8 | Forensic Science
BSc Forensic Science
UCAS Code F415
Due to the ever-changing nature of crime the forensic scientist needs to have a broad
understanding of many areas of Forensic Science. Our BSc Forensic Science course
is a three-year single honours programme that will provide you with an outstanding
grounding in Forensic Science.
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Our first year modules are designed
to bring all students, from a variety of
different backgrounds, to the same level
of understanding in certain core areas
and practical laboratory skills. In the second year, the focus is to
develop the core themes within the
forensic discipline that are directly
relevant to professional practice
and related evidence types. This will
include expanding your understanding
of chemical separation techniques
such as Gas Chromatography – Mass
Spectrometry (GC-MS), investigating
decomposing and skeletal remains
to determine identity, time and cause
of death and the interpretation of
DNA profiles from biological material.
These topics will be complemented
with modules covering the analysis
of questioned documents and digital
material, the chemistry and effect of
illicit drugs on the body and how we
investigate marks and impressions left
at the crime scene such as blood spatter
patterns and fingerprints. In your third year, you will undertake a
year-long team research project and an
individual dissertation under the direct
supervision of a member of staff in an
area of forensic science that is of interest
to you. You will also get to experience
the entire ‘forensic process’ from the
collection of evidence at the crime scene
to its presentation in court alongside
studying topics such as pharmacology,
toxicology, explosives, arson, ballistics
and forensic geoscience.
During your first year, you will be
introduced to key forensic skills and
the core chemistry required for the
course. These will be complemented
with modules providing a context for
crime from different perspectives and an
understanding of digital infrastructures,
such as the internet, and how these are
used to facilitate crime.
Other core modules focus on the key
spectroscopic techniques used by
the forensic scientist in the analysis
of trace evidence and the statistical
methods needed for data analysis and
interpretation of results. You will also be
introduced to the biological aspects of
forensic science including the study of
protein biology, DNA, genetic markers
and an introduction to biological sample
preparation and analysis.
Indicative Modules for BSc Forensic Science
Autumn Semester Spring Semester
Year 1 Forensic Science Principles
Chemical Science Principles
Understanding Crime
Cybercrime Forensic Analysis
Forensic Identification
Year 2 Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis
Forensic Genetics
Forensic Taphonomy
Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries* Criminalistic Methods
Drugs of Abuse
Forensic Anthropology
Digital Forensics
Evaluation of Evidence Explosives and Arson
Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis Forensic Toxicology
Forensic Geoscience
Year 3
Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence
Forensic Science Team Project
Forensic Science Dissertation
*Subject to approval
keele.ac.uk/forensic