Arts

Programme Aims and Objectives

Upon completion of this programme students should have acquired the skills to:

• Recognise the importance of evidence in crime scenes including the protection, collection and recording of evidence
• Comprehend the methods and techniques explained in tracing crimes and criminals
• Gain some insight into the mind of the serial killer
• Understand the approach of CSI experts and what information can be deduced from different types of evidence.

Programme Structure

The course is delivered in a series of informal lectures and debate on the topics is encouraged. Current high profile cases that may be before the courts are discussed.

Programme Content

General Crime Scene Considerations
This area of the course introduces the student to the basic investigative procedures carried out at any Crime Scene.

Areas include:

• Forensic expertise
• History of Forensics
• Forensics on TV, the reality?
• Types of Crime Scenes and their characteristics
• Basic equipment of a Crime Scene Investigator
• Scene Recognition
• Searching
• Scene Documentation
• Evidence Collection Specialised Personnel at the Crime Scene
• First Officer
• The Crime Scene Investigator
• Forensic Scientists
• Forensic photography
• Pathologist
• Toxicologist
• Document Examiner
• Fingerprinter

Fingerprints

• History of fingerprints
• Anthropometry
• Fingerprint patterns and classifications
• Techniques for taking and reading prints
• Automated fingerprint identification methods
• Voice identification
• Forensic phonetics
• Spectrography
• Documents and forgeries

Blood

• Blood pattern analysis (BPA)
• Types of spatters
• Blood staining fro gunshots
• Reconstructing a crime scene
• Blood typing

DNA and Sexual Assault

• What is DNA
• What DNA is made from and its structure
• The Human genome
• DNA profiling
• Should Ireland have a DNA database
• Paternity testing
• Low copy DNA, the future?
• Sexual assault
• Rape kit

Trace and Impression Evidence

• Shoeprints
• Tyre tracks
• Tool marks
• Locards principle
• Analytical instruments
• Hair
• Fibres
• Glass
• Paint
• Soil

Murder Investigation

• Causes and mechanism of death
• Four manners of death
• Murder or manslaughter
• Forensic pathology
• Forensic Autopsy
• Identifying a body
• Skeletal remains
• Estimating time of death
• Types of wound and injuries

Firearms and Arson

• Handguns, rifles and shotguns
• Types of bullets
• Calibre and gauge
• Rifling and striations
• Gunshot residue (GSR)
• Why commit arson
• How to start a fire
• Accelerants
• Asphyxia
• Explosives

 
Criminal Psychology

• Clinical versus forensic psychology
• Testing a suspect
• Recognising a liar
• Eyewitnesses and false confessions
• Defining insanity
• Serial offenders
• Offender profiling
• Trophies, modus operandi and signature
• Victimology

Drugs and Toxicology

• Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, 1984
• The Irish court system
• Classification of drugs
• Toxicology and poisons
• Forensic toxicologist
• Alcohol

Overview and Infamous Cases

• OJ Simpson versus forensic science

Assessment

To be awarded the Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation, students will be required to complete a case study assignment (100%).

Career Progression Opportunities

This course is beneficial to anyone who is contemplating a career in forensic science or the wider criminal justice system.

Student Profile

“This unique and innovative course offered a fascinating glimpse into the worlds of forensic science, criminology and criminalistics. It was a well-prepared lecture series (including guest lecturers), delivered to a diverse group in an enjoyable and interactive way. Whilst ideal for someone simply formalising their interest in all things forensic, I also think the Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation would be useful for expanding a CV and providing valuable insight for someone considering a career move in this direction.”

Suzanne McGurry
Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation