Course description
The aim of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the principles of internal, intermediate, external, terminal and wound ballistics and how they are used in forensic investigations.
This short course, which will be taught at MSc standard, is one of the modules that comprise the postgraduate Forensic Modular Masters Programme.
Suitability - Who should attend?
This course will be of interest to graduates and more experienced workers that already have an understanding of firearms and ammunition function who are looking to advance their knowledge in forensic firearms investigations.
You must have completed the Firearms Investigations course in order to take this as a Short Course for Credit or an appropriate degree or relevant work experience with prior knowledge of firearms and ammunition function, and a fundamental understanding of firearms investigations.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you will learn
On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
- Explain the science underpinning internal and intermediate ballistics and the concepts involved in projectile external ballistics
- Describe those factors that affect the relationship between projectile and target
- Demonstrate an understanding of the factors affecting wound ballistics
- Critically assess those factors affecting the performance and ballistics of fragmenting munitions and shotguns
- Recognise and appraise the most common types of weapon failures.
Training Course Content
Core content
- Internal ballistics,
- Intermediate ballistics,
- External ballistics,
- Terminal ballistics,
- Wound ballistics,
- Fragmenting munitions,
- Weapon failures.
Course delivery details
Course structure
The course is run once each year. Each course lasts for 5 days. Lectures, Practical firearms and ammunition examinations, Live firing exercises, Group working and individual assessment.
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Cranfield University
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. We have many world-class, large-scale facilities, including our own global research airport, which offers a unique environment for transformational education...