Forensic Engineering

Subject description

Forensic engineers investigate criminal acts involving mechanical failure. Why did the brakes fail on a car that killed a man's wife? Did railway points fail because of sabotage or bad maintenance? Was a child's fairground death an accident or was it caused by a design fault in the equipment or the carelessness of fairground staff? Why did the foam tiles on the Challenger space shuttle fall off and cause the shuttle to disintegrate when it re-entered the earth's atmosphere?

Forensic engineers work in accident investigation to find out the cause of an accident, who is responsible and how such accidents can be avoided in future. They also investigate and analyse manufacturing processes to prevent component failure, reduce unit costs, increase the life of machinery or improve product quality. They need a thorough knowledge of why materials fail, how loads are applied to structures, how system movement is controlled, how electrical systems operate and how electrical faults occur. They have a good understanding of public safety law and often act as expert witnesses in court, giving scientific and technical evidence. They also have a good understanding of business management principles and are trained to identify new rules and practices to avoid future failures of engineering systems.

Example areas of study

The following is a list of example topic areas which forensic engineering courses could include. It is important to check the focus of the course before you submit your application to make sure that it covers the areas that you are interested in.

• Engineering science
• Engineering mathematics
• Modelling and simulation
• Structure and properties of materials
• Failure of materials, control and systems
• Investigatory techniques
• Degradation and surface engineering
• Environmental monitoring
• Mechanical technology
• The law of evidence and the expert witness
• Civil and criminal law aspects of forensic engineering
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Industrial studies/work placement
• Manufacturing processes
• Degradation and surface engineering
• Accident investigation case study
• Research and analytical methods
• Case studies and projects
• Computing and quantitative analysis
• Laboratory and workshop practical experience
• Forensic science
• Field trips and site visits

Some career possibilities

Forensic engineering graduates are usually employed by insurance companies, government agencies, manufacturing industries and forensic consultancies. Your transferable skills may open opportunities within the police force and forensic teams.

What do I need to get on a course?

The list below will give you and idea of the entry requirements for courses in forensic engineering. Make sure that you check with the institutions themselves before you submit your application to make sure that your predicted grades and qualifications meet the standard required:

• UCAS Tariff: 200 -280 points including a scientific, technical or mathematical subject
• A-levels: BB-BBC including a scientific, technical or mathematical subject
• SQA Advanced Highers: BB - BBC including relevant subjects
• BTEC National Diploma: DMM - DDM in a relevant subject

For your application or interview, evidence of the following could be useful:

• Work experience or work shadowing in a forensic consultancy or engineering firm

To find out more about the typical subjects you will study, potential career paths and further information useful for your application log-on to Course Discover at www.coursediscoveronline.co.uk*

*NB: Your school or college will need a subscription to Course Discover in order for you to gain access, for further information go to:www.coursediscover.co.uk