2005 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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Institute of Technology, Sligo
Jeremy Bird
Pioneering new degree course in Forensic Investigation and Analysis launched in Sligo

This novel new course at Institute of Technology, Sligo is designed to meet the increasing requirements for graduates with Forensic and Analytical skills, and adopts a thematic approach to teaching and learning. This course builds upon existing analytical science skills within IT Sligo. This is the first dedicated degree course offered at Bachelor of Science level in the area of Forensic Science in Ireland.

The course offers students an education in the area of Forensic Investigation and Analysis and explores all aspects of the role of a Forensic Scientist from crime scene to court. The course structure is a three year ordinary degree, structured in six semesters and emphasis is placed on integrating scientific analysis into the forensic investigation context.


Crime scene investigation

Year one consists of core science modules delivered in parallel with an introductory module to forensic science. In years two and three the course content covers crime scene investigation, criminal law, forensic investigative methods and case studies, coupled with analytical methods used in forensic and analytical science laboratories, including forensic chemistry, instrumental techniques, DNA fingerprinting, science of contact evidence, pharmacology and toxicology, and biomolecular analysis.

The course places a strong emphasis on scientific communication and the role of the expert witness. Students gain an insight into the criminal justice system, and through role play and court visits attain first hand experience of the course of criminal investigations. Novel applications in Forensics are developed in the Environmental Forensics module. There is a strong element of transferable skills within the course content.

Students completing this course will have attained a wide range of scientific skills that will enable them to at- tain employment in Forensic Science and Scientific Analysis or to proceed to further study at Bachelor of Science (Honours) level. In a period of increasing demand-supply skills gap for science graduates, (predicted to reach 943 by 2010 in previous reports: Fourth Skills Initiative Report, 2003) attractive, thematic, student centered courses are vital to ensure the continued supply of science graduates in the economy. This course was launched in September 2005 with students applying directly to the IT Sligo. In 2006 course application will be through the CAO.

Contact: Dr Jeremy Bird and Dr Fiona McArdle,
Department of Applied Sciences,
Institute of Technology, Sligo;
Tel: 071-9155222; E Mail: [email protected] Web: www.itsligo.ie