Course Descriptiion

Aim of Course

The course aims to excite an interest in forensic science in participants.  It will do this by explaining the principles of reliable scientific measurements and how data so obtained can be used in solving problems.  It will also examine courtroom skills in giving evidence.

Who is the course for

This course is suitable for anyone with an inquiring mind who is interested in developing an informed analytical approach to problem solving.

Content:

Law:  legal systems,  courts, evidence, statutes etc.

Science: basic principles+ forensic analytical techniques - IR,UV,X-ray, Scanning Electron Microscopy, spectrophotometry and colour, purification methods such as chromatography, solvent extraction etc.

Case studies to be looked at:

Birmingham , Mountbatten murder,  Udaras na Gaeltachta v Uisce Glan Teoranta,   Ryan v AG  etc.

Use of internet:

Internet is very useful for forensic information. One session will be used to demonstrate this.

Class discussions:

It is inticipated that the module will use the group case study system developed in the State University of New York (SUNY) to encourage individual participation in analysing  problems including current legal cases or individual issues brought to the group by individual members.

Some historical case studies will also be examined and students will be invited to supply their own problems to be discussed and solved. 

The interaction between law and science is becoming ever more important in the world we live in.  Television programmes such as CSI give a unrealistic insight into the use of science in the investigation of  criminal cases.  The topic itself is far more interesting and is even more important in civil as distinct from criminal matters. This course will not deal with the simple manual  operations of forensics such as fingerprint  development , crime scene mapping and preservation,  colourimetric drug testing etc., which are carried out by gardaí who receive a different training for this activity. Instead it will focus on problem solving techniques using advanced analytical methods.

Course Tutor:

Seán O’Muircheartaigh has a BSc and PhD (organic synthesis) from UCD and an MBA and an LLB from UCG.  He was an R&D chemist with Pfizer in London, Sandwich and Ringaskiddy before joining GMIT in 1973. He is a research and development chemist and forensic scientist, having been involved inter alia in the defence of the Birmingham Six case with Gareth Pearce  in 1990.

Fee:  €130

Duration: One evening a week for 8 weeks from 7pm - 9.30pm

Location:  GMIT, Dublin Road Campus

Lecturer:   Dr Sean O'Muircheartaigh

Start date:  Tuesday, 28th September 2010

For your convenience, a Postal Application can be downloaded

The running of courses is conditional on sufficient enrolments.