BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology

Program Overview

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Through practical laboratory and fieldwork experiences, students gain expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting biological evidence in various forensic contexts. Optional work placements enhance employability, while the focus on subject customization allows students to tailor their studies to their career aspirations. The program prepares graduates for careers in diverse fields, including forensics, law enforcement, and scientific research.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes practical learning through laboratory and fieldwork experiences, preparing students for a career in forensics.

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Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive grounding in forensic biology.
• Gain invaluable lab and fieldwork experience, including mock crime scenes, disasters, and live-fire exercises.
• Utilize sophisticated lab and field equipment to collect and analyze biological evidence, write detailed logs and reports, and collaborate on current forensic research projects.
• Choose subject modules that align with personal interests, passions, and career goals.
• Gain valuable work experience through optional placements, enhancing employability prospects.

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Outline:

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology program is a 3-year full-time program, with an optional 4-year full-time program including a placement year.

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Foundation Year:

• Core Units:
• Academic and Professional Study Skills: Develops fundamental academic and research skills for degree-level study.
• Applied Sciences: Introduces basic scientific concepts and their impact on human life.
• Introduction to Biology: Covers plant and animal cell biology, key themes in human, environmental, and ecological sciences.
• Introduction to Psychology: Provides an understanding of various areas of psychology and their application to behavior.
• Mathematics in Science: Builds confidence in mathematical calculations and data analysis for scientific applications.
• Foundation Year Project: Conducts a research investigation on a scientific topic, culminating in a scientific report.

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Year 1:

• Core Units:
• Exploring and Understanding Science: Develops research skills, including literature searching, scientific argumentation, and writing research papers.
• Cell Biology: Introduces key themes in cell biology, including cell structure, function, control, and basic experimental techniques.
• Chemistry: Covers fundamental and analytical chemistry concepts and develops laboratory skills.
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Explores concepts and principles of forensic psychology, applying them to real-world settings.

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Year 2:

• Core Units:
• Forensic Biology: Applies biological techniques employed in forensic investigations, focusing on evidence analysis and casework.
• Biochemistry: Develops core knowledge from biology and chemistry, introducing metabolism, macromolecules, and their metabolism.
• Crime Scene: Provides details on UK scene of crime investigations and practical experience in evidence recovery.
• Forensic Law & Practice: Critically examines the criminal justice system in England and Wales, covering criminal procedure and legal processes.
• Forensic Science: Explores scientific and analytical principles underlying forensic science practice, introducing case types and analytical techniques.
• Option Units (Choose one):
• Advanced Cell Biology: Examines cell operation, control, development, and modification in multicellular organisms.
• Geospatial Science: Develops expertise in geospatial science and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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Year 3:

• Core Units:
• Advanced Forensic Science: Enhances knowledge and critical thinking skills in forensic science, focusing on key areas.
• Professional Laboratory Practice: Develops advanced laboratory skills in forensic science, including evidence analysis and interpretation.
• Forensic Research Project: Provides an opportunity to conduct independent research on a chosen topic relevant to the degree.
• Option Units (Choose two):
• Environmental Forensics: Focuses on pollution investigations, wildlife crime, and relevant analytical and forensic techniques.
• Forensic Toxicology: Covers the analysis of drugs and poisons in human tissues, their effects on the body, and influence on behavior.
• Advanced Topics in Genetics: Examines the role of genetics in biology, including ethical issues, bioinformatics analysis, and applications in research.
• Science of Human Remains: Introduces the analysis and interpretation of skeletal remains in a forensic context, covering anatomy, biological profiling, and changes in the skeleton during life and death.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the unit and may include:

• Coursework: Essays, reports, presentations, practical assignments, and research projects.
• Exams: Written examinations covering theoretical concepts and practical applications.
• Portfolio: Collection of work demonstrating skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Staff: The program is taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise, including senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians, and research students.
• Guest Lecturers: Regular guest lectures from industry professionals provide insights into real-world applications of forensic biology.
• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures:
Deliver theoretical concepts and provide background information.
• Tutorials: Facilitate discussion, answer questions, and provide guidance on assignments.
• Practical Sessions: Develop laboratory and fieldwork skills, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Independent Study: Encourage self-directed learning and research.

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Careers:

• Potential Job Roles:
• Collision Investigator
• Biological Scientist
• Biochemist
• Junior Forensic Examiner
• Lab Technician
• Teacher
• Industries Worked In:
• Environmental science
• Forensic and biomedical research
• Education
• Forensics
• Healthcare
• Further Study: Graduates can pursue postgraduate degrees, such as Master's degrees, to further specialize in their chosen field.

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Other:

• Facilities: The program utilizes industry-standard specialist facilities, including laboratories and field equipment, to provide students with practical learning experiences.
• Placements: Students have the opportunity to undertake optional work placements, either for a minimum of 30 weeks during a sandwich year or for a shorter period of at least 2 weeks.
Placements provide valuable work experience and enhance employability.
• Health and Safety: The program involves working with dangerous substances and undertaking field trips, requiring students to complete a health and safety risk assessment.

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• £9,250 (UK, ROI & CI) £18,800 (Int'l) per year
• No Foundation Year intake in September 2024
• Placement year: £1,850
• Fee regions explained:
UK: United Kingdom ROI: Republic of Ireland CI: Channel Islands & Isle of Man Int'l: International
• Understanding your tuition fee status.