Gabriel Weston firing an old style Webley revolver. This make of gun was central to the shooting of a police officer in 1927. This case gave birth to the science of ballistics.
Instruments of Murder - About the episode
In the final episode of Catching History's Criminals: The Forensics Story we look at four weapons that are used to kill but not all of them are obvious. Poison and the case of Marie Lafarge 1840, ballistics and the jockey cap killer of PC Gutteridge 1927. We also examine how the rule book for fire investigation had to be re written after the suspected arson case of Gerald Lewis in Florida 1990. Finally the stabbing of Joan Pearl Wolfe at the hands of her soldier boyfriend in 1943. We look at how examination of the marks left behind on the body identified the knife used in the attack and led directly to the killer.
This episode guide is for the OU/BBC series Catching History's Criminals: The Forensics Story. To find out more about the programmes and forensics go to the main series page.
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Hat makers, Greek gods and the great poisoners
Ever wondered where the phrase 'as mad as a hatter' came from? We take a look at some infamous cases of poisoning.
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Perilous past-time of poison
We look back on the perilous pastime of poison and the evil ways the convicted have tried to hide their wares.
Read nowPerilous past-time of poisonLevel: 1 Introductory
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Test kits for water analysis
This free course, Test kits for water analysis, steps outside the laboratory to look at some examples of analytical procedures being carried out in the field using commercial test kits. These quick tests provide results on-site, extending the options available to analysts. The methods used are chemical or microbiological in nature, made portable by microelectronics.
Learn moreTest kits for water analysisLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Molecular Science: Spectrometry
Chemistry is of enormous importance in everyday life: almost everything that exists, and all that we see, make and eat is composed of molecules. The unravelling of molecular structure is a key activity of chemists. In these three video tracks, Dr Mike Bullivant looks briefly at three of the spectroscopic techniques that are used to determine the structure of chemical compounds - infrared spectroscopy, proton (1H) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. This material is taken from The Open University course S205 The molecular world.
Listen nowMolecular Science: SpectrometryLevel: 1 Introductory
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Sniffing out disease
Waving a tricorder in the air to tell what was wrong with a patient might be science fiction, but Dr Claire Turner believes we are moving one small step towards that.
Read nowSniffing out diseaseLevel: 1 Introductory
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Analytical science: Secrets of the Mary Rose
This free course, Analytical science: Secrets of the Mary Rose, teaches you about the analytical techniques that are used in the research and investigation of historical objects using the case study of the Mary Rose. It covers the use of sonar to locate shipwrecks, and the analysis of the artefacts found on the ship, and the crew and their remains.
Learn moreAnalytical science: Secrets of the Mary RoseLevel: 2 Intermediate
Get closer to the subject: Try a free OpenLearn course
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Forensic science and fingerprints
This free course, Forensic science and fingerprints, covers how science can make fingerprints easier to study, how they are used in court and some of the questions about the extent to which fingerprint identification is sound and scientific. Students will learn the principles used in classifying and matching fingerprints (often called marks).
Learn moreForensic science and fingerprintsLevel: 1 Introductory
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BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences
This degree is ideal if you're keen to study a specific area of science, or interested in studying across the scientific disciplines. Many of the challenges facing society today will involve a cross-disciplinary approach and this degree provides you with the opportunity to explore a range of sciences. It starts with a wide-ranging introduction to highly topical areas of modern science, giving you a good grounding in each before specialising. You can then continue with a broad-based approach, where you select modules in areas of interest to you. Or choose one of six specialist routes: astronomy and planetary science; biology; chemistry; earth sciences; environmental science; or physics. Your choice of specialism will be included in the name of your degree, for example, BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Chemistry).
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BSc (Honours) Criminology and Psychological Studies
Why does crime occur? What makes people do harm to others? The BSc (Honours) Criminology and Psychological Studies explores a range of fascinating issues to do with crime, criminal justice and psychology – including antisocial behaviour, surveillance, security, social justice, social welfare and environmental degradation. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of a range of broader psychological and criminological theories and topics, such as how the mind works and the relationship between social welfare and crime control. As well as grasping the complex issues behind so many headlines, TV programmes and political debates, you’ll learn how to construct and analyse arguments; think critically about published work across a range of sources; understand and analyse statistical information; and apply concepts and ideas to the real world. You’ll have your own specialist, subject-based academic support as well as opportunities to join in online communities of other social sciences students for teaching, learning and peer support.
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BSc (Honours) Environmental Science
This interdisciplinary degree combines aspects of biology, ecology, geography, chemistry, technology and social science to help you understand the whole picture. This course will develop the scientific and technical knowledge and skills required to investigate ecosystems; to understand fundamental environmental patterns and processes; and to address local and global environmental issues. You'll study the problems we face in understanding our natural environment and living sustainably.
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