Forensic Science with Integrated Master's - MSci

• Skills and Practice in Forensic Science Project in English (annual module – part 1)
  This module includes: scientific writing and study skills for forensics; investigative skills (literature search, review, and referencing); principles and regulations of forensic practice – codes, standards and accreditation; chain of custody and preservation of exhibits integrity; personal protective equipment and infection prevention protocols; basic laboratory techniques and practical skills in crime scene investigation; analysis, interpretation and presentation of criminal investigation data; integration of forensic practice with criminal law; quality management and international standards in the forensic field; development of personal skills portfolio and professional note-taking
• Forensic Chemistry and Analysis: Molecules under investigation (annual course – part 1)
  This module includes: basic principles of atomic and molecular structure, and chemical bonding; thermochemistry and kinetics with forensic applications (chain reactions, explosives, combustion); organic and inorganic compounds and their forensic applications (glass, cement, polymers, drugs, DNA); qualitative and quantitative forensic analysis of organic and inorganic substances; separation and sample preparation techniques; fundamentals of polarizing microscopy and microspectroscopy, spectroscopy techniques (IR, UV-Vis, AA, ICP, Fluorescence, Raman) and their applications; principles of chromatography methods (TLC); statistical methods and data analysis in forensic contexts; and laboratory documentation, reporting and results communication skills
• Forensic Identification and Investigation: From Evidence to DNA (annual course – part 1)
  This module includes: introduction to forensic science and its historical development; main types of biological evidence and their forensic significance; use of biological molecules for individual identification; basic principles of inheritance and application of genetic markers; forensic microscopy and laboratory techniques (fingerprinting, blood grouping, electrophoresis, DNA analysis); role of the coroner and presentation of evidence in court; crime scene management and investigation; applications of forensic science within the legal system; forensic data analysis and interpretation; and development of skills for recording, reporting, and presenting results
  
• Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
  This module includes: scientific principles of forensic science and their application to physical evidence; blood dynamics and spatter analysis; forensic imaging and trace evidence amplification; impression evidence analysis and interpretation (including fingerprints, footwear impressions, and footprints); techniques relevant to crime scene investigation; introduction to forensic photography; design and organisation of experiments in relation to forensic cases; analysis and presentation of experimental data; and development of skills for accurate recording, reporting, and communication of results to specialised audiences.

• Skills and Practice in Forensic Science (annual module – part 2)
  This module includes: scientific writing and study skills for forensics; investigative skills (literature search, review, and referencing); principles and regulations of forensic practice – codes, standards and accreditation; chain of custody and preservation of exhibits integrity; personal protective equipment and infection prevention protocols; basic laboratory techniques and practical skills in crime scene investigation; analysis, interpretation and presentation of criminal investigation data; integration of forensic practice with criminal law; quality management and international standards in the forensic field; development of personal skills portfolio and professional note-taking
  
• Forensic Chemistry and Analysis: Molecules under investigation (annual course – part 2)
  This module includes: basic principles of atomic and molecular structure, and chemical bonding; thermochemistry and kinetics with forensic applications (chain reactions, explosives, combustion); organic and inorganic compounds and their forensic applications (glass, cement, polymers, drugs, DNA); qualitative and quantitative forensic analysis of organic and inorganic substances; separation and sample preparation techniques; fundamentals of polarizing microscopy and microspectroscopy, spectroscopy techniques (IR, UV-Vis, AA, ICP, Fluorescence, Raman) and their applications; principles of chromatography methods (TLC); statistical methods and data analysis in forensic contexts; and laboratory documentation, reporting and results communication skills
  
• Forensic Identification and Investigation: From Evidence to DNA (annual module – part 2)
  This module includes: introduction to forensic science and its historical development; main types of biological evidence and their forensic significance; use of biological molecules for individual identification; basic principles of inheritance and application of genetic markers; forensic microscopy and laboratory techniques (fingerprinting, blood grouping, electrophoresis, DNA analysis); role of the coroner and presentation of evidence in court; crime scene management and investigation; applications of forensic science within the legal system; forensic data analysis and interpretation; and development of skills for recording, reporting, and presenting results
  
• Criminal Justice: Process, Policy, Practice
  This module includes: concept and definition of criminal justice; historical development and evolution of the criminal justice system; organisations and institutions involved in criminal justice (police, courts, prisons, and surveillance services); roles and responsibilities of institutional and non-institutional bodies; victimisation, harm, and public protection; the justice process and foundation of guilt; punishment and alternative non-custodial measures; policies and practices of criminal justice within social and economic contexts; comparative and sociological approaches to criminal justice; and the relationship between crime, victimisation, and social divisions

Compulsory Modules

• Genetics in Forensic Science: DNA and crime
  This module includes: nucleic acid hybridisation and its applications, polymerase chain reaction (PCR); DNA sequencing and DNA profiling in forensic science; low-template DNA (LTDNA) typing – advantages and limitations; population genetics and profiling; DNA sources – collection, storage and analysis with emphasis on infection avoidance; polymorphism types and DNA genealogy markers; presentation of DNA evidence in court; laboratory techniques (DNA gel electrophoresis, PCR); applied case studies and cross-examination exercises
  
• Chemical Analysis and Detection
  This module includes: quantitative data analysis and processing; principles of elemental analysis and mass spectrometry; spectroscopic techniques and their capabilities in the analysis of composite samples; chromatographic methods (gas and liquid) and their applications in forensic contexts; combined use of spectroscopy and chromatography for material characterisation; analysis of unknown samples using GC-MS; quality assurance and regulatory standards in forensic laboratories; evaluation and critical appraisal of scientific literature; and reporting and presentation of forensic analytical research results
  
• Policing and Law Enforcement
  This module includes: concepts and definitions of policing and the police; historical evolution and development of policing; modern organisation of public police services in Greece and internationally; police culture and professional identities; policing strategies, approaches, and methods; police powers and accountability mechanisms; policing in multicultural and socially unequal contexts; pluralism in the provision of policing; transnational cooperation in policing; and future prospects for policing and law enforcement
  
• Justice and Crime
  This module includes: qualitative and quantitative research methods in forensic science; design and development of research projects; formulation of research questions and selection of appropriate research strategies; theoretical approaches and theory-methods relationship in forensic research; practical aspects of conducting qualitative and quantitative research; ethical issues and conduct in forensic research; analysis of different types of data and critical evaluation of results, and application of social research to forensic issues

Specialisation Module: Forensic Graphology

• Forgeries, Counterfeiting, and Imitations
  This module includes: theory and practice of forensic analysis of forged documents, counterfeit items, and imitations; security of documents and cultural heritage; identity verification; analysis of counterfeit medicines and food products; chemical and physicochemical examination of materials (inks, paper, pharmaceutical and food samples); development of skills for recording, reporting, and writing forensic reports
  
• Digital Forensics
  This module includes: basic principles of digital forensic research; collection and management of digital evidence; laboratories and data analysis tools; operating systems (Windows, Linux, iOS); mobile devices networks, multimedia, social media and the internet; ISO 17025 standards and accreditation procedures; applications of digital forensics in the legal framework

Specialisation Module: Environmental Forensics

• Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis (annual module – part 1)
  This module includes: post-mortem decomposition process and post-mortem estimate of time of death; environmental and human factors affecting decomposition; analysis of skeletal remains for age, sex, stature and origin; skeletal morphology and dental anthropology for biological profile; trauma localisation and identification (antemortem, perimortem, post-mortem); forensic entomology and use of insects in determining time of death; methodologies for searching and retrieving human remains (scattered or buried), skeleton identification and bone aspect; role and practices of forensic anthropologist on site and in the morgue

Compulsory Modules

• Crime Scene : Blood, Marks and Fingerprints
  This module includes: blood dynamics and spatter analysis; forensic imaging and its applications; chemical and physical enhancement of trace evidence and impressions (fingerprints, footwear, impressions); techniques of analysis and interpretation of fingerprints in different forensic contexts; introduction to forensic photography; development of laboratory skills and numerical methods for data analysis; design and execution of experiments related to forensic hypotheses; application of theoretical principles to practical crime scene investigation.
• Drugs and Substance Abuse
  This module includes: legal framework and European legislation on drugs and alcohol; controlled and illegal drugs – structure, properties, effects and uses; basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacodynamics; mode of action and metabolism of drugs; practical methods of drug identification and characterisation; presumptive tests and spectroscopic techniques for sample analysis; laboratory identification of drugs and alcohol in biological samples; analysis and interpretation of data in a forensic context; preparation and presentation of professional expert reports

Specialisation Module: Environmental Forensics

• Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis (annual module – part 2)
  This module includes: post-mortem decomposition process and post-mortem estimate of time of death; environmental and human factors affecting decomposition; analysis of skeletal remains for age, sex, stature and origin; skeletal morphology and dental anthropology for biological profile; trauma localisation and identification (antemortem, perimortem, post-mortem); forensic entomology and use of insects in determining time of death; methodologies for searching and retrieving human remains (scattered or buried), skeleton identification and bone aspect; role and practices of forensic anthropologist on site and in the morgue

Compulsory Modules

• From the Crime Scene to the Court (Evidence Interpretation, Evaluation & Presentation) – annual module (part 1)
  This module includes: fundamental role of the crime scene in the forensic and legal process; evidence recovery and management – including control, continuity, contamination prevention, and quality assurance; experiment design and application of analytical techniques; interpretation and evaluation of forensic data using statistical methods and databases (including Bayesian approaches); preparation of professional forensic reports; development of oral presentation skills for courtroom settings; training expert witnesses and defending scientific conclusions in a simulated judicial scenario
• Evidence of Explosive Materials and Arson
  This module includes: chemical and physical properties of explosive materials; classification of explosives and functional groups; thermochemistry of explosives and their decomposition products; improvised explosive devices and scene investigation; analysis of explosives and post-blast residues; principles of combustion and fire dynamics; investigation of arson scenes and evidence analysis; detection and characterization of ignitable liquids; strategies for collecting and presenting fire-related evidence; logical interpretation of scientific findings; application of probability and Bayesian reasoning to forensic evaluation; presentation of scientific conclusions and addressing misconceptions in court

Specialisation Module: Forensic Graphology

• Research Paper in Forensic Science (annual module – part 1)
  This module includes: search and critical appraisal of research literature; analysis of strengths and limitations of contemporary issues in forensic science; assessment of the significance of forensic research for the discipline and society; development of scientific writing skills for journal articles; techniques for designing and website development to present research content; effective communication of scientific results to diverse audiences; writing and delivering a literature review; enhancement of independent research capabilities and scientific presentation skills
  
• Forensic Evidence Assessments (Marks and Traces)
  This module includes: documentation, photographic recording, and handling of forensic evidence; advanced techniques for trace evidence examination; professional and ethical standards in sample collection and analysis; presentation and critical communication of findings within a laboratory context

Specialisation Module: Environmental Forensics

• Advanced Biology in Forensic Science
  This module includes: forensic entomology and its applications; handling and analysis of soft tissue remains in a forensic context; professional and ethical considerations in biological forensic research; forensic odontology and examination of dental evidence; the role of the forensic dental anthropologist; advanced applications of forensic DNA analysis; collection and analysis of biological forensic data in a laboratory setting; development of interdisciplinary skills for terrestrial and aquatic forensic investigations; preparation and critical evaluation of forensic reports
  
• Research Paper in Forensic Science (annual module – part 1)
  This module includes: search and critical appraisal of research literature; analysis of strengths and limitations of contemporary issues in forensic science; assessment of the significance of forensic research for the discipline and society; development of scientific writing skills for journal articles; techniques for designing and website development to present research content; effective communication of scientific results to diverse audiences; writing and delivering a literature review; enhancement of independent research capabilities and scientific presentation skills

Compulsory Modules

• From the Crime Scene to the Court (Evidence Interpretation, Evaluation & Presentation) – annual module (part 2)
  This module includes: fundamental role of the crime scene in the forensic and legal process; evidence recovery and management – including control, continuity, contamination prevention, and quality assurance; experiment design and application of analytical techniques; interpretation and evaluation of forensic data using statistical methods and databases (including Bayesian approaches); preparation of professional forensic reports; development of oral presentation skills for courtroom settings; training expert witnesses and defending scientific conclusions in a simulated judicial scenario
• Research Paper in Forensic Science (annual module – part 2)
  This module includes: search and critical appraisal of research literature; analysis of strengths and limitations of contemporary issues in forensic science; assessment of the significance of forensic research for the discipline and society; development of scientific writing skills for journal articles; techniques for designing and website development to present research content; effective communication of scientific results to diverse audiences; writing and delivering a literature review; enhancement of independent research capabilities and scientific presentation skills
• Forensic Toxicology
  This module includes: fundamental principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics (ADME); introduction to forensic toxicology and its areas of application; analytical techniques (immunoassays, dash techniques, isotope ratios); legal aspects of toxicology and the role of the forensic analyst in the judicial process; autopsy and post-mortem procedures; sampling and quality assurance in the analysis of biological specimens; study of poisons and toxins (drugs, alcohol, metals, volatile compounds, natural toxins); interpretation and evaluation of toxicological data; application of case studies to real-world forensic scenarios

Specialisation Module: Forensic Graphology

• Migration, Crime, and Security
  This module includes: migratory flows and their social implications; forensic science and society; critical appraisal of research literature; methodologies for review and scholarly writing; techniques for developing scientific articles and research-focused web content; development of scientific communication skills

Specialisation Module: Environmental Forensics

• Environmental and Wildlife Forensics
  This module includes: theoretical foundations of environmental forensics; environmental and wildlife crimes at national and international levels; methods and procedures for investigating environmental and wildlife crimes; application of forensic science in legal investigations of environmental offences; case studies and theoretical approaches; practical field and laboratory exercises for environmental/wildlife trace evidence; data processing and visualization, group and individual reporting of results.

Compulsory Modules

• Investigative Skills in Forensic Science
  This module includes: analysis and interpretation of forensic data; statistical methodologies and assessment of their application; critical appraisal of research literature; development of research proposals and project design; digital imaging and graphic techniques for scientific presentation; practical experience in conducting research under supervision; preparation for dissertation work; systematic understanding of contemporary methodologies in forensic research
• Dissertation (annual module – part 1)
  This module includes: selection and definition of a research topic; critical review and evaluation of relevant literature; design of a research proposal and methodology; experimental work and data analysis; assessment and application of research methods; writing and presentation of research findings; development of self-management and independent research skills; oral defence of scientific work; preparation and submission of a complete dissertation

Specialisation Module: Forensic Graphology

• Advanced Professional Skills (annual module – part 1)
  This module includes: bias in forensic analysis and strategies for its mitigation; preparation of professional forensic reports; expert testimony in court; collection and examination of documents and manuscripts; analysis of inks and security features using filtered light; microscopic examination of documents; evaluation of digitally recorded signatures and non-original documents; influence of automated writing systems and robotics; application of inference scales in forensic handwriting analysis; specialised technical and non-invasive methods (UV, IR, ESDA) for detecting and analysing altered documents

Specialisation Module: Environmental Forensics

• Forensic Anthropology: Complex Crime Scenes, Recovery and Analysis
  This module includes: advanced osteology and human skeletal analysis; differentiation between human and non-human remains; critical evaluation of forensic anthropology methods and ethical considerations; comparison of traditional and digital analysis techniques; diagnosis and interpretation of ante-mortem conditions and trauma; application of environmental indicators (botany, diatoms, entomology, animal traces); search and recovery of buried remains; practical experience in tomb excavation and virtual anthropological analysis.

Compulsory Modules

• Dissertation (annual module – part 2)
  This module includes: selection and definition of a research topic; critical review and evaluation of relevant literature; design of a research proposal and methodology; experimental work and data analysis; assessment and application of research methods; writing and presentation of research findings; development of self-management and independent research skills; oral defence of scientific work; preparation and submission of a complete dissertation
• Crime Investigation: From the Crime Scene to the Trial
  This module includes: crime scene assessment and management; probative value and forensic reporting; legal framework and admissibility of evidence; logical assessment based on evidence type; preparation and delivery of report to court; role and ethics of expert witness, pre-trial procedures and case studies to present and defend scientific findings

Specialisation Module: Forensic Graphology

• Advanced Professional Skills (annual module – part 2)
  This module includes: bias in forensic analysis and strategies for its mitigation; preparation of professional forensic reports; expert testimony in court; collection and examination of documents and manuscripts; analysis of inks and security features using filtered light; microscopic examination of documents; evaluation of digitally recorded signatures and non-original documents; influence of automated writing systems and robotics; application of inference scales in forensic handwriting analysis; specialised technical and non-invasive methods (UV, IR, ESDA) for detecting and analysing altered documents

Specialisation Module: Environmental Forensics

• Chemical Analysis in Forensic Science: Methodology and Assessment
  This module includes: modern analytical techniques in forensic chemistry; calibration and use of standardised analytical instruments; sample preparation and laboratory measurements; data analysis and inference; strategies for the identification of unknown compounds in complex mixtures; application and limitations of cutting-edge methodologies in forensic analysis