About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: F413
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: Normally 300 minimum
- Department: Applied Sciences
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Delivery: Full-time
- Study Abroad: This course offers the opportunity to study abroad for up to a year in the USA at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
- Programme leader: Dr Sarah Bateman
- Key fact: This course is accredited by the Forensic Science Society in all their component standards - Crime Scene Investigation, Laboratory Analysis and Interpretation and Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence.
Introduction
Forensic Science – one of the most fascinating areas of applied science – is the use of scientific procedures to produce evidence in a court of law. This degree, designed in consultation with forensic scientists and related professionals, will cover in depth the major scientific disciplines involved in the investigation of crime.
All students share a common first year after which you can choose to continue with the balanced Forensic Science programme or to specialise in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. In the Forensic Chemistry degree students will gain expertise in all the major branches of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical and especially analytical) and forensic science, which includes legal topics focusing on how science is communicated in court. The analytical aspect of the course has been broadened from a more traditional chemistry focus to include DNA analysis as this is of such importance in forensic science.
In the final year all students carry out an independent research project in an area related to forensic science and study the Interpretation of Forensic Evidence module, in which students search a crime scene at the Crime Scene House, examine the evidence, write a report as for court and face questioning on it in the mock courtroom. The interpretation and communication of scientific results are vital aspects of forensic science and these are important themes in all of the courses offered.
If you successfully complete the first or second year, and leave the course, either through choice or necessity, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Forensic Chemistry or a Diploma of Higher Education in Forensic Chemistry respectively.
Structure
Content
Year 1
| All students study the following modules: |
|---|
| Chemistry in Context | Human Biological Systems | Scientific Investigation of Crime | Scientific Skills |
Year 2
| All students study the following modules: |
|---|
| Medicinal Chemistry | Forensic Examination of Materials | Science in Court |
| Scientific Research Methods | Instrumental Analytical Science | Drugs and Toxicology |
Final Year
| In the final year all students complete an independent research project (40 credits) and the following modules: |
|---|
| Interpretation of Forensic Evidence (40 credits) | Advanced Analytical Science (20 credits) |
| Students also study at least one of the following modules : |
| Environmental Forensics | Metals and Living Systems |
| Professional Practice | Controversial Science and Society |
Teaching and learning
Learning is through lectures, workshops, tutorials and laboratory work. As a Department we have long-established links with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Scientific Investigations and the local Home Office Forensic Pathologist. This means that professionals covering a range of aspects of forensic science will give guest lectures during the course. You will also benefit from talks by visiting lecturers. The forensic science aspects of the course include practical work in outdoor and indoor mock crime scenes as well as a law module incorporating a courtroom exercise.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods is used to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills that is developed in this course. There are assessed coursework and examinations in all three years but the majority of the first year assessments do not contribute to the final degree mark. The project in the final year is assessed. Communication skills are vitally important and students are assessed in a variety of formats, communicating to fellow scientists and the public.
Special Features
Study facilities
The course is characterised by a significant practical component. All students have the opportunity to benefit from using a wide range of specialist forensic instrumentation (including for DNA analysis) in our newly refurbished laboratories and to carry out mock crime scene investigations at our specially adapted Crime Scene House.
There is also extensive computer-based support accessible off-campus for student learning.
Student Forensic Science Club
All students on the courses have the opportunity to join our excellent Forensic Science Club. The club arranged the Forensic Science Society Student Conference here in 2008 attracting internationally-renowned Forensic Scientists as speakers and organised a two-day course in anthropology and osteology. In 2011 they organised successful crime scene science workshops for special constables and guest lectures from renowned Forensic Scientists.
Careers/further study
This course is an excellent preparation for careers in forensic chemistry or other careers in the chemical sciences. However, graduates from the forensic science courses at UWE have gained employment with Forensic Science providers including the Forensic Science Service, Orchid Cellmark and LGC Forensics. A significant number are also employed by the police service in a range of roles.
Graduates would also be very well equipped for careers in chemistry, especially those requiring analytical chemistry skills. Furthermore, graduates in chemical sciences rate highly in employers' estimations because such individuals tend to be numerate, computer literate and proficient at problem solving. Such skills are broadly applicable and marketable within and beyond the chemical sciences.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about Daisy's experience of becoming a DNA Analyst with LGC Forensics.
Useful links
UWE - careers in science
Guardian - what to do with a degree in chemistry
Forensic Science Society
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: Normally 300 minimum
- GCSE: English Language, Mathematics and Double Science at grade C or above.
- A-level subjects: Grade C or above in Chemistry, plus a pass in another science subject.
- Specific subjects: Chemistry
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of 15 level 3 credits at merit in Chemistry, and an additional 15 level 3 credits at merit in another Science subject; achievement of level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
- Baccalaureate IB: 27
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011