career in this sector. The dual honours route has a strong emphasis on developing your theoretical understanding and practical competence in analytical techniques and in communicating and reporting science in the forensic context. This also includes study of the crime scene and the reporting of scientific evidence in the court. All these dual honours degrees have recognised status from the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS). If your ambitions lie very strongly in the direction of the forensics and security sector then the major route in Forensic Science may be your preferred degree. In year 3 you would study exclusively forensic science topics and the focus is now on achieving a broader knowledge of the discipline and in developing a deeper understanding of and expertise in those aspects that are central to the work of the professional forensic scientist, such as crime scene examination and the expert witness role. The major route in forensic science is accredited across all three component standards by the CSFS. If you embark on the major route you will still study two subjects for the first two years of your degree giving you the opportunity to enhance your understanding of another core science or to study another subject of interest to you. Alternatively you may couple the major route in year 3 with a further year s continuous study at master s level to gain the award of MSci in Forensic and Analytical Investigation. This programme provides employers with graduates who have a broad education in forensic science and investigation, together with a deep theoretical and practical understanding of those analytical science techniques that are not only of particular importance to the analysis of forensic evidence but also are applied to a wider range of materials within business and industry in general. After graduating, I continued to complete my PGDipEd at the University of Birmingham, allowing me to secure my current job as a science teacher. The tutors on the forensic science course made me feel very welcome and their office doors always seemed to be open if I ever needed helped or advice. Keele provided me with real hands on experience of working with a wide range of modern instruments and analytical techniques. Over my 3 years at Keele, the friendly staff really helped to build up my confidence in the lab, and I continue to use the skills I acquired every day Leigh Noble, BSc Forensic Science with Criminology 6 7

Forensic programmes in Years 1 and 2 Keele University was my first choice of study as it offered me the subject combination I wanted to do through its dual honours programme this would provide skills in two academic areas and open up a wider range of employment opportunities after graduation. My three years at Keele were the best time of my life. Not only was Keele great for my academic ambitions but the friendly atmosphere in such a pretty campus made the social aspect of Keele great fun as well. Keele has enabled me to discover what my life-long goals are for my career and now I have graduated, I am going on to postgraduate study for an MSc in Toxicology at Birmingham University. Lucy Greenwood, BSc Forensic Science and Law Whatever degree route they are following, all Forensic Science students take the same programme of modules in years 1 and 2. Modules generally have a focus on chemical aspects of forensics, on biological aspects or on criminalistic science which includes topics where the evidence and its analysis is often unique to the forensic discipline and not wholly based on biological or chemical methods, for example, fingerprints and other marks and impressions, documents analysis or blood-spatter pattern analysis. The aim of year 1, particularly in the autumn semester, to bring all the students, from a variety of academic backgrounds, up to the same level of understanding across core chemistry, practical laboratory skills and indeed the discipline of forensic science itself. This is achieved through the two Principles modules. In the spring semester one module has a biological basis while the other focuses more on chemical science. Forensic Identification includes study of protein biology, DNA, genetic markers and an introduction to chromatographic separation techniques. In contrast, Forensic Analysis focuses on the key spectroscopic techniques used by the forensic scientist in the analysis of chemical substances and the basic statistical methods needed for data analysis and interpretation of results. All year 1 modules include extensive practical work in the forensic science laboratories. The focus in Year 2 is to explore many of the core themes within the forensic discipline which are directly relevant to professional practice where the related evidence types of DNA, marks and impressions, drugs analysis and the use of forensic imaging techniques, are of daily importance. Once again laboratory work supports all the theoretical aspects taught in the lectures throughout year 2. In the autumn semester, you will expand your understanding of chemical separation techniques and the spectroscopic analysis of evidence at the molecular level using methods such as Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In parallel, the module on Forensic Genetics explores the methods for producing DNA profiles from biological material and explains how these are interpreted to provide strong identification evidence for the court. In the spring semester the focus moves to the study of the chemistry of drugs of abuse, their effects on the human body and how drugs may be identified in the forensic context. You will also study bloodstain patterns, fingerprints and other marks and impressions, and forensic imaging in the module Criminalistic Methods. Module Structure of the Forensic Science degrees in years 1 and 2 Year of Study Autumn Semester Spring Semester Chemical Science Forensic Identification Year 1 Principles Forensic Science Forensic Analysis Principles Advanced Spectroscopic Criminalistic Methods Year 2 Analysis Forensic Genetics Drugs of Abuse 8 9

