Forensic Biology

• On-campus crime scene house complete with CCTV monitoring

• Module content reflects stimulating developments in genome sequencing, biotechnology and forensic biology

• Professional work placements and career planning

• Read Forensic Biology course information (PDF, file size: 307.91KB)

Forensic biology is the application of advanced applied biological techniques to forensic investigation. This course provides education in the modern applied aspects of biology that are currently utilised within forensics and includes specialist modules in DNA profiling, poisons, drugs of abuse, forensic entomology,  identification of human remains, crime scene investigation and blood pattern analysis.

At Level 1 you will study core modules in biology and forensic science that will provide the underpinning knowledge upon which you will develop your subsequent academic path. Areas such as cell biology, human physiology, anatomy and genes and genomes are combined with core forensic science that contextualises this rapidly expanding discipline and introduces you to many of its current capabilities.
You will follow a programme of practical work and workshop activities to help you understand, and become proficient in, key biological skills ranging from osteological measurement to the use of computers for analysis.

At Level 2 your core modules will focus on developing your understanding of key biological areas used in crime investigations including DNA profiling, and the evidential use and analysis of ‘biological’ fluids and tissue material. You will also explore many of the physical techniques available for the examination of evidence recovered from the scene of a crime. Research skills and professional development provides an essential step in your development as an independent researcher and fundamentally underpins your Level 3 project and work placement.

At Level 3 you will use the skills and knowledge that you have gained to undertake a project that will be focused on your interests in forensic biology. There are more options at Level 3 to expand your expertise including forensic toxicology, forensic pathology, techniques in human identification and advanced DNA techniques. You will also learn about the legal process and develop skills as an expert witness in our mock courtrooms.

Level 1
Core modules: Bioskills; Crime Scene Investigation; Fundamentals of Human Physiology; Cell Biology; Genes and Genomes; Recording the Crime Scene
Optional modules: Diversity of Life; Disease

Level 2
Core modules: Methods of Crime Detection; DNA Profiling; Forensic Biology; Research Skills and Professional Development
Optional Modules: Drugs and the Human Body; Forensic Histories; Wildlife Crime; Psychology of Criminal Conduct; Drugs of Abuse; Forensic Entomology

Level 3
Core modules: Project; Work Placement; Practical Methods of Crime Detection
Optional modules: Advanced DNA Profiling; Forensic Pathology; Forensic Toxicology; Techniques in Identification of Human Remains; Environmental Forensics; Forensic Anthropology Expert Witness and the Legal System

This award provides you with a variety of career routes which, although primarily focused on forensic biology, may also be applicable to other areas of bio-analytical training, teaching, and technology.

• Biology with Forensic Science
• Forensic Investigation
• Forensic Science

For more information about Forensic Biology (F411) please contact: