Applied Science Learners Turn CSI

Applied Science learners at Solihull Sixth Form College turned into Crime Scene Investigators recently to get hands-on experience of forensics work.

Second year students on the BTEC Extended Diploma Applied Science course have been participating in assessed crime scene investigations at the end of the Autumn Term.

The course requires learners to collect and analyse evidence from a simulated crime scene, including collecting biological evidence (blood, hair, fingerprints, etc), physical evidence (footwear impressions and questioned documents) and chemical evidence. The students first learn about possessing crime scene evidence in order to maintain its integrity. They will later go on to analyse the evidence in a forensic scientist role and finally present their findings as an expert witness in a mock court cross examination.

Assistant Curriculum Leader Laura Whitby commented:

"Our learners did very well with this activity. It is one of the most interesting assessments that the students undertake as part of the BTEC Applied Science course, because it's unlike anything else they do. We try to make it as true to life as possible, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the students to wear and dedicated rooms set up like crime scenes for them to investigate."

19 December 2024