Queen Mary, University of London

Selective Study Modules (SSM) in Forensic Medicine

SSM Title: Forensic Medical Investigation

Organiser: Professor Peter Vanezis

Medical/Subject area: Forensic Medicine

Number of placements per SSM period: Maximum: 20; Minimum: 5

Availability:
SSM1A: Two weeks beginning 18 February 2008 (First year students)
SSM1B: Two weeks beginning 26 May 2008 (First year students)
SSM2A: Two weeks beginning 4 February 2008 (Second year students)
SSM2B: Two weeks beginning 7 April 2008 (Second year students)

Aims: To deliver core knowledge of the principles and practice of forensic medical investigation and its relevance to medical practice in general.

Learning objectives:
To acquire an understanding of:

  • The basics of crime scene investigation
  • The forensic autopsy
  • The clinical forensic examination
  • Medical jurisprudence particularly in relation to the role of the Coroner, and assessment of a case for criminal or civil proceedings
  • How to document different types of injury and prepare a medico-legal report
  • How to analyse relevant historical information and physical findings from case scenarios
  • The relevance of forensic medicine within the wider context of the practice of medicine

Outline of module:
Forensic medicine is a broad discipline which is relevant to all branches of medical practice. The medical practitioner will frequently be called upon, either as a professional or expert witness to give evidence in court based on his/her finding on examination of a patient. The module gives the student an introduction to the discipline and will comprise a variety of activities including visits to outside agencies such as a public mortuary and coroner’s court and a police station. Students will work with forensic case scenarios, attend seminars/lectures and are required to make a presentation.

Facilities available:
Lecture/seminar room facilities in Charterhouse Square.
Practical demonstrations and visits to  public mortuary, coroner’s court and police station.

Location: Cameron Centre for Forensic Medical Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology,  John Vane Science Centre, WHRI, Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6BQ

Teaching and learning

Method of teaching Number of hours
Lectures 5
Problem Based Learning  
Case scenario Literature Research 5
Post mortem demonstration 3
Student presentation of case scenario and discussion 1
Attendance at police station with forensic medical examiner 3
Tutorials  
Laboratory Practical  
Clinical Skills Laboratory  
Ward Round Attendance  
Outpatient Attendance  
Clinical Case Interpretation  
Attendance at Court 3
Total number of hours of teaching:
20

Method of assessment:

  • Report of practical experience based on visits to outside agencies;
    2,000 words (± 10 per cent);
    50 per cent contribution to final mark
  • Case scenario presentation and discussion
    Duration: one hour;
    50 per cent contribution to final mark