The document discusses a massive open online course (MOOC) on Introduction to Forensic Science created by the University of Strathclyde. It was the most successful MOOC on the Future Learn platform to date. The MOOC used a narrative element of a murder mystery case study called "Murder by the Loch" to teach forensic science concepts over its six-week duration. It covered topics like fingerprints, DNA, toolmarks, drugs, and the trial process. The production required significant resources of time and funding. Developing the course content and platform also presented challenges.

1. Murder mysteries and MOOCs
Professor Jim Fraser
Centre for Forensic Science
University of Strathclyde

2. Introduction to Forensic Science
• First MOOC run by University of Strathclyde
• Partnered by Future Learn
• Most successful of Future Learn’s MOOCs to date
• High Quality production
• Highly experienced scientific and learning team
• Crime scene to court – strong narrative element

3. Introductory
video
Update on
case
Quiz
Themed
Discussions
Subject
specific
material
Activity
Week
1
TOPIC

4. Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Course structure – Telling the Story
Introduction Fingerprints DNA Toolmarks Drugs Trial
Google Poll
Hangout
Activity
Google
Hangout
Activity
Poll
Activity
Poll
Google
Hangout
The Case Study - Murder by the Loch

5. Reflections
• Resources: time, funding
• Content, selection, editing, scripts
• Developing platform
• Last minute changes – knock on effects
• Unanticipated demands – emails, exam
• (New) technologies