Would you like to top-up your Foundation Degree to a full Honours degree in Analytical and Forensic Sciences? The knowledge and practical skills of forensic scientists are highly desirable in a variety of industries. Completion of this one-year BSc (Hons) Analytical and Forensic Science (Top Up) degree will enable you to compete for graduate positions based in forensic laboratories, crime scene investigation teams, toxicology, biomedical and environmental laboratories, police forces, fingerprint bureaus and more. Our Analytical and Forensic Science degree will introduce you to advanced analytical and forensic techniques and the practical use of a wide range of industry-standard instrumentation.
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The BSc (Hons) Analytical and Forensic Science (Top Up) is designed to enhance and complement your foundation degree studies. You will study 120 credits at Level 6. The Modules will each be worth 20 credits and include:
Forensic Microscopy
In this module you will be introduced to the physical principles and practical application of scanning electron microscopy and x-ray analysis in aspects of forensic science. You will also appreciate the light microscope as an instrument to examine and analyse specimens using techniques including fluorescence microscopy and immunofluorescence: excitation filters and barrier filters, fluorescent microscope for transmitted light and fluorescent microscope for incident light.
Fire and Explosion Investigation
An in-depth understanding of combustion, explosion and fire behaviour is necessary to determine the origin and cause of an incident. This module will enable you to investigate fatal fires in vehicles and buildings, and to determine their origin and cause, including evidence of arson.
Toxicology
This module augments the analytical toxicological methods studied in your foundation degree by introducing you to the biochemical, mechanistic and clinical aspects of toxicology. Areas studied include toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics, acute and chronic toxicity, the toxicity of natural products and illicit compounds and dose-response relationships.
Research, Employability and Professional Skills
This module will provide you with the necessary professional skills required for working in the forensic sciences, including the interpretation of and use of evidence, the application of scientific and statistical methods to data and information analysis. You will learn communication, cross-examination skills, the process of the courtroom and the role of the expert witness. You will also undertake literature research on a chosen topic and give a presentation of your findings, thereby enhancing communication and critical reflection skills. You will also participate in an employability conference, which is aimed at improving your employability potential and will include CV evaluations and mock interviews.
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
In this module you will broaden your knowledge of analytical chemistry and practical skills through the study of modern instrumental methods of analysis. The instruments will include ICP–OES, FTIR–ATR, Raman, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, NMR. You will also undertake a series of practicals which focus upon use of HPLC with fluorescence detection, UPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS and deconvolution of spectra, ATRspectroscopy, and ICP–OES. Some practicals have an interpretation and method development focus.
Human Variation and Forensic Anthropology
In this module you will learn how to understand the evolution of biological variation and its role for modern human populations. This will include an overview of human evolution, considering the molecular, anatomical, physiological, social and cultural strands. You will also understand the basis for forensic anthropological identifications and the limitations of these methods.
