UDFRNSCI - BSc Forensic Science

The principles of forensic science is developed through an integrated programme of teacher-led lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory based practical sessions, and through the guided use of student centred learning activities such as problem solving exercises, case studies, directed reading and e-learning. Level 4 provides a solid foundation of general subjects underpinning forensic science including chemistry, molecular and cell biology and genetics. In-depth studies of analytical techniques and criminalistics are the focus of the level 5 programme and at level 6 emphasis is placed on advanced and applied aspects of forensic science. Opportunities to explore the ethical dimensions of the discipline are available at all levels.

Utilisation of the University’s VLE, WebLearn has become an invaluable tool with which to disseminate information and to support and assess student learning.

Students have access to the SuperLab in the Science Centre which will provide them with a cutting edge experience of learning about science through practical investigation.

Students have access to the North Campus library which has recently undergone refurbishment and has specialised group study areas. Students have access to a comprehensive range of textbooks,

journals and online learning resources. Open areas have also been provided on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road. All these areas have comfortable seating and access to IT and wireless facilities.

This course has been designed to produce graduates with a sound knowledge base and a high standard of cognitive, practical and transferable skills, who will be equipped to take up employment in forensic scientific analysis and research, in public and private analytical laboratories. The analytical, numerical and communication skills developed by forensic science graduates are also in demand in wide range of careers such as the financial sector, journalism, teaching and marketing.

The aims of the single honours Forensic Science course are to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the study of forensic science. This will allow students to experience the scope and limitations of the subject through facts, theories, technologies and applications. Students will use a wide range of scientific techniques to examine problems of a biological or chemical nature within the context of forensic science. Students will develop skills that will enhance their understanding of professional responsibilities associated with reliable scientific analysis. The course will enhance employability awareness, professional performance and transferable evaluative skills, problem solving skills and communication skills.

On the BSc Forensic Science, the QAA outcomes for Biosciences have been referred to generate the generic area(s) for each specific outcome.

By the end of the course the student is expected to:

1. assess and explain the biological and chemical analytical procedures which support forensic science.
2. identifythe diversity of forensic science and how an interdisciplinary approach may be employed to solve analytical problems.
3. questionthe ethical issues associated with forensic science.
4. demonstrate higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to critically evaluate and integrate information and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within a scientific analytical context such as would be required for forensic science.
5. construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of forensic science analyses.
6. demonstrate higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making.
7. communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence.
8. identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills.
9. plan and execute the collection and analysis of scientific data with due regard to validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility.
10. devise and execute an independent project in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, and interpret and contextualise the findings within a contemporary understanding of forensic science.

- To have developed an understanding of the biological and chemical analytical procedures which support forensic science:

AS4001 Laboratory Science(for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied Biology)
AS4003Cell and Molecular Biology(for Applied Biology)
AS5006 Criminalistics
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence
CH5007 Bioanalytical Science
AS6008 Evidence and Inference
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology
CH6061Advanced Bioanalytical Science
CH6058 Forensic Chemistry

- To have developed a knowledge of the diversity of forensic science and how an interdisciplinary approach may be employed to solve analytical problems:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied Biology)
AS4003Cell and Molecular Biology(for Applied Biology)
AS5006 Criminalistics
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence
CH5007 Bioanalytical Science
AS6008 Evidence and Inference
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology
CH6061Advanced Bioanalytical Science
CH6058 Forensic Chemistry

- To have an awareness of the ethical considerations associated with forensic science:

AS5006 Criminalistics
AS6008 Evidence and Inference
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)

- To have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to critically evaluate and integrate information and develop ideas on issues, methodologies and processes within a scientific analytical context such as would be required for forensic science:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)

AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied Biology)
AS5006 Criminalistics
CH5007 Bioanalytical Science
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology
CH6061Advanced Bioanalytical Science
CH6058 Forensic Chemistry

- To have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to construct logical and reasoned arguments to support their position on the social and ethical impact of forensic science analyses:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS5006 Criminalistics
AS6008 Evidence and Inference

- To have developed higher order skills that are reflected in their ability to undertake self-reflection and demonstrate the skills of self-management, self-presentation and decision making:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS5006 Criminalistics
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)

- To be able to communicate concepts, principles and information effectively by oral, written and visual means with clarity and confidence:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied Biology)
AS4003Cell and Molecular Biology
AS5006 Criminalistics
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS5005 Molecules of Heredity and Defence
CH5007 Bioanalytical Science
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)
AS6008 Evidence and Inference
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology
CH6061Advanced Bioanalytical Science
CH6058 Forensic Chemistry

- To be able to identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development, and implement strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)

- To be able to undertake the collection and analysis of scientific data with due regard to validity, accuracy, calibration, precision and reproducibility:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS4002 Chemistry and Biochemistry(for Applied Biology)
AS4003Cell and Molecular Biology(for Applied Biology)
AS5004 Metabolism and Microbiology
CH5007 Bioanalytical Science
AS6005 Biochemical Pathology
CH6061Advanced Bioanalytical Science
CH6058 Forensic Chemistry
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)

- To be able to devise and execute an independent project in a responsible, safe and ethical manner, and interpret and contextualise the findings within a contemporary understanding of forensic science:

AS4001 Laboratory Science (for Applied Biology)
AS6P01 Research Project (for Applied Biology)

Biosciences

A variety of assessment methods will be used appropriate to specified learning outcomes. Including unseen written examinations, individual and group assignments. Laboratory based investigations, poster and oral presentations and at level 6 a final year project.

Cognitive skills are summatively assessed by, inter alia, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, problem solving exercises, essays requiring the ability to sustain an argument, and the Project report and its oral defence. Poster and seminar presentations provide scope for both peer assessment and immediate formative feedback.

Transferable skills are assessed by, inter alia, essays, group reports, poster presentations, seminar presentations, data analysis and interpretation exercises and the production and maintenance of a personal profile and curriculum vitae.

Practical skills exercises at each level are used to monitor proficiency at experimental work. Data handling skills are assessed by, inter alia, practical reports, problem solving exercises, information abstracting and reviewing exercises, poster presentations and seminar presentations. The level 6 project provides the ultimate measure of experimental and other practical skills.

The course includes the option to take either a 15 credit Work Placement module at level 6 or a 30 credit Sandwich Placement module between level 5 and level 6. Students are not allowed to register for both these modules.

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology.

On completing this course, you'll be equipped to pursue a career in forensic science and closely related work in pharmaceutical analysis, consumer product analysis or hospital laboratories.

This course is also an excellent preparation for further research or study, with previous students having gone on to work in academia.

You'll also develop analytical, numerical and communication skills, which are in demand in other careers such as accountancy, journalism, marketing and teaching.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above (or equivalent)
• 220 or more UCAS points from two or more A levels, including Biology and Chemistry at grade C or above (or equivalent eg Applied Science A level Double Award at grade CC or BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with MMM)

Entry from appropriate foundation access courses will also be considered.

If you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the BSc Forensic Science Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.