Weston College students team up with traffic collison investigators

 

 

NEARLY 30 Weston College forensic science students were put to the test by Traffic Collision Investigators in a simulated hit and run fatal accident on Weston Airfield.

 

Avon and Somerset police officers Police Constables Mark Stedman and Pete Davey watched how second year students collated vital microscopic evidence to track down the 'culprit'.

 

Weston College Forensic Science Lecturer, Jill Gannon, said: "Our Level 3 Diploma students analysed the very realistic scene and carefully collated evidence.

 

"There is a lot of physics in an accident for example – measuring how long it took a car to stop, the way a 'body' is thrown gives the speed of impact, as well as looking for fingerprints, DNA and fibres to find the driver.

 

"It was a great way for students to test their academic knowledge in a very practical way and we are very grateful for the police's help."

 

Forensic science student Lucy Brewer, 23, of Locking Road, added: "I learned lots from the experience about the importance of accuracy and just how Collision Investigators operate."

 

The two-year BTEC Extended Diploma qualification covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as well as Traffic Accident and Fire Scene Investigations.

 

A number of students go on to use Forensic Science to study Anthropology, Criminology, Law and Environmental Sciences at university.

 

For more information on courses at Weston College please call 01934 411 411 or go to www.weston.ac.uk