Forensic Science

OVERVIEW

Kick-start your career in the criminal justice system with UWS’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme. You’ll develop expertise in crime scene examination and the scientific examination of recovered materials. This will prepare you for life as a forensic scientist capable of using the latest chemical and biological techniques to analyse materials such as drugs, toxicology samples, trace evidence, DNA and ignitable liquids.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• This programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to work as a forensic scientist in a lab or crime scene.
• You’ll work with simulated crime scenes to identify, record and collect evidence in a realistic manner.
• Learning is consolidated through site visits, workshops, role-play and presentations.
• Guest lectures from industry professionals, industry-based projects and work placements will increase your employability.
• This programme is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
• Upon completion of this degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC).

PROGRAMME DETAILS

This programme will provide you with a practical understanding of the techniques used in Forensic Science, which are also used widely in all areas of analytical
science.The chance to present evidence in mock court scenarios and group projects will help you develop the presentational, time management and IT skills sought after by employers.
As a graduate of UWS’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Science programme, not only are you equipped with the specific knowledge and skills associated with forensic science and the wider scientific community, but key transferable skills required by employers.

CAREERS

As a BSc (Hons) Forensic Science graduate, you’ll have expertise in both chemistry and biology – making you suitable for further academic study or employment in fields including pharmaceutical research, environmental protection, distilling and brewing, chemical analysis and policing. Recent UWS graduates have secured roles, including:
• Crime scene examiner
• Environmental forensic scientist
• Counterfeit whiskey investigator
• Pharmaceutical researcher
• Alzheimer’s disease researcher

Year 1
Your first year covers fundamental chemistry and bioscience including the development of laboratory skills. You will also cover core forensic science and data analysis. Forensic topics introduced include drink driving, drugs, fingerprint development, explosions and crime scene investigation. Laboratory work is an important part of your studies, practical exercises include drug chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, biochemical tests, forensic anthropology, fingerprint development and CSI.
Other activities will develop transferable skills, these include writing a report on a high-profile case, making a poster presentation, participating in a mock court and giving a presentation on a crime scene.Learning and teaching will involve scheduled lectures, workshops, laboratory classes as well as independent study.
Year 2
In year 2 core chemistry modules are studied, building knowledge and practical skills in organic, physical and analytical chemistry. Classical and molecular genetics are studied along with a genetics laboratory. Crime scene investigation is studied along with the use of probability and statistics to evaluate forensic evidence.Practical skills are key for careers in forensic science and they are further developed in all modules. There is a great range of practical activities reflecting the diverse work of forensic scientists. These include drug synthesis, infra-red spectroscopy of biodiesel, drug structure determination by NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography analysis of whisky, thin layer chromatography analysis of analgesics and spectroscopic quantification of drugs in urine and DNA analysis. There is a large crime scene investigation activity were students will record and recover evidence with specialist software being used to present the report.
Year 3
In year 3 a range of forensic topics are examined in greater detail. You will begin to specialise in the treatment and analysis of evidence through modules which include extensive hands-on experience of instrumental techniques used routinely in forensic science investigations. This includes the study of arson (fires and explosions), fibre microscopy, electron microscopy of fire-arms discharge residue, DNA profiling, chemical and biochemical analysis, chromatographic analysis of toxicology samples
and the spectroscopic analysis of seized drugs.Crime scene examination is covered in a number of modules with a focus on topics
such as contamination prevention, trace evidence recovery and presumptive tests for blood and drugs.Normal teaching schedules are supplemented by a variety of activities such as group work, guest speakers from industryAfter year 3 you will also have the option to undertake a year’s paid work experience as part of the Honours sandwich programme. This is normally spent working in an
industry based pharmaceutical or environmental laboratory.
Year 4
In your Honours year you will study advanced topics in chemical analysis, forensic biology, forensic evidence and forensic toxicology. You will also undertake a research project at the frontiers of forensic science, recent projects have included studies of post-mortem drug levels, laboratory tests for saliva, development of fingerprints, electron microscopy of trace evidence and explosive detection, this project forms a substantial part of your studies and gives you the chance to develop real expertise in a particular area. A major theme of the honours year is developing the practical skills required for crime scene examination and evidence examination, for example by participating in a major CSI activity and examining evidence for DNA.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops. You
will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to
develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and
working as part of a team.
This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including:
• Written examinations
• Coursework
• Practical assessment

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

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS