Forensic Science

David
UK
Forensic Science MSc/MRes
I wanted to do the MSc Forensic Science programme at King's as it is one of the most renowned forensic courses available in the UK, and King's has one of the most impressive science departments in the country. The course encompasses forensic biology and chemistry as well as lectures in the forensic process by experts in their field (eg light sources, blood splatter analysis, fibres, court proceedings etc.).
The outside lecturers come from the Metropolitan Police, the Forensic Science Service and LGC and are considered to be some of the best registered forensic practitioners in the UK. All in all the course is well-run, organised and has application to any form of forensic job.
If you have watched forensic TV programmes and think this course is for you based on that, then forget it! The course is not easy, but support is always there if you do run into problems. If you are considering doing this degree, you should be methodical, have a good understanding of biochemistry, good lab skills and plenty of drive to want to get into a very competitive field.

Barbara Daniel
Forensic Science MSc/MRes
I feel very lucky to have become involved with the MSc in Forensic Science. My background is in immunology and I was working as a post-doctoral scientist in King's when in 1991, I was asked to help run immunoassay and blood typing practicals for the course. As I became more involved, my interest increased until in 1999 I became the programme co-ordinator.
This King's MSc has been running since 1985 making it the longest running Forensic Science programme in England. Its strengths include its links with the forensic community and over 30 forensic experts contribute to the course. I make full use of these contacts to inform and direct the course and my own teaching. For instance I run a five day mock casework practical devised and set up with help from serious crime scene managers from the Metropolitan Police and scientists from the Forensic Science Service. Our links with the Metropolitan Police have recently been formalised through a 'Memorandum of Understanding' and about 13 students a year will carry out their summer projects undertaking research with them, which I co-supervise with a former student who has moved on to become their Research Officer. Other research includes investigating the DNA of forensically important flies; Y-chromosome markers and recently a Research Council grant into DNA detection.