Gransnet forums

Education

Such a good course!

(34 Posts)
Badenkate Mon 05-Sep-16 18:30:09

Some time ago I did a forensic science course on Futurelearn called 'Identifying the dead'. It was put on by the University of Dundee and Val McDermid wrote a lot of the story. The idea was that a dog walker (of course!) found some bones and it followed week by week how the dead person could be identified, and cause of death found, and finally who was responsible for the death, all using forensic techniques which are taught at the university.
This course was so good that it has been short-listed for a Times Higher Education Award! www.dundee.ac.uk/news/2016/identifying-the-dead-shortlisted-for-times-higher-education-award.php
I really recommend it for any of you who enjoy reading books about crime and detection - and it does tend to involve a lot of cake cupcake

Jalima Thu 13-Oct-16 19:38:22

The OH has to put up with me scoffing at the use of forensic evidence in police dramas.
Join the club, the tv portrayal is often ludicrous

oldgoat Thu 13-Oct-16 18:41:50

DS did a Forensic Science module at University and his text books were fascinating - but gory in places, and my WI had a FS evening recently - it's not all Jam and Jerusalem! Thanks for the link to the Future Learn site. I have signed up for the course which starts on the 24th October.

Jayh Thu 13-Oct-16 18:39:29

Me too. I would make a terrible eyewitness now that I know the pitfalls. The OH has to put up with me scoffing at the use of forensic evidence in police dramas. In fact, I am in danger of becoming a nerd.

Badenkate Thu 13-Oct-16 18:28:27

I have to say that I feel very sorry for any victim of crime where I am the only eye witness. I'm absolutely useless at photofit and face identification. I only got 1 out of 10 on the half and half question blush.

I am now watching police dramas on TV and being very critical about their interviewing technique grin

wot Thu 13-Oct-16 18:15:06

Yes, I'm doing that course and the science one. It's great to be able to go at your own pace.
Some days you can do loads and other days nothing if your energy levels are up and down like mine.

Elegran Thu 13-Oct-16 13:44:14

I don't think she'd be arrested on the evidence of it.

Jayh Thu 13-Oct-16 13:17:22

Haven't got to that bit yet ?

Elegran Thu 13-Oct-16 11:03:23

I loved the E-fit of Judy Dench! If she was watching she would not be flattered.

Jayh Wed 12-Oct-16 22:31:52

I am half way through the Forensic Psychology course now. Is anyone else still doing it? It is so interesting.

Nelliemoser Thu 15-Sep-16 20:24:44

Well what fascinating stuff. It's the science stuff that appeals to me.

Nelliemoser Thu 15-Sep-16 20:17:08

It sounds good. I will investigate.

Elegran Thu 15-Sep-16 19:39:09

It is pitched just right for me. I have done a nutrition course that was too simplistic (boring and full of people who were amazed to learn the most elementary things about their insides) and a climate change one that had a lot of maths and was full of people exchanging complicated equations confused.

Badenkate Thu 15-Sep-16 19:08:33

Enjoying it as well. Really makes you think about how reliable your evidence would really be shock

Jayh Thu 15-Sep-16 17:47:10

It is a good course. Can't wait for the next instalment.

MargaretX Thu 15-Sep-16 17:34:03

I've started Forensic Psychology this week. Very interesting. Thanks for the tip!

Jayh Tue 13-Sep-16 13:18:30

I signed up for the Forensic Psychology course after hearing Prof Pike talk on Sunday. Looking forward to getting started.

BlueBelle Tue 13-Sep-16 12:13:46

Thanks Elegran I ll try it out when I get back sounds really interesting

Elegran Tue 13-Sep-16 10:28:48

Try this link, Bluebelle Next course starts 24th October.
www.futurelearn.com/courses/introduction-to-forensic-science.

Elegran Tue 13-Sep-16 10:11:23

By the time we all finish these courses we could set up a Gransnet Criminal Investigation Bureau - reasonable fees, plus cake and wine at all meetings.

Elegran Tue 13-Sep-16 10:08:28

I've had one day of the Forensic Psychology course and it is very good.

Bluebelle go to www.futurelearn.com and look for the Forensic Science one in the list of courses.

BlueBelle Tue 13-Sep-16 08:21:13

Sounds fascinating is there a link for the course

Deedaa Mon 12-Sep-16 21:06:38

I've just signed up for the Introduction to Forensic Science course. smile

MiniMouse Tue 06-Sep-16 11:12:04

Thank you BadenK, the course sounds fascinating. The human brain/mind is an intriguing subject! I'll sign up and see how far I can get smile

Badenkate Tue 06-Sep-16 10:50:54

Absolutely not MiniMouse. Most courses stay active for several months, and you can complete them in your own time. Why don't you try one and see how you get on? They are free and all you need is a computer : then you can do as much or as little as you like. I'm sure Elegran and I would be delighted if you joined us on the Forensic Psychology course if that interests you smile

MiniMouse Tue 06-Sep-16 10:25:30

This sounds right up my street, but do you have to complete modules within a specified time? I sometimes find that ME makes it hard to sit and concentrate for a length of time at one stretch.