Forensic Science and Pathology in Scottish Literature and Film

Discover how stories shape what we think about forensic science and pathology.

This taster course looks at the representation of forensic work in literature, film and media, focusing on narratives with strong ties to Edinburgh. It offers an introduction into the world of forensic science and pathology, exploring how writers and filmmakers rework forensic facts into compelling stories in Scottish crime fiction and media.

This short taster course is running as part of EMS300 – a year-long programme of events and activities that mark 300 years of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. 

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Discuss the main principles of forensic science and pathology
• Describe how forensic science and pathology are represented in literature, film and TV series (based on selected examples)
• Recognise how forensic science and pathology affect the fiction and discuss whether the fiction influences the criminal casework

This course is designed for anyone interested in crime fiction, and forensic science and pathology. The course is run in collaboration with Forensic Pathology at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. It includes discussions and depictions of violence and forensic pathology, which some may find distressing.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.  

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.