Forensic Science

• Benefit from a team of research-active academics and experts who work at the forefront of the field and who use interactive and practical teaching approaches to bring theory and practice to life

• Gain a specialist degree in a rapidly growing field with a current skills shortage in the marketplace

• Learn how to successfully present your evidence in written format and orally within a mock trial

• Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including a range of laboratories, a dedicated crime scene house and a taphonomic facility with a licence to carry out decomposition studies

Are you a keen scientist with an eye for detail? The latest addition to the University of Winchester’s Forensics’ portfolio is a fascinating degree in the fast-evolving environment of Forensic Science. It joins existing programmes in Forensic Investigation, and Cyber Crime and Forensic Investigation.

Like the other programmes, the Forensic Science degree will offer modules that give you a firm grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of crime scene investigation, evidence analysis and expert witness skills. But in addition, you will be offered specific modules in chemistry, molecular biology and toxicology. The multidisciplinary nature of the subject is further explored through aspects of physics, mathematics and statistics, and you will be exposed to a number of specialist topics, such as anthropology, archaeology, entomology and linguistics.

During your three years studying Forensic Science, you will have the opportunity to attend mock crime scenes, to recover and analyse forensic evidence, and to present your results in a variety of ways, such as expert witness reports and oral and poster presentations. You will encounter a large variety of evidence types and learn from real forensic practitioners how to examine and interpret the evidence.

The programme will include a significant amount of laboratory work in order to ensure you gain competence in the selection and use of a range of methods used in the location, identification, recovery, examination, comparison, extraction and scientific analysis of commonly encountered physical, chemical and biological materials.
Teaching takes place through a variety of methods, including small group seminars, field work and laboratory practicals. You will gain valuable practical skills and develop your independent thinking by working under crime scene conditions and undertaking evidence collection using the universities facilities such as new laboratory, taphonomic facility and a dedicated crime scene house.

In Year 1, you study key issues in forensic investigation and begin to develop your own research and analytical skills. Core modules include History of Forensic Science, Introduction to Forensic Evidence, Non-Biological Evidence, Biological Evidence, Contemporary Issues, Introduction to Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Academic and Employment Skills.

In Year 2, you explore modules on Forensic Medicine, Research Methods, Practical Skills, Forensic DNA Evidence, Forensic Ecology, Geoforensics and Forensic Toxicology.

In your final year, you will study modules in Crime Scene Investigation and Court Room Skills, and carry out an extended research project of your own design. This enables you to specialise in your chosen field of research, under the guidance of your supervisor.

Some optional modules are available in Years 2 and 3, depending on your own interests. These may include Case Investigation and Review, Fakes and Forgeries, Volunteering, Document Analysis, Forensic Linguistics and Advanced Forensic Examination.

Key transferable skills are gained throughout the course, which are important for employability and those entering further education. These include the ability to communicate findings through oral and poster presentations, to write detailed and clear laboratory logs and expert witness reports, and to present evidence orally under cross-examination.