DMU Forensics: Tripartite Experiential Learning from Crime Scene to Court

Experiential learning is at the heart of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredited BSc (Hons) Forensic Science undergraduate degree at De Montfort University. The course accreditation requirements are aligned to key stages within the Criminal Justice System: Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Laboratory Analysis and the Evaluation, Interpretation and Presentation of Evidence at Court. At DMU, we implement a Tri-modal approach for the student active learning experience: physical (utilising on campus facilities such as the crime scene house and non-residential space, industry specification laboratory facilities and court rooms), integrating contextual information provided by academic colleagues from our practitioner casework experience, with the virtual world (embracing innovative and immersive technologies). This is a transformative heutagogy, integrating professional expectations with essential employability skills, via co-creation, object, active and problem-based learning. This novel approach will be of interest to courses across DMU and will demonstrated the paramount importance of experiential learning in enhancing the student experience.