BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

Course detail
During this course we will help you:
enhance your problems solving skills
encourage analytical thinking and an investigative approach
encourage lateral thinking
foster adaptability
develop the ability to communicate important information.
Year one (Level 4) modules
Introduction to Forensic Science
The Criminal Process
Building Blocks of Life
Introduction to Pharmacology
Chemistry Principles and Practice
Human Body - Form and Function.
Year two (Level 5) modules
Disease and the Human Body
Forensic Investigation of Crime
Molecular Biology
Research Methods
Pharmacology
Analytical Methods.
Year three (Level 6) modules
Drugs of Abuse
Forensic Assessment and Examination Techniques
Physiological Control
Project or Dissertation
Experiential Learning in Science.
Year one (Level 4) modules

Introduction to Forensic Science
This module introduces the concepts of forensic science, and examines the types of evidence found at crime scenes, which are vitally important for investigations.

The Criminal Process
In this module you will examine key aspects of criminal procedure in England and Wales, from arrest to sentencing. You will explore the principles of the adversarial system, the issue of criminal liability and the principles governing culpability.

Building Blocks of Life
Here we look at molecules, large and small, that form the 'building blocks' of the human body. We also introduce the basic scientific concepts you will encounter in later modules of this course.

Introduction to Pharmacology
This module examines the 'science base' and 'evidence base' of medicine. The science base provides a theoretical basis for diagnostic and treatment modalities, and often for preventative strategies. The evidence-based approach considers procedures and treatments that work in practice.

Human Body - Form and Function
This is an introduction to the anatomy of the human body. It gives you an insight into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level - and as a fully integrated organism.

Year two (Level 5) modules

Disease and the Human Body
This module integrates the physiological and biochemical processes that give rise to the signs and symptoms of human disease.

Forensic Investigation of Crime
Here we look at key aspects of evidential material, using case studies.

Molecular Biology
This module integrates theoretical concepts and how they apply in a laboratory. We also consider the role nucleic acids play in directing protein synthesis and human phenotypic characteristics.

Research Methods
This module explores the principles of research design and planning, information retrieval and critical appraisal of scientific evidence, data collection, basic statistical analysis, and dissemination of research.

Pharmacology
In this module we take a closer look at molecular activity in the cell and the nervous system, and how medicines work at molecular level in the body.

Analytical Methods
This module covers analytical techniques used by chemists, forensic scientists and biologists, and considers techniques a forensic scientist might encounter in the workplace.

Year three (Level 6) modules

Drugs of Abuse
We explore the range of drugs of abuse - for example, amphetamines, opiates and cannabinoids. The module covers how people ingest these drugs, how the body uptakes them, how to detect their presence in body fluids, as well as their psychological action and effects.

Forensic Assessment and Examination Techniques
Using real case studies, this module builds on the law-based modules from Years One and Two (Credit Levels 4 and 5) and examines the role of forensic science in securing evidence obtained from crime scenes, and analysing and interpreting it.

Physiological Control
This module gives you an in-depth analysis of the nervous and the endocrine systems. Adopting an integrative approach, you will analyse the central mechanisms that regulate the body's various physiological systems and allow normal homeostatic control.

Project or Dissertation
This module is your opportunity to further strengthen your understanding of a specific area of forensic science. You will undertake an in-depth study involving independent library and laboratory research.

Experiential Learning in Science
This module has theoretical and experiential components, and examines and critically evaluates forensic science theories and concepts in applied settings. You will undertake experiential learning in an external organisation.