University College for Interdisciplinary Learning

From Sherlock Holmes to CSI: A History of Forensic Science and Medicine

Course Unit Code

UCIL32011 (10 Credits)

UCIL32511 (20 Credits)

Course Unit Details

• Level 3
• Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine

Overview

We all know what a crime scene looks like today - hooded, white-suited investigators carefully searching for traces of evidence from behind police tape. But what do we know about its history? What, for example, did a crime scene look like a century ago, and what happened in it?

Through a historical perspective, you will look at a wide range of forensic investigation techniques. From lie detectors and DNA 'fingerprinting' to detective fiction, newspaper reports of murder trials, and present-day TV forensic dramas; you will investigate who make claims to forensic truth and what tools and techniques they use to arrive at that conclusion.

This unit does not require prior scientific, legal or historical knowledge; just a curiosity about styles of forensic investigation, past and present.

Aims

The unit investigates the growing literature on the legal application of medical and scientific expertise. It contextualises contemporary understandings of and interest in forensics and it's popular representations; and considers the history of forensics as a practical example of the dynamics of public understanding of science.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:

• Describe historical developments in 19th and 20th-century forensic medicine and science
• Describe and analyse the social, institutional and technical foundations of specific forensic techniques
• Review the historical impact of popular representations of forensics
• Identify and interpret debates in the medical, scientific, legal and public domains concerning the ethics and credibility of forensic evidence
• Prepare and defend well-argued contributions to interdisciplinary group debates

In addition, for 20 credits:

• Research and write a literature-based review, integrating scientific, historical and social viewpoints

Syllabus

• Histories of Forensics and Crime
• Poisonous Victorians
• Determining Sanity
• Criminal Identity
• Tales from the Dead
• Making the Crime Scene
• Experts and Trust
• The DNA Revolution
• Watching the Detectives

Assessment

10 Credits (UCIL32011)

1. 1500 word essay (50%)
2. Two Hour Examination. You will write two essays out of a choice of six questions. This is currently scheduled as a face to face closed book examination but in case this is not possible, the assessment will instead take place as an open book examination where students will have 48 hours to complete. (50%)

20 Credits (UCIL32511)

1. 1500 word essay (25%)
2. Two Hour Examination. You will write two essays out of a choice of six questions. This is currently scheduled as a face to face closed book examination but in case this is not possible, the assessment will instead take place as an open book examination where students will have 48 hours to complete. (25%)
3. 3500 word project essay (50%)

Eligibility

UCIL units are designed to be accessible to undergraduate students from all disciplines.

UCIL units are credit-bearing and it is not possible to audit UCIL units or take them for additional/extra credits. You must enrol following the standard procedure for your School when adding units outside of your home School.

If you are not sure if you are able to enrol on UCIL units you should contact your School Undergraduate office. You may wish to contact your programme director if your programme does not currently allow you to take a UCIL unit.

You can also contact the UCIL office if you have any questions.

This unit is also available with a different course unit code. To take a UCIL unit you must choose the unit with a UCIL prefix.

Teaching Staff

Ian Burney

Teaching and Learning Methods

• 11 x 2 hour lectures/seminars

Lectures are face-to-face. They are broken into shorter segments, and will contain interactive tasks designed to help you think about each week's theme. You are encouraged to take notes and think about the questions raised.

Seminars will also be conducted face-to-face. Seminars are informal and relaxed and you are encouraged to speak freely. Attendance at seminars is required each week. If you cannot make the seminar you must contact your Graduate Student Assistant (GTA) in advance.

Timetable

You must attend all lectures:

Semester	Day	Time
1	Wednesday	10:00 - 11:00

You must also attend one of the following seminars:

Semester	Day	Time
1	Wednesday	11:00 - 12:00
1	Wednesday	12:00 - 13:00