Forensic Science - Extended Four Year Degree
BSc (Hons)
Natasha Botterill
Forensic Science BSc (Hons), Year two student
“I loved chemistry in my first year and this influences my module choices. The best thing about chemistry is experiments with real medicines. I also enjoyed a fire practical - being able to participate instead of watch. ”
Course overview
Forensic science is the application of scientific disciplines and techniques that may be used to produce evidence acceptable in a court of law. Recent advances in forensic science, most famously in DNA analysis, have combined to greatly increase the investigating powers of practising forensic scientists, making this a field of increasing importance and relevance.The main aims of this degree are to:
- give you a thorough grounding in both the theoretical and practical aspects of forensic science
- enable you to carry out investigations and research, and to assess the reliability of your results.
The specific aims of this course are:
- for you to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the UK legal systems, the role of the forensic scientist within those systems and the special duties and responsibilities of an expert witness;
- to enable you to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the main theoretical and practical skills of a forensic scientist;
- for you to be able to estimate using appropriate objective, statistical and / or experiential based tests the value of your observations and conclusions as evidence in a court of law;
- to enable you to apply this understanding to the design and operation of appropriate analyses and interpret results within the forensic science context
- to enable you to undertake creative, rigorous and relevant research using appropriate methodologies
- to prepare you to present reports in oral, written and other appropriate formats.
This academically challenging course delves into some important and fascinating areas of science The real focus of this course though, is on providing you with the practical skills used by professionals within the field - which should make your abilities very attractive to a range of potential employers.
This course is accredited by The Forensic Science Society.
Additional course information
This extended four year option is available to meet the needs of people who wish to study for a Forensic Science degree but do not have the appropriate educational background. During the first year or science foundation year you will have the opportunity to study modules in a range of key areas of biology, chemistry, mathematics and principles underlying scientific investigation as well as specialist areas that relate to your future study programme. Entry qualifications are necessarily very flexible, ranging from a single A Level, relevant experience or previous employment history.The science foundation year will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to begin studying at degree level, but more than that, it will also introduce you to university life and help you to enjoy the experience of learning within this stimulating and exciting environment. Successful completion of modules earns either 15 or 30 credits towards the total of 120 credits required for progression onto the three year undergraduate degree programme.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- subject knowledge
- major aspects of terminology
- major types of forensic science evidence
- the principle techniques of forensic investigation and their application to different evidence types.
Year one core modules
- Biological Principles
- Core Skills 1
- Core Skills 2
- Chemical Principles Part One
- Chemical Principles Part Two
- Foundation Biology
- Foundation Mathematics
Year two core modules
Introduction to Biology and Forensic Chemistry
Introduction to Forensic Methodologies
Introduction to Police and Forensic Photography
Physical and Quantitative Chemistry for Forensic Scientists
United Kingdom Legal Systems and Law for Forensic Scientists
Year three core modules
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Quality Management
Project Preparation
Scene Laboratory Investigation
Spectroscopic Techniques for Forensic Science
The Forensic Analysis of DNA and Biological Material
Year four core modules
Advanced Forensic Methodologies
Undergraduate Major Project.
Year two optional modules
Introduction to Molecular Biochemistry and Forensic Toxicology
Physical Criminalistics.
Year three optional modules
Chemical Criminalistics
Forensic Management.
Year four optional modules
Advanced Fire and Explosive Investigation
Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons
Forensic Anthropology and Pathology
Identification Issues and Sexual Offence Investigation
Assessment
Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, work portfolios, presentations, poster presentations, role play and evaluation of work from practical classes.Sam Pack
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science - Extended Degree
Graduated 2012
“This foundation year was a chance for me to settle into university life and relax and take advantage of the social aspects of student living, and I had a blast! When I made it onto my undergraduate course I was excited and ready for hard work, and the course and the lecturing tem do an excellent job in keeping this keen enthusiasm alive in their students.
The Forensic Science course is so diverse and there are so many different aspects of the forensic industry to study and practice, Anglia has the capacity to facilitate the study of all of these areas and even encourage you to look at the industry from new perspectives, such as governmental and sociological. The practical aspect of the course is something very special and valuable as a student, the course is geared towards giving you the relevant information and skills to allow you to progress into the working world.
The facilities and expertise at the Cambridge campus are excellent and are readily available. As a student you are encouraged to further your own learning experience and this is extremely valuable for the final year major project. The course allows you to pick the areas you study, which is very useful with a subject like forensics as there is such a wide range of disciplines encompassed within it.
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Facilities
State-of-the-art equipment (including Raman microscopes, scanning electron microscope, isotope ratio mass spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer, and various gas chromatography and liquid gas chromatography instruments) contained within newly refurbished laboratories.Study abroad options
Available in the second year providing student meets University requirements.Links with industry and professional recognition
Following a certain pathway within the forensic science degree will also entitle the participant, upon successful completion of the BSc (Hons) degree, to use the post-nominal AMRSC (Associate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry).Work placements
Students are encouraged to find work placement with local law enforcement organisations during the summer break, but the University does not organise any work placements as part of the course.Associated careers
This course, whilst aimed at preparing you for a career in the forensic science industry, will also provide you with the ability and skills to undertake other careers which could include teaching, insurance industry and the legal profession.| UCAS Tariff points: | 40 |
| Additional Requirements: | GCSE(s) Required: 3 GCSEs at grade C including English and Maths |
How to apply
UCAS code
F41FLocation
Duration
4 yearsAvailable starts
September, JanuaryThis course is available to UK & EU applicants only
Student finance
Open Day
Saturday 22 JuneUndergraduate Open Day
Faculty
Science & TechnologyDepartment
Life SciencesContact us
UK and EU applicants:- Call 01245 686868
- Complete enquiry form
- Call +44 (0)1245 493131 ext 2609
- Complete enquiry form
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