This module can be taken as a Short Course for Credit or a Standalone Short Course.

Please go to the 'Upgrade to a professional qualification' section for more information.

Electives may not run if there is limited student uptake. However, alternatives will be offered.

Understand the nature of different weapon types used in criminal activity. Evaluate the construction of improvised weapons and their wounding potential in real life scenarios.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 10 - 14 Feb 2025
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£2,350 - Short Course for Credit fee 

    £2,100 - Standalone Short Course fee  Concessions available

What you will learn

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  • Analyse wounding patterns by individual weapons
  • Assess Trauma patterns in soft tissue and bone
  • Evaluate the construction of improvised weapons used in criminal activity
  • Identify and discuss the suitability of tissue simulants.
  • Identify weapon type by wounding patterns
  • Analysis of key response markers in non-biological materials.

Core content

  • Discuss and evaluate commonly used weapons by examining case studies.
  • Blunt Trauma and the biomechanics of tissue damage
  • The effect of body armour on wounding potential of weapons
  • Use and interpretation of wounding data.
  • Microscopy and micro CT analysis
  • Practical use of stab/slash/blunt trauma rigs to examine the effect of a variety of weapons.
  • Use of tissue simulants
  • Weapon identification from wounding patterns in historical cases

Upgrade to a professional qualification

After successful completion of this course 10 credits can be put towards the following courses

  • Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc
  • Forensic Ballistics MSc
  • Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation MSc
  • Forensic Investigation MSc 


Accreditation

The course is a module of the Forensic Modular Masters Programme, which is accredited by  

Speakers

 



Concessions

Concessions are available for Cranfield alumni and multiple bookings from the same organisation, please contact us to discuss.

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found . 

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Location address

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.