Dual Honours Forensic Science in Year 3 The final year of the dual honours course features study of further core areas of the subject, independent project work within a team context and the opportunity to tailor your study programme by a choice of option module. In Forensic Toxicology you will study aspects of pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology and toxicology and their application to forensic investigations; optional attendance at a post-mortem examination forms part of this module. Combustion chemistry forms the basis for the study of explosives and arson which together with an understanding of how forensic evidence is evaluated in the context of the case and the court, comprise the second module in this semester. During the last year of my degree I was fascinated by the ways in which skeletal remains can be characterised according to sex, age and ethnicity. This experience encouraged me to apply for an MSc in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology at Cranfield University, Shrivenham. Towards the end of my MSc, Cranfield advertised a PhD which I applied for. During the interview it became apparent that the supervisors were particularly impressed with the wide range of analytical techniques I had used at Keele, and this gave me an edge over other applicants. I am currently in the process of writing up my PhD thesis and at the end of August 2013 I will start a 3 year post-doctoral position at Cranfield developing Point-of-Care High Accuracy Fracture Risk Prediction for Osteoporosis. Charlene Greenwood BSc Forensic Science and Criminology At the start of the autumn semester you will embark on your work for the team project and this continues through to the second semester. Here you work with two or three other students on a topic but each plans, carries out and writes up their own particular piece of experimental work which contributes to the overall outcomes of the project. In the spring semester, you select an option module; for example, Forensic Geosciences which includes the study of geophysical techniques for the detection of buried remains together with aspects of forensic archaeology and forensic entomology or Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis which includes the analysis of glass, fires and paints plus forensic ballistics. Module Structure of the Dual Honours Forensic Science degrees in year 3 Year of Study Autumn Semester Spring Semester Year 3 Forensic Toxicology Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson Examples of recent team project titles include: Chemical profiling of tobacco The chemical investigation of legal highs Chromatographic analysis of fingerprint residues Forensic geophysical investigations to locate unmarked graves in St. Johns Church, Hackney Forensic Science Team Project The metabonomics of death the use of metabolite profiling to determine post-mortem interval Investigation into determining externally visible characteristics (EVCs) using DNA technology The effects of ageing and the environment on the successful enhancement of fingerprints Choose one option module Forensic Geosciences Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis 10 11

Major Route Forensic Science in Year 3 If you are taking the major route or the MSci in year 3 you study all the core modules that form the dual honours degree route plus both the option modules and, in addition, take two more modules, one of which is worth 30 credits (double the size of a standard module). This double module moves the focus of the degree towards understanding the work of the forensic practitioner and the professional context within which they work. In the autumn semester you will study the scientific examination of a crime scene, carry out practical scene exercises and write crime scene reports. This is complemented by lectures and laboratory work on the analysis of chemical analytical data plus lectures and problem classes on forensic statistics. In the spring semester you will work on the analysis of evidence from your final mock scene; this may include drug residues in drinks, shoe-marks, transferred fibres or indented writing on documents. Alongside, there are guest lectures on expert witness training. You then write up an expert witness report and take part in a cross-examination based on your report, in the moot courtroom at Keele. To complement the team project you also take another module of independent work in researching and writing a short dissertation on a forensic topic outside the main areas of study within your degree. Recent dissertation titles include: The battle between sporting drug cheats and the analysts trying to catch them Forensic odontology: how to estimate the age at death based on teeth remains Cyanide poisonings: suicide, murder and accidents What is the value of earmark evidence? Forensic investigation into the supply of illicit drug, both synthetic and natural in origin Forensic computing Forensic gait analysis Module Structure of the Major Route in Forensic Science in year 3 Year of Study Autumn Semester Spring Semester Year 3 Forensic Toxicology Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Fire Forensic Geosciences Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis Forensic Science Team Project Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence Forensic Science Dissertation An example of good practice is the way in which the course tutors have designed an assessment scheme which fairly discriminates and assigns individual marks to students in groups of 4 in the Team Project External Examiner Report 12 13

CSFS Accreditation From 2010, Keele University has been an institution accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (formerly the Forensic Science Society). The Society undertook a whole day visit to the university to assess the courses, facilities and staff base, against the three component standards they regard as essential for the provision of forensic science education at degree level. These are: Crime scene investigation Laboratory analysis Interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence Following this visit, we undergo regular checks by the society to ensure we are worthy of retaining accredited status. The society has commended Keele on the following aspects of its forensic science programme: Commitment and approachability of the staff and organisation of the programme Extensive and diverse contributions from external professionals Extensive investment in analytical facilities Comprehensive teaching of statistics integrated within the forensic science context Extensive and wide-ranging, final-year research projects Strong forensic context in the teaching and assessment of all modules On this basis the Major route in Forensic Science is a CSFS fully accredited degree while all the Dual Honours routes have recognised degree status from the CSFS. We will be seeking CSFS accreditation for the new MSci route in Forensic and Analytical Investigation. The Forensic Science programme at Keele University also complies with the Higher Education Funding Council Subject Benchmark for Forensic Science published in 2012. www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/ InformationAndGuidance/Pages/ Subject-benchmark-statementforensic-science.aspx MSci in Forensic and Analytical Investigation This distinctive integrated masters degree brings together forensic investigation and forensic analysis with analytical investigation by chemical and physical techniques in the broader sense, to provide a coherent study programme of direct relevance to the work of a great many employers in sciencebased businesses. The MSci degree is structured around two years study of Forensic Science as dual honours, followed continuously by two further years studying solely Forensic Science and Analytical Investigation. You will follow the same programme as major route Forensic Science students in year 3. The focus in year 4 of the MSci is on developing knowledge and skills in analytical science in the professional and forensic contexts, extending your literature review, research and science communication skills, and acquiring a thorough understanding of the context of crime scene management and investigation, amongst other factors, to the interpretation and evaluation of a wide variety of evidence types. In the autumn semester half your time is devoted to acquiring a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of a wide range of chromatographic, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and their application to the study of crime scene evidence and other materials. Over this final year of the MSci you will also undertake an individual research project within forensic and analytical science in which you will develop confidence in research planning, practical laboratory work, data analysis and reporting, all at a level typical of the professional context. This MSci independent project occupies half the study programme in year 4 Module Structure of the MSci in Forensic and Analytical Investigation in Year 4 Year of Study Autumn Semester Spring Semester Year 4 Research Skills for Analytical Science Analytical Science: Principles and Practice Forensic Evidence: At the Crime Scene and in the Court Since leaving Keele University, I joined Nottinghamshire Police as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), I was there for 4 years and more recently joined Gloucestershire Police as Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO). I love my job and thank the Keele degree course for the knowledge base and practical confidence I was given. MSci Independent Project Jehangir Baig, BSc Forensic Science and Neuroscience 14 15

What is it like to study forensic science at Keele? Most modules are taught using a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, often with problem classes included as well. The laboratory work is designed to complement the lecture material in the module. As an example, in years 1 and 2 you will attend 4 hours of lectures and 6 hours of practical/ problem classes in each week plus whatever is set in your other subject; for another science, the contact hours will be similar. There is one large laboratory devoted to forensic science and two others designed for chemistry work. In addition, there are two chemical analytical laboratories, a crime scene facility and an adjacent faculty computer laboratory You will get experience in working in pairs as well as in small groups in laboratory work across all years of the course. For example, you will work in groups of three or four in the team project and in the crime scene investigation teams in the final year. Most laboratory work is done by pairs of students though you keep separate records of your work and most laboratory assessment is individual. each year of the course. You will rapidly be on first-name terms with your tutors and staff and students get to know each other quickly through working together in the laboratories. Forensic Science staff operate an open door policy, meaning that a student only has to knock on a door or send an email to arrange a meeting with any staff member. All laboratory classes are supported by academic staff and technical staff as well as post-graduate student demonstrators, most of whom have previously studied forensic science at Keele. There is a Forensic Science Staff- Student Liaison Committee which meets each semester to discuss the progress of the course and deals with any issues raised by the students. Why not volunteer to contribute as a student representative? What assessment tasks are set? Most modules in forensic science are assessed by an examination and by coursework. Over the whole course, the ratio of examinations to coursework is around 50:50. Coursework can take many forms and the variety of assignments you undertake enables you to gain a wide range of essential communication and other skills. Some modules include short class tests to encourage revision and provide feedback on your progress. Deadlines are set for submission of work and staff attempt to return marked work normally within 2 weeks. In the final year, the team project module and dissertation are wholly coursework assessed. In the Drugs of Abuse module you will prepare a witness statement for the court. In Forensic Toxicology you will undertake problem-based-learning sessions on case-studies involving unexplained death. Case studies are used frequently to illustrate forensic science in the real world. You will become familiar with some of the research literature in forensic science through preparing the literature review for your team project and by carrying out appraisals of individual papers as coursework in some modules. Laboratory work is assessed in many ways including laboratory diaries, reports, pro-formas, poster presentation and oral assessment. Typed feedback is provided on all student work and in most cases this is supplemented by written or oral comments provided on returning the work itself. Some formative work is set, principally to provide feedback where no mark is recorded. The students were unanimous in their appreciation of staff in the School for the way in which they were supported throughout their studies. External Examiner report We had access to a wide range of modern equipment that we used extensively during practical sessions such as Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, liquid and gas chromatography. Use of equipment such as this gives you greater background experience which is required when applying for any science based job. You will be allocated a personal tutor and there is a year tutor for The learning environment including laboratory resources and technical support is excellent External Examiner report Throughout my course, I learnt so much through taught material, practical laboratory sessions and problem classes, all of which complemented each other and there were plenty of helpful and friendly lecturers, technicians and postgraduates around to solve any problems that you may have. Rian Charles, BSc Jasmine Mears BSc 16 17

