Forensic Science

Introduction

Our past and present students often tell us how much they have enjoyed their experience at Keele, and as you start your degree we are sure that you will gain as much from your time here as they have. Certainly you will learn a whole range of academic and practical skills that will be of value not only in your studies and future career, but in your whole life.

We look forward to meeting you at the start of the new academic year and we hope that you make the most of your opportunities here.

Best wishes,
Dr Craig Adam, course director
Dr Vladimir Zholobenko, 1st Year Tutor

Preparing to come

It is not necessary that you carry out any specific preparation for your degree studies in Forensic Science during the summer vacation as all aspects of the subject will be covered from basics. If, however, you are keen to get started, then visit your local library and borrow a few books these will help you become familiar with some of the main concepts and terminology. In addition, the following list contains the main text books that we recommend to enhance your understanding of the topics that you will study in Year 1. It is not essential to buy these texts as multiple copies are available in the University library:

Forensic Science A.R.W. Jackson and J.M. Jackson, 2nd Edition, Pearson Education, 2007	Chemistry: A Molecular Approach N.J. Tro, Pearson Education, 2009	Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight P. Atkins, L. Jones, 3rd (2004) or 4th (2008) Edition	Practical Skills in Forensic Science A. Langford, J. Dean, R. Reed, D. Holmes, J. Weyers, A. Jones, Pearson Education, 2005.
Quantitative Chemical Analysis D C Harris, 6th (2003) or 7th (2007) Edition	Human Molecular Genetics 3 Tom Strachan and A P Read, Garland Science, 2003	Essential Mathematics and Statistics for Forensic Science Craig Adam, Wiley, 2010

A lab starter kit, including a lab coat, two lab books, safety spectacles and a few other useful bits, may be obtained from the department at a price of £16. Alternatively, you can bring your own lab coat and lab books.

Other essential equipment to bring:

Scientific Calculator capable of evaluating basic science functions.  Please note the University guidelines on the use of calculators in examinations:

“permitted calculators shall be hand held, battery operated or solar powered, noiseless and have no facility for the storage of alphabetical information other than hexadecimal numbers and no communications facility.”

Basic drawing equipment, including coloured pens and pencils, a protractor and a stapler.
Diary (paper or electronic) for storing class times, coursework deadlines, etc.
Memory stick or similar device for storing electronic data.

Starting Arrangements

Monday 24th September 2012

Your first commitment to the Forensic Science degree programme is to register on to the course. Registration will take place in the Lennard-Jones Laboratories, room LJ1.70 (main Forensic Science lab); please come along between 12-00 and 13-00. During the registration, you will receive a summary of essential information in the Forensic Science student handbook. This includes details on teaching timetables, course structure and arrangements for lecture and practical classes.

Tuesday 25th September 2012

An introductory talk on the Forensic Science degree programme will take place on Tuesday at 13-30 in the Lennard-Jones Laboratories lecture theatre, LJ1.75. 

The information provided in this short talk should help you settle in. Please make sure that you attend the talk, as important information will be provided on all aspects of the degree programme.

Friday 28th September 2012

There will be an introductory session between 9-00 and 11-00 in the Forensic Science lab. Further details will be provided during the introductory lecture on Tuesday.

Additional Information

• University Welcome Web – a very useful resource providing insights into most aspects of Keele University

Please feel free to contact the Forensic Science 1st Year Tutor Dr Vladimir Zholobenko (tel: 01782-734352, e-mail: v.l.zholobenko@keele.ac.uk),

the course leader Dr Craig Adam (tel: 01782-733854, e-mail: c.d.adam@keele.ac.uk),

or the School Office (tel: 01782-734211) p.thompson@phys.keele.ac.uk should you require any further information.