Forensic Biology MSci

Bachelor's degree

In Stoke-On-Trent

£ 9,000 + VAT

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Stoke-on-trent

  • Duration

    4 Years

On our Forensic Biology degree, you'll look at DNA profiling, poison analysis, toxicology, drug identification, blood pattern analysis and the identification of human remains. You'll use our modern Science Centre labs and crime scene house to simulate a real world approach to the topics being studied.
In Year 1, you'll cover topics such as molecules to cells and biological processes. Lots of your class contact time will be lab and workshop-based. And through a programme of one-to-one tutorials, you'll get personalised feedback to aid your progression.
In Year 2, you'll develop your understanding of key biological areas used in criminal investigations, including DNA profiling and the evidential use and analysis of biological fluids and tissue material. You'll also develop key skills such as scientific questioning, scientific and forensic reporting and project planning.
In Year 3, you'll use your skills and knowledge to complete an experimental project focused on your interests in forensic biology. You'll also take modules in subjects such as toxicology, techniques in identification of human remains and advanced DNA profiling. And you'll learn about the legal process and develop skills as an expert witness in our mock courtrooms.
In Year 4 you'll study these modules: Advanced Research Methods; Advanced Biological Techniques; Specialist Topics in the Biosciences; Life Sciences Placement OR Biological Research Assistantship

Facilities

Location

Start date

Stoke-On-Trent (Staffordshire)
See map
College Road, ST4 2DE

Start date

On request

About this course

Typical UCAS Offer: 128. BTEC: DMM Applied Science. All applicants are individually assessed.

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Reviews

Subjects

  • Biology
  • Project
  • Toxicology
  • Approach

Course programme



Level 4 (Year 1) Core modules: Introduction to Scientific Practice; Molecules to Cells; Biology of Organisms; Crime Scene Investigation; Recording the Crime Scene
Level 5 (Year 2) Core modules: Professional Practice & Placement; Methods of Crime Detection; DNA Profiling & Forensic Biology
Optional modules: Human Biochemistry & Physiology; Genetics & Cell Biology; Forensic Archaeology; Drugs of Abuse
Level 6 (Year 3) Core modules: Research Project; Current Advances in Biosciences; Advanced DNA Profiling; Toxicology; Expert Witness & the Legal System; Techniques in Identification of Human Remains
Optional modules: Cellular Pathology; Analysis & Investigation of TEREFF Incidents
Level 7 (Year 4) Core modules: Advanced Research Methods; Advanced Biological Techniques; Specialist Topics in the Biosciences; Life Sciences Placement OR Biological Research Assistantship

A key aim of your award is to develop you as a professional scientific practitioner and this is reflected in our approach to teaching, learning and assessment. You will start with high levels of tutor driven activity, often with in-class competence based work and then gradually develop your skills, confidence and capabilities to drive your own learning, both with us and beyond. For example, your practical skills - an essential skill set demanded by employers of bioscience graduates - will be developed and practised throughout your degree. In order to do this effectively, you will spend a high proportion of your class contact time in Levels 4 and 5 with tutors in the laboratory and/or the field. In your final year your professional scientific skills development will culminate in your independent research project. Throughout your award theory and practice are integrated and many sessions will combine short lectures, seminars or workshops with practical work. This will allow theories and concepts to be explored, illustrated and reinforced and helps enhance your learning via direct experience. In-class enquiry based learning activities will be supplemented by various online learning activities via the use of a virtual learning environment.

At Level 4 you will spend on average 20 hours per week in timetabled sessions, of which approximately 20% will be in lecture based activity and the remaining 80% will utilise practical, workshop and tutorial based learning. At Level 5 you will have on average 15 hours per week of timetabled sessions of which approximately 16% are lecture based and 84% focused upon active learning in practical, workshops and tutorials. At Level 6, you will spend between 10-12 hours per week within timetabled sessions of which 65% are practical/ workshop most of which is self managed as you undertake your research project which is a major feature of your final year. You may also use some of your independent study time in additional practical work related to your project. At each Level of study you will be supported through our integrated tutorial system. At Levels 4 and 5 the tutorials are embedded in a 30 credit module and are a mixture of one-to-one and small group tutorials focusing on the support for your learning, effective use of feedback and developing your graduate attributes. At Level 6 in addition to tutorials with your project supervisor, you continue to have tutorials with your personal tutor focused on personal development and career success. So, the award structure is designed to emphasise skills acquisition, practice and development.

Additional information

On-campus crime scene house complete with CCTV monitoring Module content encompasses the current developments in forensic biology including genome sequencing Professional work placements and career planning

Forensic Biology MSci

£ 9,000 + VAT