This module can be taken as a Short Course for Credit or a Standalone Short Course.
Please go to the 'Upgrade to a professional qualification' section for more information.
 

Electives may not run if there is limited student uptake. However, alternatives will be offered.


This course provides an understanding of the contribution of environmental evidence in a forensic investigation with a strong focus on forensic entomology and soil analysis and how analytical sciences can help the investigation of forensic ecology evidence types. 

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 03 - 07 Mar 2025
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£2,350 - Short Course for Credit fee

    £2,100 - Standalone Short Course fee Concessions available

Course structure

Lectures, laboratory practical’s and outdoor scene practical’s

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Assess the value of soil and entomology evidence in the investigation of crime,
  • Sample and analyse entomological evidence to give an estimation of post-mortem interval,
  • Sample and analyse soil evidence for provenance,
  • Appraise a variety of forensic ecology evidence types,
  • Critically interpret and evaluate evidence collected from a crime scene to produce a written lab report.

Core content

  • Introduction to environmental forensic science,
  • Forensic palynology and botany,
  • Forensic entomology,
  • Forensic limnology (diatoms),
  • Forensic sedimentology, soil profiling and soil analysis,
  • Taphonomic processes of decay,
  • Case studies in forensic ecology.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

This course will be taught at Masters standard as it is one of the modules that comprise the postgraduate Forensic Modular Masters Programme. Registering for this Short Course for Credit and successfully passing the associated assessment will gain you 10 Cranfield credits. These could then be used to apply for a transfer towards a PgCert/PgDip or MSc in the Forensic Programme should you wish to complete one of these courses within 5 years.

 

Find out more about short course credit points.

Accreditation

The courses is a module of the Forensic Modular Masters Programme, which is accredited by  

Speakers

Concessions

Concessions are available for Cranfield alumni and multiple bookings from the same organisation, please contact us to discuss.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.