BSc(Hons) Forensic Science (with Foundation Year)

Content

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year zero (foundation year)

You'll study:

• Biology in Practice
• Chemistry in Practice
• Skills for Science
• People and Science.

You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into year one.

Year one

You'll study:

• Chemistry in Context
• Human Biological Systems
• Scientific Investigation of Crime
• Scientific Skills.

Year two

You'll study:

• Forensic Analysis
• Law and Expert Evidence
• Drugs and Toxicology.

Plus, one of these combinations:

• Instrumental Analytical Science and Genetics
• Instrumental Analytical Science and Medicinal Chemistry
• Forensic Biology and Genetics.

Placement year (if applicable)

If you study on the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two.

You'll complete a placement learning module Professional Practice in Applied Sciences.

See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.

Final year

You'll study:

• Crime Scene to Court
• Research Dissertation Project.

Plus:

• Forensic Analysis and Toxicology or Forensic Biology and Genetics

Plus, one optional module (depending on credit requirement) from:

• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Forensic Psychology.

And one optional module (depending on credit requirement) from:

• Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology
• Science Communication
• Environmental Forensics.

You can get a balanced forensic science degree by studying one biology and one chemistry option in year two, and then choosing the options that appeal to you in the final year.

Alternatively, you can choose a specialist route in year two and final year, which means you'll have Forensic Science or Forensic Science in your degree title.

We can advise you on which modules to choose and the implications for your career and your membership of the professional bodies.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.

Learning and Teaching

You’ll learn through a balance of active teaching and learning methods in timetabled sessions facilitated by the academic and technical teams, plus tutorial support, and independent study. These include lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and computer workshops. These sessions will be primarily face-to-face and take place using teaching and technical resources on Frenchay Campus, although blended learning methods may be used to enhance your learning experience.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Making connections

Drawing on our strong connections with other faculties especially law you'll get a rounded understanding of all areas of forensic science.

Join our thriving Join our thriving Forensic Science Society to tap into interesting events and presentations from world-leading practitioners.

Study time

In a typical week, you’re likely to be timetabled with academic and technical staff for an average of 12 hours. You’ll also spend a further 12-18 hours completing additional reading, practise activities and assessment tasks through independent self-study.

Studying at degree level means you’ll need to manage your independent study time. You’ll be expected to prepare for scheduled sessions, through activities such as preparatory reading, and to complete post-session activities, to consolidate your learning, and work on your assessment tasks.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed on your learning throughout the course through varied assessments.

To ensure you develop key skills for your career, our assessments often mirror the tasks required of a professional forensic scientist. For example, you’ll complete assessed crime scene examinations and associated industry standard documentation.

You’ll be assessed on your production of witness statements, your presentation of expert witness testimony in court, and your practical laboratory skills and understanding of key forensic instrumentation.

Additionally, other assessments are designed to help you develop key academic skills required to be a professional scientist, such as scientific writing and critical evaluation.

Learn more about assessments.