Role
Principal Lecturer
David Butler is Programme Leader for the Forensic Science cluster of degree programmes and has led the forensic teaching team through the successful accreditation of the degree programmes. The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Physical) programmes are accredited by the Forensic Science Society in all three component standards:
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Laboratory Skills
- The Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence.
David teaches on:
- Ballistics and Firearms
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Photography and Forensic Image Processing
- Criminalistics
- Introduction to Forensic Science.
Career overview
David previously worked at the University of Lincoln and was member of the team that developed the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree programme for delivery in 2000. Whilst at the University of Lincoln, David was a consultant to The Police Standards Unit, The Home Office, on the forensic performance of UK police forces. In particular David works very closely with the Scientific Support sections at Nottinghamshire Police and Derbyshire Constabulary.
David joined Nottingham Trent University as a Principal Lecturer in Forensic Science in October 2004.
Research areas
David's research interests include:
- Ballistics and Firearms
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Fingerprint Science
- DNA Profiling
- Heavy Metal Accumulation in Ancient Human Remains.
He would welcome approaches from students interested in Ballistics and Firearms, Fingerprint Science and Crime Scene Investigation.
David has previously been part of a team which supervised three PhD students are working on Gunshot Residue Analysis, DNA Profiling and the Characterisation of Fingerprint Residues*
* This is project at the University of Lincoln in partnership with the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.
Opportunities to carry out postgraduate research towards an MPhil/PhD exist in the School of Science and Technology and further information may be obtained from the NTU Graduate School.
External activity
David is External Examiner for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree programme at the University of the West of Scotland. He is also the External Advisor for the Forensic Science course at the Open University.
Sponsors and collaborators
Recent research has been conducted with the collaboration, funding and / or support of the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.
Recent projects:
- Gunshot Residue Analysis – supported by Nottingham Trent University PhD Studentship
- Characterisation of Fingerprints residues – supported by the Home Office Scientific Development Branch and the University of Lincoln.