Forensic Science

• Accredited by the Forensic Science Society.

• On-campus crime scene house complete with CCTV monitoring.

• Learn from professional forensic scientists and crime scene investigators.

Read BSc(Hons) Forensic Science course information (PDF, file size: 315.05KB)

Forensic science is about using the power of scientific analysis to resolve legal disputes. Although it mainly uses chemical and biological techniques, forensic science encompasses all branches of science and will always remain exciting because of the varied nature of the problems to be resolved. From the analysis of forged documents to illegal drugs, the processing of latent fingerprints to DNA profiling for identifying a criminal suspect, the analysis of a fire to a bomb scene, the knowledge and skills of the forensic scientist must be of the highest order, demanding attention to the smallest detail.

At Level 1 you will study the fundamentals of forensic science, learning about the intricacies of crime scene investigation and the importance of preservation of evidence. You will cover relevant biological and chemical principles as well as photography and other crime scene documenting techniques, whilst also developing your interpersonal skills.

At Level 2 your focus is on analysis and measurement as well as expanding on the fundamental and cutting edge principles of criminalistic methods, forensic chemistry, forensic biology and DNA profiling. Expect to become conversant with many of our modern forensic methods. Your research and communication skills will be further developed and many of your practical exercises will require working in small teams.

In your final year, the Investigating and Reporting Crime Scenes module gives you the opportunity to put your forensic knowledge into practice by working in a team with a number of simulated scenes in our Crime Scene House, analysing the evidence and presenting your findings in our mock courtrooms. Your forensic knowledge will extend through the study of a range of specialist options. You will also carry out an in-depth independent research project in a current forensic field.

This degree provides a unique opportunity to acquire a high level of scientific expertise with varied and advanced analytical, problem-solving and transferable skills. Particular careers may lie in scenes of crime investigation, forensic laboratory environments, technical management, consultancy, research and development or media and public service organisations.

• Forensic Investigation
• Forensic Science and Criminology

For more information about Forensic Science (F410) please contact: