The programme that gives viewers unique access to the work of forensic scientists is making a return to our screens.
Forensics: The Real CSI is co-produced by The Open University and the BBC and the series continues with series 2 (episode 7) Killer in the Car Park, which airs Monday December 6 at 9pm on BBC2.
Dr Claire Kotecki, Lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, at the OU, was part of the team that advised the show’s producers, she says anyone thinking about a career in forensics should definitely watch the series:
“The Real CSI opens a window into an investigative world that is so often hidden behind the newspaper headlines. It gives a unique insight into the science behind the investigations and the dedication of the investigators who work in this field.
“Working with the BBC as an academic advisor on this series for the OU has provided a fascinating opportunity to contribute to a programme that has the potential to educate and inspire its viewers, enabling a greater understanding of what it really means to work in this field and the complexities of investigating serious crimes.”
Following a trail of digital evidence
In the forthcoming episode, police respond to a call of a shooting in a car park. As dusk sets in, crime-scene coordinator Simon Flanaghan attends to find a car set back from the road, with multiple bullet holes and two men dead inside.
A specialist ballistics team is called in to establish how many shooters were involved and where the gun was fired from. Meanwhile, homicide detectives from West Midlands Police work to establish a prime suspect and secure warrants to locate and arrest him.
Continuing to investigate the suspect’s movements after the incident, detective Lisa Shepherd follows a trail of digital evidence, trailing the suspected getaway vehicle to a shopping centre in Birmingham.
Digital, DNA and ballistic forensics combine with forensic accounting to paint a detailed picture of the murder and suggest a surprising motive. But will the evidence be enough to bring the killer to justice?
Visit our new Broadcast & Partnerships site where you can find resources and information on topics related to Forensics: The Real CSI, including exclusive interviews with some of the programme’s featured investigators.
All episodes (so far) are available on the BBC iPlayer.
This series is relevant to the following qualifications and modules:
Qualification Pathways:
Q07 Psychology
Q82 Forensic Psychology
F73 MSc Forensic Psychological Studies
T22 Cert HE Psychology
W45 Dip He Psychology
K26 – Postgraduate Certificate in Social and Psychological Inquiry
R58 BSc (Hons) Biology
R59 BSc (Hons) Chemistry
Individual Modules:
S215 Chemistry: essential concepts
S285 Investigative Approaches to Biology and Chemistry
DD102 Introducing the social sciences
DE100 Investigating Psychology 1
DD210 Living Psychology
DE200 Investigating Psychology 2
DD310 Counselling and Forensic Psychology
DE300 Investigating Psychology 2
DD802 Investigating Forensic Psychology
DD803 Psychology: Research and Practice
The series was commissioned for the University by Broadcast and Partnerships. The OU Nominated Academics are Dr Jim Turner (FASS) and Dr Claire Kotecki (STEM) and the Media Fellows are Dr Alison Penn (FASS) and Dr Julia Cooke (STEM).
