Forensic Science - Extended Four Year Degree

BSc (Hons)

Full-Time

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.
Throughout your three years of study, the focus will be on providing you with the knowledge and skills to enable you to operate as a forensic scientist. You will have the opportunity to hone these skills in our 'crime scene' under the guidance of teaching staff who are, in many cases, professional forensic practitioners. A range of module options, including Forensic Analysis of Drugs and Poisons, and Advanced Fire and Explosive Investigation, will allow you to develop specialisms within the field.

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.

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.

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
Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

How to apply

UCAS code

F41F

Location

Duration

4 years

Available starts

September, January

This course is available to UK & EU applicants only

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 22 June
Undergraduate Open Day

Faculty

Science & Technology

Department

Life Sciences

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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