Forensic Science

Why study this course?

Skilled forensic scientists are able to form an unbiased, technical understanding of any crime scene and defend their findings in court. On this fascinating degree course, you'll develop your analytical skills through problem solving exercises and hands-on lab work. You'll examine applications of bio-analysis in the modern world, such as poison and drug analysis, fingerprints and DNA profiling.

In the most recent (2015-16) Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

More about this course

This degree will prepare you to meet the growing demand for analytical expertise as you learn to tackle the problems encountered in forensic science. You’ll gain a solid foundation in general subjects that underpin forensic science including chemistry, molecular and cell biology, and genetics.

You'll carry out a range of biological, chemical and criminalistic procedures in a safe, competent and reliable way, and get the chance to put your skills to the test with hands-on laboratory sessions taught in our £30 million Science Centre. You’ll find yourself interpreting blood patterns, processing crime scenes, identifying firearms and tracing evidence.

Your normal lectures will be supported by guest lectures led by specialist practitioners from a variety of forensic science disciplines. Not only will you gain valuable insight into today’s industry, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with potential employers, colleagues and mentors.

What our students say

"I felt the course in general was very informative and very detailed. The lecturers were able to answer questions and relate to their work experience on the field. The library facilities along with the late opening hours were excellent. I also found that the online access to journals and library catalogues was very helpful."
National Student Survey (NSS) 2016

Course Modules

Module details below are subject to change. Please see the university website course page for full module details.
Year 1 modules include:

Professional Studies (core, 15 credits);
Anatomy and Physiology 1 (core, 15 credits);
Anatomy and Physiology 2 (core, 15 credits);
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits);
Cell Biology (core, 15 credits);
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits);
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits);
General Microbiology (core, 15 credits)

Year 2 modules include:

Criminalistics 1 (core, 15 credits);
Criminalistics 2 (core, 15 credits);
Quantitative Analysis (core, 5 credits);
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits);
Human Immunity (core, 15 credits);
Spectroscopic methods (core, 15 credits);
Microbiology (core, 15 credits)

Year 3 modules include:

Project (core, 30 credits);
Toxicology (core, 15 credits);
Inference for Biological Remains (core, 30 credits);
Biochemical Pathology (core, 15 credits);
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (core, 15 credits);
Medical Genetics (option, 15 credits);
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits);
Virology (option, 15 credits);
Applied Immunology (option, 15 credits)