Forensic Science and Criminology

This course provides you with a strong foundation in the biological and chemical sciences involved in forensics; the latest developments in criminal theory; and how these disciplines come together to support the criminal justice system in the prevention, deterrence and punishment of criminal behaviour. It has been designed to develop your skills in laboratory analysis; the interpretation and evaluation of evidence; and the communication of scientific findings.

Course accreditation/endorsement

This combined course has been awarded ‘Recognition’ by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) so you can be sure its content and teaching are of a high, internationally recognised standard.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Modern STEM building with high-tech labs and bespoke study spaces, providing you with a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

• Mock crime-scene flat designed as a typical residential home, allowing you to simulate crime scenarios and apply your learning to real-life situations.

• Specialist forensic laboratory with state-of-the-art microscopes and insectary.

• Practise for court appearances in the University’s Moot Court.

Career-powered links

Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works with industry professionals across the pharma-biotech, health and food sectors, including Glaxo Smith Kline, the NHS and Cellmark Forensics. Our collaboration within the sector help you establish links and gain valuable work experience.

Your student experience

Our academic team are industry professionals with world-leading research expertise in criminological areas such as community safety, offending and youth justice.

Academics use their experience to shape their teaching, keeping you up to date with the latest industry developments.

Prepare for future employment with our practical-orientated approach to learning, with hands-on laboratory experience and court case simulations.

Explore your prospects and connect with leading employers at our annual STEM Careers Expo.

Gain expert knowledge from our regular workshops held by speakers such as Paul Kingdon, former New Scotland Yard detective and police training manager for the Metropolitan Police Service Crime Academy.

Get a taste of work in the field with night-time mock crime-scene investigations at our Putteridge Bury campus.

Gain additional lab-work experience via the Student Skills Lab scheme where you can test and try out techniques for real-world applications, and practise skills under the guidance of recent graduates.

Course modules

Year 1
Introduction to criminology and criminal justice – Explore the key theories put forward to explain crime, deviance and offending behaviour. Human anatomy and physiology – Explore the interconnected nature of the body’s systems. Molecular genetics – Develop your understanding of this field, with a focus on cell division and genetic inheritance. Chemistry for forensic scientists – Understand chemical principles and their application in forensic science while developing safe, effective lab skills. Skills for forensic scientists – Build a range of key study skills including analysis, presentation of data and basic lab techniques. Evidence examination skills – Gain foundation skills in the lab-based examination of forensic evidence, including fingerprints and footwear.

Year 2
Prisons, probation and offender rehabilitation – Explore how prison works and what it achieves; the role of the probation service; and ways to prevent reoffending. Victims of violent crimes – Gain an understanding of working with and supporting victims of violent crimes, their families and witnesses. Crime and justice: theoretical approaches – Apply your knowledge and learning to real-life crimes. Skills in science – Build confidence in key skills like experimental design, lab safety, data analysis, finding sources and writing proposals. Animals and plants in crime – Focus on the use of biological evidence in forensic investigations. Crimes against property – Practise laboratory techniques commonly associated with evidence recovered from crimes against property. Biology in forensic science – Explore the different types of biological crime-scene evidence and the roles biologists play within an investigation.

You can also choose from two optional units:
•    Crimes of the powerful
•    Cybercrime

Year 3
Changemaker research dissertation (criminology based) or Forensic science research project (lab based) – Plan, design and execute a piece of research into a topic in an area of interest relevant to your field of study.

Urban crime – Understand the local, national and global influences on crime and disorder in urban areas. Forensic analysis – Study the scientific principles and techniques of both DNA and drug analysis including sampling, DNA profiling and data interpretation. Evaluation of forensic evidence – Be able to decide whether data is suitable for casework and explain the scientific results simply and fairly. Suspicious death investigation – How to investigate a suspicious death, using forensic techniques to build a biological profile when the deceased is unknown.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.

https://www.beds.ac.uk/courses/forensic-science-and-criminology/

Assessment is integral in all units to check that you have met the threshold standards expected to pass each unit. They are also linked to learning and are designed to develop and assess key subject specific and transferable skills for future employment. The requirements of each assessment will be detailed in a formal assessment brief document and discussed in teaching sessions.

Formative assessment activities including preparation for the end-of-unit examinations are integral to the unit delivery to support student learning and development. The assessment tasks will include:

• End of unit examination (unseen written or multi-choice examinations)

• Written reports; - Witness statements

• Analytical assignments

• Case study-based learning with written reports or poster presentation of findings

• Record keeping and reflection through laboratory notebook / research diary

• Literature review;

• Enterprise proposal

• Mock court presentation

• Webinar production

• Oral presentation

The commitment to development of practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific report writing is emphasised at all levels of the programme. As such practical (laboratory) reports form a significant proportion of your assessment.

Assessment throughout the later units most notably in the level 6 research project will call upon you to develop abstract writing and journal review skills to promote critical thinking and integration of knowledge across the course units. The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged as some units in level 5 of the award require all students to undertake oral presentations as a part of the unit assessments. This is then continued in level 6 units.