Crime Scene Lab
News
Innovative new space allows BSU students to return to the scene of the crime
Friday, 14 March, 2025New lab allows BSU students to return to the scene of the crime
A new cutting-edge crime scene lab is set to take BSc Forensic Science and Criminology teaching to the next level. Designed to mimic the scene of a real-life crime, the room features a full-scale mock-up of a living room complete with furniture, decorations, and even realistic blood splatter. This new addition will offer students an invaluable hands-on experience in evidence collection, blood pattern analysis, and DNA testing.
Situated on our Newton Park campus, in the previous Lambing Shed, the lab is equipped to replicate a crime within a living room scene. The design provides students with a hands-on environment to practise critical evidence identification, documentation and recovery techniques. Simulating real life scenarios- including a range of forensic evidence collection and a proper chain of custody procedures- students will gain practical experience in applying standard forensic protocols. Evidence can include, but is not limited to; blood splatter, finger marks, footwear marks, hair, any fibres, and bodily fluids.
The purpose of the lab is to immerse students in a controlled environment where they can apply the techniques and practices they've learned in their degree to solve complex forensic scenarios. The lab's lifelike setup is designed to replicate a variety of crime scene conditions, offering students an opportunity to test their knowledge on real-world evidence collection, processing, and analysis. Inside the scene there lies broken glass, blood splatter and broken furniture.
Georgina Ives, key lecturer in Forensic Science, explains:
“Our new crime scene facility offers an opportunity for Forensic Science and Criminology students to gain genuine, hands-on investigative experience in a safe learning environment. By blending academic instruction with real-world scenario-based training, we’re equipping our graduates with the crucial skills and confidence they need to excel in their future careers.”
This facility will be beneficial for a number of courses and students. Having a purpose built facility where future students can apply and refine their investigative skills firsthand demonstrates our commitment to teaching, innovation, and career readiness. It shows that at BSU, students don’t just learn about forensic science - they actively engage in it.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the university’s BSc Forensic Science and Criminology courses, giving students the tools they need to excel in the growing field of crime scene investigation. The lab is expected to become a central part of the curriculum, providing students with a safe and controlled space to make mistakes, learn from them, and fine-tune their skills.
Faye Vanstone, programme leader and senior lecturer in Criminology says,
"In terms of the crime house for criminology, I'm currently working with the programme leader for forensic science to embed this into our programmes. We're thrilled to have the new space in criminology as it will create important opportunities for students to learn in a new environment and develop important employability skills.”
With crime scene investigation becoming an increasingly popular field of study, this new addition to the curriculum will ensure that graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern forensics world. It’s certainly an exciting step forward for BSU and for the next generation of forensic professionals. Interested in pursuing a science degree? Explore our Forensic Science and Criminology courses here.