How do we investigate a shooting? What happens when someone gets shot? Why do different human tissues react differently under different impact conditions? In this module you will be introduced to a wide range of experimental and theoretical processes that may be undertaken in aid of understanding what happened in a shooting incident. You will also develop a deep understanding of the science that underpins high energy trauma and how scientists measure and interpret this to draw valid forensic conclusions in the specialist field of wound ballistics. The field of ballistics is used here as a shining example of the importance of interdisciplinarity and the role this plays in modern forensic science.
Lecture 28 hours, Workshop 4 hours
2 hours Test. Assessment Details: VLE Test worth 20%.
10 minutes Presentation. Assessment Details: Group Presentation worth 20%.
2 hours Exam. Assessment Details: Exam worth 60%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Reflect on key terminologies and definitions across the range of fundamental ballistic subdisciplines that are used in aid of an effective shooting range.
Design and interpret effective experimental trails in aid of understanding high energy trauma investigation.
Compute ballistic trajectories and impact problems using applied mathematics.
Evaluate the legal processes and statutes that underpin the field of forensic ballistics.
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