Year Zero Laboratory Sciences (integrated with Forensic Science BSc)

Program Overview

The Year Zero Laboratory Sciences program, integrated with Forensic Science BSc, provides foundational knowledge and skills in science and communication for students aspiring to pursue a career in forensic science. The program features small class sizes, individual support, and a curriculum developed in collaboration with Leicestershire Police, ensuring relevance to current practice.

Program Outline

Year Zero Laboratory Sciences (integrated with Forensic Science BSc)

Degree Overview:

This four-year integrated program with Year Zero is designed for students who aspire to pursue a career in forensic science but lack the required grades for direct entry into a Forensic Science BSc program.

Key Features:

• Provides foundational knowledge and skills in chemistry, biology, mathematics, IT, and communication required for success in the subsequent Forensic Science BSc (Hons) degree at De Montfort University (DMU).
• Direct progression onto the Forensic Science BSc (Hons) program upon successful completion of the Year Zero stage.
• Delivers a range of topics including human biology, cell biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and communication skills.
• Offers small class sizes and individual support from experienced tutors.
• Developed in collaboration with Leicestershire Police, ensuring curriculum relevance to current practice and standards.

Outline:

Year Zero curriculum comprises the following modules:

• Human Biology
• Basic Microbiology
• Introduction to Psychology
• Study Skills 1 - Introduction to DMU
• Study Skills 3 - Communication Skills
• Cell Biology
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Introductory Biochemistry
The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and individual tutorials. Course content and structure may be subject to change based on ongoing reviews.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the Year Zero program include:

• Diagnostic assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Formative assessments providing feedback for improvement.
Regular feedback on assessed work is provided within 20 working days.

Teaching:

The program offers:

• Small class sizes
• Individual and group support from experienced tutors
• Use of modern facilities replicating current practice in health and life sciences
• Access to the Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) for additional resources and exercises

Careers:

Graduates of the Year Zero program can pursue careers in:

• Law enforcement
• Forensic science
• Crime scene investigation
• Scientific support work
• Analytical chemistry
• General scientific analysis
• Health and safety
• Insurance industry
Examples of successful graduates include Lauren Dougan, who now works at ALS Food & Pharmaceutical.

Other:

• Year Zero is taught by the DMU International College (DMUIC) on the DMU campus.
• Students have full access to university facilities, including the library, gym, bookshop, cafes, and computer labs.
• The program is open to UK students only.
• Additional costs may be incurred for project/placement travel.

Tuition fees will be £9,250 for 2023/24