Forensic Science Day at University of Huddersfield
On Saturday 14th November 2009
The day kicked off with a lecture introducing Forensic Science by Graham Williams, a lecturer at the University. He explained some key principles and then moved on to some interesting real life examples of cases he had been involved with, including one where the sole piece of evidence to be analysed was a brick!
After a short break the group was split into two and my group started with a session on forensic computing in a very well equipped computer lab. This concentrated mainly on "fauxtography" and how to detect when a photo has been faked. Examples of altered photos were discussed including many political examples, with photos shown featuring Stalin, George W Bush, John Kerry and Barrack Obama. I found this so interesting I have since ordered one of the books recommended by the lecturer and look forward to learning more about this subject.
We then moved on to learn about bloodstain pattern analysis, which included the chance to perform a diagnostic test for blood. Next door to this some enthusiastic students had set up not one but two separate "crime scenes" for us to assess blood spatter evidence. Suffice it to say I am glad I was not the victim of either bloody crime.
After a generous buffet lunch the group was divided into 4 groups and these were moved efficiently around the building for the rest of the afternoon between 4 different sessions. These covered drug analysis, clothing damage analysis (where some very enthusiastic researchers explained their stabbing and slashing machines!), DNA analysis from clothing and microscopy. Where possible we got to actually practice the techniques being explained. So we got the chance to identify unknown white powder using 2 different machines and compare various hairs and paint chips under microscopes.
The last event of the day was a short lecture on "The Future of Forensic Science" by a PhD student. Certificates were then handed out to all participants to show they had done a one day course in Forensic Science. Fourteen of the group then shared a delicious early evening meal together at a nearby restaurant before going their separate ways.
Many thanks to Maxine for organising such an interesting and unusual event and to the staff and students of the University of Huddersfield for being willing to work on a Saturday to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with a bunch of Mensans.
Maxine is running her fourth Forensic Science Day at the University of Huddersfield on Saturday 20th February 2010. Places are selling out fast!
Gillian Kennedy