UCIL32011 (10 Credits)
UCIL32511 (20 Credits)
From Sherlock Holmes to CSI introduces students to selected topics in the legal application of medical and scientific expertise. Through a historical perspective, students will learn about the historical development and application of forensic investigation techniques such as toxicology, psychiatry, crime scene investigation and DNA profiling, and how they were presented to the public in various media (e.g. detective fiction, newspaper reports, forensic television dramas). Students will consider 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.
From Sherlock Holmes to CSI aims to:
On completion of this Unit, students will have acquired a knowledge of the basic features of historical developments in forensic medicine and science from the 19th century to the near-present; skills in linking the social, institutional and technical foundations for rise of specific forensic techniques to sources of debate in the medical, scientific, legal and public domains concerning the credibility of forensic evidence. They will develop critical abilities in analysing historical arguments; gain experience of presenting historical arguments in written assignments; and experience of presenting oral arguments in seminar discussions.
In addition, for 20 credits, students will have acquired experience of researching and writinga literature-based review, integrating scientific, historical and social viewpoints
10 Credits (UCIL32011)
20 Credits (UCIL32511)
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.
Ian Burney
Lectures and seminars are both live and conducted face on campus. Lectures will also be podcast and made available on Blackboard. Seminars are informal and relaxed and you are encouraged to speak freely. Attendance at seminars is required each week.
I really enjoy this course because it delves deep into the investigatory side of Criminology rather than just societal trends and patterns. Not only is it really interesting but it is engaging to have a lecturer so passionate about your own course. Many of the texts I use for research have been written by my lecturer himself. It encourages me to research further as Ian's own fascination with the unit inspires my own.Amy Tyley, Criminology
