International Move To Train More Forensic Medicine And Science Experts
- Date:
- August 19, 2005
- Source:
- University of Edinburgh
- Summary:
- A new degree designed to equip doctors and scientists with the expertise needed to investigate deaths resulting from acts of genocide, terrorism, natural disasters such as Tsunami, transport accidents and drug abuse will be launched next week at an international Forensic Science conference in Hong Kong.
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A new degree designed to equip doctors and scientists with theexpertise needed to investigate deaths resulting from acts of genocide,terrorism, natural disasters such as Tsunami, transport accidents anddrug abuse will be launched next week at an international ForensicScience conference in Hong Kong. The post-graduate qualification willhelp counter a world-wide shortage of forensic medicine experts byequipping graduates with the range of interdisciplinary skills neededto counter changing world threats.
The University of Edinburgh has linked with the Universities ofFlorida, Gainesville and Canberra in this first such on-line globalcollaboration, to share expertise and deliver courses via the internet.Topics including forensic science, human identification, chemical andtrace evidence and the legal aspects of forensic practice. The degreecourse will also train its graduates to investigate and report on casesof physical and sexual abuse of children and on sudden unexpected deathin infancy cases. Training in autopsy science will be run fromEdinburgh, which is a world-renowned forensic centre.
The Masters Degree in Legal Medicine, only open to qualifieddoctors and dentists, will involve three years of part-time study andthe first group of students will begin the course in January.
Another Masters degree, in Forensic Science, will also come onstream in January. Students on this course, which is designed for thosewho currently hold science degrees, will study a range of subjectsincluding drugs of misuse, genetics and crime scene managementsupported by laboratory workshops.
David Harrison, Professor of Pathology at the University ofEdinburgh said: "Few Universities can provide the complete range ofskills and expertise needed for comprehensive forensic education.Thispartnership adds value to our strengths in Edinburgh in an exciting newvirtual department. Students will access the expertise they require incourses from across the globe. We hope this will be a stimulating andbeneficial programme."
The Masters Degrees programmes have evolved from an earliercollaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh and Florida, whereexperts from Edinburgh delivered course material for students offorensic medicine and scientific evidence at the US University.
The University of Edinburgh,internationally recognised as one of the leading centres for forensicmedicine, has been running a course for seven years, leading to thecertificate in Forensic Medicine and Science. This course attractsstudents from many disciplines including solicitors, police, doctors,dentists and scientists.
Further information on the new Masters Degrees is available from www.globalforensic.org
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Materials provided by University of Edinburgh. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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