As a forensic scientist you’ll provide evidence for use in courts of law to support criminal and civil investigations.

You need training in the latest analytical techniques and processes, and a sound knowledge of the UK legal system to do this. All of that’s on offer at ARU.

While studying BSc (Hons) Forensic Science in Cambridge, you’ll learn how to package evidence correctly and perform preliminary tests for body fluids and drugs of abuse.

You’ll also examine ‘real’ forensic samples including ignitable liquid residues, and trace evidence such as paint and fibres. Together, we’ll explore techniques including microscopy, microspectrophotometry, spectroscopy and chromatography; and get hands-on experience of specialist instruments for biological analysis. You’re free to book additional time with this equipment outside of lessons.

As well as refining your lab skills, you’ll learn to conduct thorough, independent research – and to feel confident about presenting evidence in a court of law.

As a Forensic Science student at ARU, you’ll be eligible for student membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Year 1

In your first year, we have a broad-ranging introduction to crime scene management and forensic analysis.

We’ll look at how sites are managed, and how evidence is identified, recovered and analysed. We focus on chemical and biological evidence but also consider physical evidence. We take a look at ways of recording evidence too, such as forensic photography.

In the lab, we’ll learn about common techniques for analysing evidence, and the biological and chemical principles that underpin forensic science.

We also start to explore UK law and legal systems, the work of the Crown Prosecution Service, and the role of forensic scientists in legal proceedings.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Year 2

The second year of the Forensic Science degree is all about developing your chemistry skills so that you can carry out analysis, confident in the use of specialist equipment.

We dig deeper into forensic techniques in Year 2, identifying, collecting and analysing trace substances such as drugs, fibres and paint pigment. We also look at chemical forensics and ‘everyday’ types of evidence like shoe polish and lipstick.

Crucially, as well analysing evidence we look at ways to ‘read’ data and interpret the results. We’ll also consider issues that forensic scientists can be faced with, such as crime scene contamination. You’ll get hands-on experience in our crime scene rooms, and use alternative light sources such as crime-lite to reveal biological evidence.

Our facilities have ISO17025 and ISO17020 accreditation, meaning they meet internationally recognised standards for organisations that inspect material and produce testing and calibration results.

We also start to prepare for your final year, when you’ll carry out a Major Project on a subject of interest to you. This year you’ll identify the subject and carry out some initial research.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Year 3

In Year 3, we’ll build upon the knowledge of chemistry and biology you gained in Year 2 and apply it to forensic casework. Year 3 extends your knowledge of specific types of crime: those involving death, fire, drugs and poisons.

We look at the process of searching for and identifying human remains – and how forensic scientists can help to investigate and determine cause of death.

We also explore crimes involving fire, drugs and poisons – touching on the types of analysis you can carry out including pharmacology and toxicology.

Forensic scientists often appear in court to give evidence so, in preparation for your future career, we look at the role of the expert witness in court proceedings. As part of your studies, you’ll collect and process your own evidence and be examined in a moot (simulated) court setting.

Finally, you’ll explore a subject of your choice through your Undergraduate Major Project, or dissertation. You’ll present your finished dissertations at a student conference, attended by guest speakers from the field of forensic science.

Modules are subject to change and availability.