This course examines the geological aspects of the Earth, its structure, formation, composition, history, processes, resources, and hazards. There is particular emphasis on the forensic analysis of earth materials and how it can be applied to a range of criminal, civil, and environmental criminal applications. You will learn how forensic trace evidence can be used to link material or an offender to a crime scene. The course also includes how to undertake a multi-phased forensic search for missing persons, suspected murder victims, environmental/wildlife crime and to recover items of forensic interest.
Geoforensics is a practical subject requiring the use of applied problem-solving, laboratory, and field skills where you will learn how to collect and analyze forensic data and conduct forensic searches for a range of items of forensic interest. This course provides a diverse range of specialist options. We focus particularly on applied research skills and you will learn to carry out your own research using specialist software and equipment.
Year 1
- Minerals and Rocks
- Earth Structure
- Academic, Professional, and Fieldwork Skills
- Forensic Identification and Investigation
- Climate Change: The Scientific and Societal Context
- Stratigraphy and Palaeontology
Year 2
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Forensic Genetics
- Employability Training: Engaging with the Workplace
- Field Skills
- Reconstructing Past Sedimentary Environments
- Near-Surface Geophysics
- Criminalistic Methods
Year 3
- Geoforensics – Independent Project
- Frontiers in Geoforensics
- Forensic Geoscience
Optional Modules
- Advanced Topics in Sedimentology
- Evaluation of Evidence, Explosives, and Arson
- Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis
- Hydrological and Engineering Geology
- The Science of Soil
- Forensic Toxicology
Employability
The knowledge gained on this course will help prepare you for a variety of roles, from entry into the Police Service, a laboratory role with specialist skills in forensic trace evidence, crime scene geoforensic analysis, to forensic search capabilities.
You will develop subject-specific skills, including the ability to collect and analyze crime scene geoforensic data and the ability to design and execute a forensic search. You might choose to work in criminal, environmental, or civil consultancies, in construction, or indeed in Police laboratories.
Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:
- Geophysicist
- Wellsite Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Seismic Interpreter
- Mudlogger
- Geochemist
