ObjectivesAt the completion of this course, the candidate should possess: * A knowledge of the main medical, scientific and legal concepts, techniques and methods in order that the candidate has sufficient competence to understand human diseases, conditions and behaviour in a forensic setting. * An understanding of the basic organisational structures involved in the practice of forensic medicine and science both locally and internationally. * An understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of forensic investigation. * An awareness of how forensic medicine and the forensic sciences relate to the wider context of society and how forensic practice can contribute towards improving that society.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements Candidates should either hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) or substantial relevant experience such as that gained by police officers who have completed initial training or non-graduate nurses with a forensic interest.
Academic titleMSc Forensic Medicine and Science
Course descriptionThis flexible, modular programme consists of a number of 10-week courses covering all aspects of forensic medicine and science. The course is intended for practitioners wishing to learn more about other forensic disciplines and for those who want to gain insights into this fascinating subject. For candidates registered on the Certificate or Diploma there are three compulsory courses: Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science and Scientific Evidence.
Learning Outcomes
Students will gain:
* knowledge of all the relevant scientific, medical and legal concepts, techniques and methods required to understand the role of medical and scientific evidence in the criminal justice system;
* the ability to reflect critically on the significance of medical and scientific evidence in reported legal cases and, when appropriate, the individual's own professional practice;
* an understanding of the organisational structures involved in the practice of law enforcement, forensic medicine and the forensic sciences both locally and internationally;
* increased awareness of how forensic science and medicine relate to the wider context of society and how forensic practice can contribute towards improving that society.
How You Will Be Taught
The programme is delivered entirely online and makes extensive use of course discussion, encouraging all candidates to share their experiences and thoughts with their colleagues.
Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Forensic Medicine & Science (online)
An online multidisciplinary programme designed to appeal to a wide range of graduates (or equivalent). The courses are designed to maximise your "mobile" learning experience - although the course is "online" we try not to tie you to a computer screen! Material is made available as convenient .pdf files which can be printed and/or accessed "off-line". You will be required, however, to actively participate in the online weekly discussion fora as this is where issues are debated and discussed and, importantly, you learn from your colleagues on the course!
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma in Forensic Medicine & Science (60/120 credits SCQF level 11) is a portfolio of online courses. Although not specifically targeted at any professional group, the course will be of interest to professionals with a forensic remit such as doctors, scientists, police, nurses, prosecution and defence lawyers. The course will also stimulate all graduates with an interest in this fascinating subject.
The tutors on the course have extensive experience gained from investigating many real-life cases (including the investigation of the Lockerbie bombing and other high profile incidents)
Transferable Skills
* Ability to use information technology as a tool for personal development and professional collaboration.
* Develop information search strategies and effective and efficient use of available resources.
Programme Structure
The PG Certificate/Diploma in Forensic Medicine & Science is a flexible modular programme. Individual courses (course information) will be offered up to three times in an academic year. Candidates can either opt to register for the complete programme or can take individual courses (see below for a non-assessed CPD option).
On successful completion of an individual course, a student will be awarded 10 credits at SCQF level 11. Please note that although there is no formal time limit to the period of study, credits remain valid for 5 years from the date of completion of the course and cannot be used to count towards an award after expiry.
Teaching and Delivery Method
All courses on this programme are delivered entirely online using WebCT as the delivery platform with a password protected website dedicated to the course. Courses last 10 weeks with one "lecture" topic made available each week. Course resources, including additional reading materials and access to eJournals at the University of Edinburgh library, are provided online although candidates are expected to make use of other online resources whenever possible. Assessment is on the basis of electronically graded quiz assignments, short-note style essays, case-studies and participation in the online discussion forum. Candidates are encouraged to discuss issues with their colleagues on the course. The discussion board is fully moderated and discussion themes will be responded to (within, usually, a 72 hour period) although individual posts will not necessarily be answered on an individual basis.
The student is not required to purchase additional software - the course runs over the internet via any modern browser. The free downloadable versions of Adobe Acrobat reader and Macromedia flash player will be required. Although the course does not require a high-speed broadband connection, a slower internet link will mean that some of the graphics take longer to download.