Forensic Science (Forensic Biology) (Taught)

This course provides postgraduate education in Forensic science where you may specialise in a number of core areas of Forensic Biology including DNA/Body Fluids Identification, Entomology, and Taphonomy.

Forensic science involves the use of scientific techniques and principles to address questions of interest to a court of law. This course aims to provide you with an overview of forensic science in general, following the crime scene to court model. This includes a series of crime scene exercises in our crime scene facilities, covering strategies for crime scene examination and an exploration of techniques associated with crime scene examination.

You will also receive a comprehensive overview of most of the forensic science disciplines through the forensic biology and forensic chemistry module. You will also explore quality, which is an increasingly fundamental issue within forensic science industry; as well as the presentation of evidence and preparations for defending your evidence in a court of law.

In addition, you will then study modules underpinning the analytical sciences, which is a major source of employment for scientists, reflected in our high graduate employment rate. These modules will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the most recent technological developments and applications in Analytical sciences. This course is comprised of two thirds taught component and one third research project component.

The modules are:
Crime Scene Science Awareness
Forensic Science Awareness
Quality and Presentation of Evidence
Forensic Casework Practice
Advanced Forensic Skills
Forensic Research Project
Forensic Taphonomy

You will also receive a comprehensive overview of most of the forensic science disciplines through the forensic biology and forensic chemistry module. You will also explore quality, which is an increasingly fundamental issue within forensic science industry; as well as the presentation of evidence and preparations for defending your evidence in a court of law.

The course then moves onto more specialised modules including forensic genetics and body fluid examination. Forensic genetics covers biochemistry and molecular biology as pertaining to forensics, STR analysis, including interpretation of DNA profiling results. In addition you will explore body fluid examination.

This course is comprised of two thirds taught component and one third research project component.

The course is designed to train you in the scientific methodology relating to forensic biology and extend your interest and knowledge in all areas of the subject. The taught part of the course consists of four general forensic science modules (covering fundamental and basic principles of forensic science). The research project requires 50 days of laboratory work and takes place during the summer term.

The course is designed to train you in the scientific methodology relating to forensic biology and extend your interest and knowledge in all areas of the subject. The taught part of the course consists of four general forensic science modules (covering fundamental and basic principles of forensic science). The research project requires 50 days of laboratory work and takes place during the summer term.

Considerable emphasis is placed on independent learning. You will be taught through regular lectures, tutorials and workshops and practical laboratory classes. Additional learning materials are provided on the University’s VLE. There is an Academic Skills Tutor within the School of Applied Sciences who can help with report writing, revision and examination technique, numeracy skills, etc. Assessment will include assignments, problem solving exercises, laboratory skills and written examinations. The research project is assessed by written report and oral presentation.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks - unless the submission was made toward the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feed back on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.