What Keele graduates do next This is what some of our graduates say: Within our Forensic Science programme, the emphasis is on both the scientific approach to forensic problems and the key skills our graduates will acquire. This means that our forensic science graduates are particularly well placed to progress, not only to a wide range of scientific careers, but also to administrative and management roles where communication skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities are greatly valued. Our graduates have entered careers within the professional forensic science sector, for example to technical jobs in one of the many private sector providers which cover everything from DNA profiling to digital forensics, or as analytical scientists and researchers within the broader business sector such as chemical analytical consultancies, pharmaceuticals or environmental monitoring. Others have joined the crime sector as police or military police officers, as forensic specialists within the police force including MSc Analytical Science for Industry Many of our undergraduate students choose to follow a postgraduate degree programme at Keele. The MSc Analytical Science for Industry at Keele University provides the opportunity for you to acquire post-graduate-level research and employability skills within the Analytical Sciences sector, in an industrial context, hence providing a strong educational background for a research career in either academia or industry. As a student on the programme, you will benefit from our research expertise and our links with industries that provide the foundation for placement opportunities for our students. All students on the MSc Analytical Science will undertake 30 weeks in a placement with an industrial partner, either in Keele University s laboratories or at the industrial partner s premises, which will ultimately boost their employability skills. Distinctiveness of the Programme The focus of the MSc Analytical Science for Industry is learning through research and the substantial hands on research training with industrial partnership makes this a distinctive course in the UK Higher Education Sector. The programme runs full-time over one full year with three semesters, Semester 1 starting in late September. It comprises five modules which are designed to develop a sound understanding of analytical science: Semester 1: before the research project in semesters 2 and 3 Research Skills for Analytical Science - overview of the research environment in the UK and key scientific literacy and communication skills Analytical Science: Principles & Practice - worth 30 credits, brings a deep focus on a variety of individual analytical methods from both a theoretical and practical angle. crime scene investigator roles, or to other civilian jobs within these organizations. Many enter into a variety of more general graduate occupations such as scientific publishing or administrative roles. In common with other physical science disciplines, some of our forensic science graduates also undertake postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc, PGCE or PhD qualification prior to entering employment. Research in Industry - perspective of industrial research (IP issues, regulations, methods validation) Semesters 2 and 3: Independent Research Project Portfolio Independent Research Project Report are both worth 60 credits and will bring a real emphasis on hands-on experience and independent thinking. Josh Tedd BSc Computer Science and Forensic Science Since leaving Keele and obtaining a first class degree, I have been employed by a digital forensics company as a trainee mobile phone forensic analyst after bettering 30 other applicants. I firmly believe that the education and the experience I gained from my time at Keele secured me this amazing job and I am forever grateful at the expertise, friendliness, and professionalism of the staff. The dual honours system really made a difference as I managed to gain the unique, individual skills of both a computer scientist and a forensic scientist, which fits perfectly within my job! Thank you Keele, I will miss you! Jane Mills BSc Forensic Science and Criminology Keele was by far the best choice of university I could have gone for; the facilities, community and partying were absolutely fantastic and I ve never looked back on my decision to study there. My first job post- Keele was as a research technician at the UK Human Tissue Bank. Unfortunately the Tissue Bank closed in Leicester so I gained employment as a laboratory technician at De Montfort University. The confidence with analytical instrumentation I had gained at Keele enabled me to be promoted within a year to senior laboratory technician. After a few more years at De Montfort I realised my love of teaching, so I have now just finished a year at Beauchamp College training to be a chemistry teacher. The forensic science degree at Keele is so varied and contains such a strong chemistry background this was more than enough to allow me to develop my new dream of becoming a chemistry teacher extraordinaire! Richard Bridgett BSc Forensic Science with Biology I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate at Keele immensely. The variety of topics studied and skills acquired during the course are stimulating and diverse and it equips you well for various jobs after graduating. Before returning to undertake my PhD at Keele on The Isolation of Feeding Stimulants within Honey Bee Pollens, I spent time working for the forensic investigations unit of Cheshire Police where my role was to routinely apply the techniques I had learnt at Keele to the enhancement and imaging of fingerprints within casework. I also worked for a global pharmaceutical company where I utilised the instrumental skills I acquired through study of chemical analysis. Jasmine Mears BSc Forensic Science with Neuroscience Since graduating from Keele I have taken up a job as a forensic scientist in biology at Key Forensic Services, in which I have already used many of the attributes I learnt at Keele, and since being with the company I have expanded my knowledge further in this field. It is great for me to see theory I learnt being used on a daily basis. I believe that my Keele degree has definitely helped me in obtaining a job by providing such a wide variety of skills, and there is no doubt it has set me up fantastically for a career in forensic science. Rebecca Spruce BSc Chemistry and Forensic Science When I graduated from Keele I quickly got a job at the Forensic Science Service working as a forensic analyst in the road traffic accident department. The knowledge and lab experience I had gained at Keele was a huge influencing factor in securing this job and going straight into a forensic job after graduating was an amazing experience, my three years of hard work and studying had rewarded me with a fantastic opportunity. My next job landed me a role at an environmental forensic laboratory where I have been working for 2 years. The education and laboratory skills I received at Keele have undoubtedly led me to the work experience and career path I have today. Carlie Whiting BSc Forensic Science with Criminology After leaving Keele I managed to get a job as a science technician at a high school initially, where I think my extensive laboratory experience definitely helped me to secure the position. However, in June of 2013 I succeeded in gaining a job as a forensic scientist within a drugs department. I definitely feel that the degree course I studied at Keele provided me with an excellent advantage when applying for this job due to the amount of instrumentation we were able to use and the breadth of information we were taught. It taught me many techniques that are used within the forensic field such as TLC, GC-MS and HPLC which I now use on a daily basis within my job. It is great to see how methods I was taught at Keele I am now putting into practice in my day to day life. I feel very grateful to have found a job in my chosen field and I know my degree at Keele was definitely worth all the effort I put into it. 18 19

Teaching and research All the academic staff at Keele are committed to delivering research-informed teaching and most are active in carrying out research much of which is related to forensic science. In addition, several are active also in research into learning and teaching methods and have secured funding and publications in this area. All of this work impacts directly on the quality of the student experience at Keele. Many teaching staff hold recognised Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (TLHE) qualifications, some are fellows of the Higher Education Academy or have professional body membership. Two have had their teaching expertise recognised through the award of a Keele Excellence Award in Learning and Teaching. Several lecturers are also external examiners in forensic science at other universities and one is also an accreditation assessor for the CSFS. The following provide snapshots of some of the forensic science-related research at Keele. Profiling molecules produced during cellular processes within biological materials using mass spectrometry can potentially tell you many things about the material and may have a forensic or investigative purpose; for example, preventing fraud within the food chain using the biology of particular foodstuffs (most commonly meats) to tell you about its preparation and history. Recent media coverage Fundamental research into the interpretation of bloodstains enables the scientist to explain the complex bloodstain spatter patterns at scenes of violent crime. Work at Keele has been directed to discovering the quantitative Applied forensic geoscience research (forensic geophysics) uses a wide variety of both simulated forensic scenarios and casework, in order to better understand the optimum detection techniques, equipment configurations and dominant variable factors to improve current detection rates of buried objects. Recent activities include looking for clandestine burials of murder victims, assisting with the detection of surrounding the incorporation of horse meat into processed beef products has highlighted the need to develop reliable forensic methods for combating ever increasing complex food frauds. A further application is in the detection of drugs and heavy metals in dried blood spots which is of potential use in cases of drug-facilitated sexual assault. relationships between the impact parameters for the blood droplet, such as volume, speed and impact angle, and both the size and detailed shape of the resulting bloodstain. unmarked burials in graveyards and cemeteries, buried weapons, covert victim recovery dog research and environmental forensics for illegal dumping of waste and other materials. This work involves collaborations with other UK HE institutions and internationally in Spain, Colombia and Italy. Forensic entomology is the use of insects that inhabit decomposing remains to aid legal investigation. Hydrocarbons found on the cuticle of insects are often species and age specific and hence could be a promising tool for establishing the Post-mortem Interval in forensic entomology. In our research hydrocarbons are extracted from adults, eggs and larvae and analysed using a Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometer to determine if these hydrocarbons are species specific. Another potential being investigated is to use the hydrocarbons to distinguish the different stages of the life cycle which can then be used to determine their age. 20 21

Further Information If you have any questions please contact us for further information. Contact: Dr Mike Edwards Forensic Science Admission Tutor School of Physical and Geographical Sciences Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG Tel: : (+44) 01782 733252 Email: forensics@keele.ac.uk School Office telephone: (+44) 01782 734211 Website: www.keele.ac.uk/forensic 22