COURSE OVERVIEW
Interested in working crime scenes? Technical advances have made the role of the forensic scientist increasingly important in crime investigation, but also in other areas including archaeology.
This course offers a unique mix of science and psychology, involving practical laboratory work and experience in crime scene processing using our Crime Scene Facility, as well as lectures.
An introduction to sciences and psychology is followed by more detailed applied forensics, including the role of the forensic scientist at the crime scene and preparation of evidence for court.
The underpinning science behind forensics will also be taught including pathology, physiology and haematology and how they relate to forensic biology. You will also study recent advances in DNA analysis, toxicology, psychology, as well as fire and explosive analysis.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Gain practical skills in our Crime Scene Facility, enabling you to learn the skills and techniques needed to evaluate a real-life crime scene.
- Study in well-equipped laboratories, with key laboratory skills incorporated into most of the taught units, and especially your final year research project.
- Learn from highly experienced staff including international experts in the psychology of criminal behaviour and forensics experts from a variety of operational backgrounds.
- Develop knowledge of: psychology; crime scene investigation; fire analysis; forensic biology, genetics and toxicology; etc. – as well as the basic chemistry and biology that underpin them.
- Benefit from teaching rating as excellent by the QAA and in a school that has run biological science courses for over 30 years.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Lecturing staff are actively engaged in scientific research, and have previous experience in academic, government, charity or industry research laboratories. Our teaching and the course are directly informed by our research knowledge and activities.
Key aspects of the course that emphasise employability include:
- Training in key laboratory techniques relevant to employment within Forensic Science, including awareness of relevant health, safety, legal and ethical considerations.
- Training and practice in the scientific method that underpins all scientific research (developing novel hypotheses, testing these by experiment, accurately interpreting data, understanding error, and drawing valid conclusions).
- Practice in forensic professional standards of reporting including witness statements, crime scene logs, examination forms and case reports.
- Practice in academic professional standards of reporting including laboratory reports, conference posters, written and oral presentations.
- Maintenance of laboratory diaries and research diaries following standard practice within the field.
- Guest lectures from employers and from the University’s careers service.
