Forensic Science

Forensic Science
Discover how science plays a vital role in solving crimes and delivering justice.

You’ll study areas such as trace evidence, ballistics, and DNA analysis. Alongside this, you’ll train in delivering expert witness testimony and explore the legal and ethical dimensions of your work.

Our course stands out for its unique facilities and hands-on approach. You’ll investigate simulated crime scenes in our dedicated house and vehicles, practise techniques in specialist labs, and access cutting-edge equipment including our VisionX Comparison Microscope. Our experimental ballistics facility will enhance your skills regarding how shooting scenes are investigated and how important ballistic research is undertaken.

With options to take a year in industry, study abroad, or complete an integrated Master’s, you’ll graduate with the scientific and analytical skills to thrive in careers from policing and counter-terrorism to public health and research.

MSci

On this MSci course, you'll also complete your own research project in an area that fascinates you. Under the guidance of a supervisor, you'll explore how to develop an idea into a fully worked-up research proposal.

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Foundation Year

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

• Foundations of Science 1

  Since the dawn of time, humans have explored the natural world that surrounds us. Questions like, “What is life?” and “How did it all begin?” are essential because they intersect with virtually every aspect of human thought and activity, from the search for knowledge and meaning to the practical implications for science, ethics, and society.

  The foundations of biological and chemical sciences are built on a set of fundamental principles and concepts that underpin the structure, behaviour, and interactions of matter and life. These foundations are vital for understanding the complexity of living organisms and the chemical processes that sustain them.

  In this module you’ll be starting from the structure of simple atoms and molecules to the incredible complexity of the human genome. You’ll investigate the building blocks of matter and examine how atoms form complex molecules, which ultimately give rise to living organisms.

• Scientific Methods and Data Handling

  You will ignite your curiosity while gathering critical practical experience, skills and confidence in conducting scientific experiments.

  You will test hypotheses with laboratory classes that investigate the science that surrounds us. You will analyse your own experimental data, develop your numeracy and data handling skills and use appropriate software to draw meaningful conclusions.

  Blending theoretical understanding with practical laboratory investigations, you’ll be equipped with the tools necessary to progress in scientific inquiry and analysis.

• Foundations of Science 2

  In this module, you’ll continue your journey into the foundations of scientific theory and method and find answers to questions like these.

  You will learn the essential proteins and enzymes that exist in everyday life, the metabolic processes that allow us to create energy, and some of the chemistry that underpins these processes such as equilibria, acids and bases. You will deepen your academic knowledge in these areas, and explore the factors that drive chemical and biological processes.

• Scientific Methods and Academic Skills Development

  In this module, you’ll outline the essential steps associated with undertaking scientific research, and consider issues related to the experimental process and statistics.

  You’ll undertake experiments that develop proficiency in collecting, analysing, and interpreting large data sets. You’ll also be able to communicate as a scientist and improve your skills in academic writing and referencing, information retrieval and analysis, and effective presentation.

• Chemical Reactivity and Analysis

  In this module, you’ll begin a journey into the fundamentals of organic and inorganic chemistry, and learn to apply spectroscopic methods in analytical chemistry.

  You’ll examine the different groups of the periodic table, uncovering the unique properties of each element and the fascinating chemistry exhibited by each distinct group. You’ll immerse yourself in the captivating world of organic chemistry and the different molecular classes, functional groups, and key reaction mechanisms that compose this discipline.

  You’ll discover how spectroscopic and analytical techniques are used to identify, analyse, and quantify different substances. You’ll also come to understand how chemistry functions as the central natural science, connecting other fields of knowledge like physics, biosciences, sport sciences, and forensics.

Optional modules may include the following

• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science

• Fundamental Human Biology and Genetics

Please see the course page on our website for module details.

Year 1

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

• Fundamentals of Chemistry

  Embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of matter with our Fundamentals of Chemistry module, designed to ignite your curiosity and lay the foundations for your understanding of the chemical world. Delve into the fundamental principles that govern the behaviour of atoms and molecules, explore the mysteries of chemical reactions, and investigate the endless possibilities that chemistry offers in shaping our world.

• Organic Chemistry 1: Structure and Reactivity

  We'll introduce you to the basics of fundamental organic chemistry, looking at the structures of carbon-based molecules and how they can be put together in millions of different ways. This module equips you with all you need to know about organic chemistry leading into your later studies in Chemistry or Forensic Science, laying the foundations for your degree and your career.

• Introduction to Forensic Science

  In this module, you'll explore how scientific techniques are utilised and applied to gathering and analysing evidence in criminal investigations.

  Gain an insight into how a range of scientific disciplines can be used to uncover mysteries and bring justice to light. You'll consider numerous types of evidence that make up the 'toolkit' of a forensic scientist, and their evidential value. You'll develop an understanding of the role that forensic scientists play in crime scene investigation, the legal process, and crime scene management. Finally, you'll apply best practice to a series of fascinating case studies - gaining a core understanding of the importance of forensic science and the significance it holds in the administration and serving of justice.

• Introduction to Ballistics

  In this module you'll look at how ammunition is constructed, how different classes of firearm function and develop skills in fundamental maths and physics that underpin basic bullet trajectories and impact phenomena. You'll develop a strong understanding in the fundamental principles upon which the field of ballistics relies and begin to apply this knowledge to forensic scenarios involving firearms to uncover truths and trace evidence to solve questions.

• Core Inorganic and Physical Chemistry for Forensic Science

  Inorganic and physical chemistry play a key role in underpinning broad areas of the forensic and analytical sciences, including identification of unknown substances, key biological processes and the chemical analysis of trace evidence. This module provides you with an understanding of the core range of inorganic and physical chemistry that underpins forensic analysis, including the states, stability and reactivity of matter and the patterns amongst the elements across the periodic table that are responsible for properties such as colour. You'll also be equipped with the key mathematical concepts necessary to understand and solve problems in these areas of chemistry and apply this to forensic science to uncover secrets, solve cases and answer questions.

• Practical Skills in Forensic Science 1

  You'll will develop the toolkit of core practical skills that are employed to process an incident scene and prepare for crime scene investigation. Alongside this, you'll work through a range of exciting laboratory sessions to teach you the fundamental chemical techniques that a forensic scientist needs to excel in all areas of the profession, from chemical synthesis to forensic chemical analysis.

  Through hands-on practical sessions, you'll learn the core techniques needed to collect evidence, and begin to develop the problem solving skills needed to identify, interpret and evaluate several evidence types, including firearms ammunition and fingermarks.

Year 2

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

• Analytical Chemistry 1: Methods and Validation

  Analytical chemistry is essential throughout the chemical and forensic world - covering not only how we design experiments to understand the composition of unknown samples, but also how we confirm and quantify results and assign a level of confidence to our findings. This module takes a pragmatic, application-driven approach to sample preparation, analysis, and data validation, providing key foundations for the modern analytical chemist - and the key skills needed for a number of careers in chemical and forensic industries.

• Biochemistry: Biomolecules and Enzymes

  This module introduces you to the key ideas and fundamental molecular components of biochemistry. You'll look at simple biomolecules and non-covalent interactions, building up to biological oligomers before you are introduced to key concepts in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, illustrated with medicinal chemistry case studies. This application of theory into practice through examining case studies prepares you for a career where you can get hands-on and make a real difference.

• Fundamental Forensic Techniques & Archaeology

  You'll look deeply into aspects of physical evidence, practical issues of item examination, legal process and general procedures associated with the collection and submission of a range of forensically-relevant materials. You'll also look at the processes that underpin the recovery of buried remains and how you being to analyse these to build a biological profile. This provides you with a broad understanding of scene and evidence processing to take forward into a future roles in practical forensic science.

• Digital Forensics

  This module introduces you to a broad range of established, and emerging, computer based forensic methods that involve consideration of key digital forensic techniques, use of facial identification, and the construction of facial composites (eFITs) to aid criminal investigations.

  Your awareness of modern digital image processing and photo forensics investigation methods will be developed during this module. You'll develop the ability to appreciate and engage with the current digital revolution and its appropriate application in policing and forensic investigation.

• Forensic Ballistics and Trauma Analysis

  You'll be introduced to a wide range of experimental and theoretical processes that may be undertaken in aid of understanding what happened in a shooting incident. You'll also develop a deep understanding of the science that underpins high energy trauma and how scientists measure and interpret this to draw valid forensic conclusions in the specialist field of wound ballistics. The field of ballistics is used as a shining example of the importance of interdisciplinarity and the role this plays in modern forensic science.

• Practical Skills in Forensic Science 2

  In this practical and laboratory based module, you'll develop advanced scene investigation and evidence collection skills before applying previously developed core chemical and forensic practical skills to broader and more real-life investigative scenarios. This involves consideration ballistic, digital and chemical evidence, using new and complementary analytical tools, techniques and instrumentation. You'll also gain valuable experience in concisely summarising and reporting multiple types of data in styles appropriate to different disciplines within forensic science.

Year 3

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

• Analytical Chemistry 2: Advanced Methods

  This module builds upon your knowledge of fundamental concepts and methods to understand the specificity, advantages and limitations of these more advanced techniques, and explore approaches to best apply them across a broad range of applications. Using this knowledge, you'll strategically choose and expertly apply advanced analytical methods across a range of scenarios explored elsewhere within your course.

• Chemistry for the Analysis of Trace Evidence

  Understanding trace evidence is of fundamental importance to Forensic Science, providing links between people and locations or objects. In this advanced module you will delve into the analytical techniques and chemical principles critical for examining trace materials. From fibres and hair to glass fragments and makeup, you'll uncover the stories hidden in the smallest samples. Through discussion of real-world case studies and studying cutting edge approaches to analysing complex and inconsistent samples, you'll build the expertise to enable you to interpret this vital evidence type.

• Fires and Explosions

  This advanced module develops your understanding of the chemical and physical processes that drive fires and explosions. You'll learn how to identify accelerants, detonators and types of explosives, reconstruct fire scenes and develop insights as to the nature of fires and explosions, allowing you to formulate expert opinions based on your findings. You’ll also learn about how best to apply specialist analytical techniques for the analysis of fire and explosive evidence.

• DNA Analysis & Interpretation

  You'll look at the structure of DNA and the powerful techniques we use to analyse this important evidence type within a forensic context. You'll gain a critical understanding of practical considerations in genetic analysis, the challenges associated with results interpretation and how best to report on complex samples. You'll not only gain mastery of DNA analysis techniques but also investigate profound insights into their application in the captivating field of forensic science, all while exploring the intriguing ethical quandaries connected with deciphering genetic information.

• Forensic Science Research Project

  You'll undertake a comprehensive group research project, selected from a range of forensic science disciplines. You'll gain skills in conducting and directing scientific research, data analysis and interpretation, problem solving and communication of results, culminating in the writing of your dissertation. This isn't just your chance to hone you skills and develop as a forensic scientist, your dissertation itself is a real piece of scientific research you can use to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers following graduation.

• Contemporary Forensic Practice and the Expert Witness

  This module illustrates a range of contemporary topics in forensic science that underpin professional practice for those students wishing to enter the forensic science profession. The module content draws upon guidance published by the UK Forensic Science Regulator, UKAS, ENFSI, CSFS as well as academic and professional commentary, with a particular emphasise on evaluative reporting, case assessment and interpretation (CAI), quality standards, ethics in forensic science and bias.

Year 4 (MSci)

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Compulsory modules currently include the following

• Substances of Abuse

  You'll be immersed in key elements of synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry in the context of different substances of abuse. You'll delve into the theoretical chemistry and principles of analysis and identification for several controlled pharmaceuticals and illegal drugs, taught with legal considerations and interpretations in mind throughout. This understanding of chemistry both scientifically and social will make you a more effective, and more ethical and responsible chemist.

• Forensic Taphonomy

  You are introduced to the field of forensic taphonomy, defined as the study of the degradation and preservation of organic remains. By immersing yourself in this multidisciplinary field you will understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes underpinning the decomposition ecosystem, and how this can be applied to medicolegal death investigations. You'll learn how to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding a person’s death and estimate the time since death (post-mortem interval) using the contemporary research and supporting ethical frameworks associated with this field.

• Modern Approaches to Incident Management

  This module provides a critical approach to the management and investigation processes that relate to a range of forensically-relevant incident types. These may include the planning, management and investigation of civil infrastructure incidents, natural disasters, disaster victim identification (DVI), acts of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) as well as managing forensic resources over a range of major and smaller incidents. You'll participate in real-time group tabletop exercises, managing the response to a series of catastrophic incidents and help you appreciate the challenges practitioners face in making quick and impactful decisions to preserve lives.

• Advanced Practical Skills in Forensic Science

  This module provides you with a series of advanced practical experiences that span across forensic and analytical chemistry, incident scene management and forensic taphonomy to add significant context and experience to your taught module content across the course. You'll develop skills in writing reports for a range of different audiences, an essential skill of any practising forensic scientist - giving you an extra edge in launching your career in forensics.

• Advanced Forensic Science Research Project

  This module gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in cutting-edge independent forensic science research. You'll implement the skills you have learned throughout your degree to plan, conduct and troubleshoot research in your chosen forensic field. You'll learn new analytical and modelling techniques and perform complex data analysis to provide new insight in the forensic sciences, preparing you for roles within industry research and development teams and academic research pathways.

Year Abroad (Optional)

Go Abroad

Taking a year abroad – whether you study at one of our prestigious partner universities or do an internship – is an amazing opportunity.

Any Questions? We have the answers:

• Is there any additional funding for the year abroad?

  You may be able to apply for funding; check with our Go abroad team.

• Do I have to pay tuition fees for the year abroad?

  Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee. Fees for the current year (subject to changes) can be found on our tuition fees website. You don’t pay anything to the host uni.

• Will I still get my maintenance loan?

  Yes.

• When does the year abroad take place?

  Between your second and final year.

• Do I have to learn a foreign language?

  You’re taught in English in many destinations, but you’ll get more out of your year if you learn the local language.

• Does the University keep in touch?

  You have full access to all Kent’s support services as well as our dedicated Go abroad team.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences