MSc IN FORENSIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Length of course
One year full time, two years part time

Introduction to the aim or intention of the course
This course aims to respond to a national and international need for professionals who can apply a critical and scientific approach to their forensic practice, and who wish to acquire a broad understanding of the various interrelated disciplines of forensic medicine and science. It will provide theoretical and practical knowledge of the forensic medical sciences, and will train students to be able to critically evaluate and interpret forensic medical and scientific evidence.
The research project is an integral component of the course that will provide students with valuable experience of the research process, including preparation of a thesis

Course content
The course is in modular format (12 modules) and will include the following areas: Legal and ethical aspects of forensic medicine, clinical forensic medicine, forensic pathology, toxicology, identification and a research project. 

Assessment
Core and other modules will be assessed through tutorial work (including paper presentations), submitted assignments, practical reports and short examinations (SAQ or MCQ format).  There will be variation in the relative contribution of each assessment method between modules. 
To be eligible for each of the following awards the student must satisfactorily complete the following: PG Cert 4 core modules; PG Dip: 8 taught modules MSc: 12 modules (8 taught modules and the research project)
The full programme comprises 12 modules, with each module contributing equally to the final mark (8.33% of the total).  A one-unit module therefore contributes 8.33%, a half-module 4.17%, and the project 33.33%.

Entry requirements

• a degree or degree equivalent in a relevant subject from a recognised academic institution.  A 1st or 2nd Class Honours degree would normally be required, although candidates with a Pass degree may also be considered; or,
• an appropriate professional qualification (national or international) and/or experience acceptable to the course director and Institute Postgraduate Tutor.
• Students for whom English is a second language will also require a minimum IELTS 7 or TOEFL 610 score.

Further details
For further details contact: Professor Peter Vanezis, The Cameron Centre for Forensic Medical Sciences, William Harvey Research Institute,
Tel: 0207 882 3401, Fax: 0207882 3408;
Emails: Cameron-forensics@qmul.ac.uk or p.vanezis@qmul.ac.uk

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DIPLOMA COURSE IN FORENSIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

The Cameron Centre for Forensic Medical Sciences runs a course in the forensic medical sciences on an annual basis. Its aim is to deliver core knowledge in forensic medicine, forensic science and the law as applicable to the forensic sciences. Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to sit for the Diploma in Forensic Medical Sciences which is offered by the Society of Apothecaries of London. The course comprises 30, two hour sessions covering a broad range of topics, delivered by recognised forensic specialists and held on Thursday evenings from 7pm - 9pm starting in October through to the following June.
The Diploma in Forensic Medical Sciences is currently recognised by the newly established Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians as an entry level qualification for medical practitioners seeking membership of the faculty. Lectures cover the following topics: The medico-legal aspects of disease; Essential forensic pathology and clinical forensic medicine to include recognition and interpretation of wounds and other injuries; Medical and scientific investigation of fires, explosions and similar causes of non-natural deaths; Child deaths and child abuse; Investigation of sexual offences; The role of the Police in investigation and their relationship to other professions; Comparative legal systems, court procedure, principles of law of evidence; The Procurator Fiscal and Coroner: Fatal Accident Inquiries and Coroner's Inquests; The role of the Judge, of the defence and of the expert witness; Principles of forensic toxicology and analytical techniques; Drugs and poisons including drugs of abuse and the related law; Alcohol; scientific and legal aspects; Forensic DNA; Forensic odontology; Forensic psychiatry.

Who is the course for?
The course is suitable for health professionals, scientists, advocates, law enforcement officers and others with a bona fide interest in the forensic medical sciences.  A higher qualification is not essential.  Suitability for admission to the course is at the discretion of the course organisers. 

Further details
For further details contact: Professor Peter Vanezis, The Cameron Centre for Forensic Medical Sciences, William Harvey Research Institute, Tel: 0207 882 3401, Fax: 0207882 3408; Emails: Cameron-forensics@qmul.ac.uk or p.vanezis@qmul.ac.uk

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