Forensic Science (with Foundation Year) - BSc(Hons)

The course covers three main subject areas:

• Biological sciences, especially DNA analysis and the action of drugs on the body.
• Chemical analysis, using all major techniques for the examination of inanimate objects.
• Forensic Science topics, such as fingerprinting, document examination and crime scene procedures.

In addition, you will learn about legal aspects of forensic evidence and undertake an independent research project in an area related to Forensic Science. You will search a crime scene at the Crime Scene House, examine the evidence, write a report as you would for court and then face questioning on this in a mock courtroom.

Foundation Year) (Year zero)

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Biology in Practice
• Chemistry in Practice
• Skills for Science
• People and Science.

You will study the Foundation year alongside students from our other Biological, Biomedical and Analytical Sciences courses, and therefore may be able to transfer to a course in one of these areas at the end of the Foundation year.

The normal expectation is that you must pass all Year zero modules before progressing to Year one.

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Chemistry in Context
• Human Biological Systems
• Scientific Investigation of Crime
• Scientific Skills.

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Forensic Analysis
• Law and Expert Evidence
• Drugs and Toxicology.

Plus one of the following modules:

• Molecular Genetics and Instrumental Analytical Science, leading to BSc Forensic Science
• Molecular Genetics and Forensic Biology leading to BSc Forensic Science (Biology)
• Medicinal Chemistry and Instrumental Analytical Science leading to BSc Forensic Science (Chemistry).

You can also apply to study your Year two subjects at Virginia Commonwealth University in the USA.

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Research Experimental Project or Dissertation Project
• Interpretation of Forensic Evidence.

Plus one or two of the optional modules from the list below:

• Advanced Analytical Science
• Genomic Technologies
• Medical Genetics.

Plus up to two of the following:

• Environmental Forensics
• Forensic Psychology
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Neuropharmacology
• Pathophysiology
• Science Communication.

A good balanced Forensic Science degree can be obtained by studying one Biology and one Chemistry option in Year two, with all options for subjects in your final year remaining possible.

Alternatively, you may choose a specialist route in Years two and three, which can result in the use of descriptors in your degree title: Forensic Science (Biology) or Forensic Science (Chemistry).

Full advice will be given prior to selection on module choices and their implications for careers and membership of the following professional bodies:

• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
• Royal Society of Chemistry
• Royal Society of Biology.

We strongly recommend that you become an affiliate (student) member of the relevant professional bodies during your studies.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning takes place through lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory work. As a Department we have long-established links with Avon and Somerset Constabulary Scientific Investigations and a local Home Office Forensic Pathologist, meaning you will benefit from guest lectures from professionals covering a range of aspects of forensic science.

Dedicated computer rooms and the Digital technology Suite are used for the development of students' ICT skills, including the use of Second Life for forensic investigations in the virtual world. There will be an emphasis on problem solving approaches, as this is in the nature of forensic science, together with the importance of the communication of scientific findings.

The crime scene house and outdoor crime scene areas will be used and, in the final year, you will search a scene, examine the evidence, write a report as you would for court and then face questioning on this in the mock courtroom.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Coursework is assessed in all years and there are examinations in all modules, although the assessments in Year one do not contribute to the final degree mark. A variety of assessment methods are used to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills developed during the course. The project in the final year is assessed.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.