Forensic Biology BSc (Hons)

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

A key aim of the course 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. 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 the course, 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 on 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.