Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

About the course

The Forensic Science Degree provides a sound education in all aspects of forensic science and focuses on the fundamental subjects of forensic biology and chemistry.

The first year focuses on the principles and techniques of forensic science. In the second year more advanced concepts and applications are introduced and criminal law is studied in depth.

The final year contains modules covering advanced aspects and applications, including:

• DNA profiling
• Forensic chemical pathology
• Authenticity and frauds
• Fire, arson and explosions

Students will learn how to present the evidence in court and have the opportunity to practice crime scene processing skills in our Crime Scene House located close to the University.

Learning will be put in to a wider context through the analysis of several cases in depth, and experience a mock cross-examination in our court room.

Why you should choose to study Forensic Science Degree at DMU

• One of only a few courses accredited by the Forensic Science Society in the UK which means you will graduate with a qualification that is professionally recognised and sought after by employers
• Developed in collaboration with Leicestershire Police, ensuring your learning remains both current and relevant
• 96 per cent student satisfaction and 100 per cent of students found the course intellectually stimulating (National Student Survey 2012)

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Key facts

UCAS course code: F400

Duration: Three years full-time, four years sandwich (optional)

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013/2014 UCAS Points Minimum of 260 points

GCSEs

• At least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths and English Plus one of the following:

Alevels

• From a minimum of 2 a levels with a Science subject at grade C or above

BTEC

• BTEC National Diploma Science BTEC with Distinction/Merit/Merit (280)
• BTEC National Certificate only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC National Award only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC Extended Diploma Science (3 A2s) BTEC with Distinction/Merit/Merit (280)
• BTEC Diploma (2 A2s) Science BTEC Distinction* Distinction
• BTEC 90 credit Diploma only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (1 A2) only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement
• BTEC certificate (1 A1) only in combination with other accepted qualifications. Must meet Science requirement

Access course
Pass in Access to Science. English and Maths GCSE equivalency required, 12 level 2 credits in each subject.

Interview: No

Work Experience: No

International Baccalaureate:
28+ with 6 higher level points in a Science subject.

International students:
If English is not your first language, we require an English language level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

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Personal Statement selection criteria

• Clear communication skills, including good grammar and spelling
• Information relevant to the course applied for
• Interest in the course demonstrated with explanation and evidence
• If relevant for the course - work and life experience

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught by a team of academics with a wide range of experience in both academic and industrial settings. Research specialisms include botanical evidence and forensic DNA, fingerprint recovery and analysis and forensic applications of NMR.

You will study approximately 17 hours each week in teaching, tutoring and feedback sessions, plus up to 20 hours in self-directed study.

Practical work forms a large part of teaching and includes exercises at our mock crime house facility. You will also learn from visiting lecturers involved in forensic science. Assessments include coursework, practical reports, written and practical exams

Course modules

First year

• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Imaging and Photography
• Essentials of Forensic Investigations
• Professional and Quantitative Scientific Skills

Second year

• Bodies, Tissues and Fluids
• Materials ID
• Drugs of Abuse
• Molecules Have Fingerprints Too!
• Forensic IT
• Issues in Criminal Justice

Third year

• Forensic Case Studies and the Presentation of Evidence
• Fire, Arson and Explosions
• Authenticity and Fraud
• DNA Profiling
• Forensic Chemical Pathology
• Project and Professional Skills

Each of the modules are taught for 25 weeks throughout the academic year and the course is structured such that three main themes are developed;

• Forensic biology,
• Forensic chemistry and context.

Industry links and professional accreditation

De Montfort University and Kerbala University are working together to develop a forensic science training resource, and the aim is to create a pool of Iraqi qualified forensic scientists that can contribute to rebuilding a stable society.

This initiative is funded by the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by the British Council.

The programme funds collaborative projects between UK and Iraqi universities, in order to strengthen Iraq’s higher education system and contribute to rebuilding the country. Learn more about our partnership with Kerbala Univeristy|, and have a look at our video to see how their visit went.

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Work experience and placements

Our strong links with industry and dedicated Work-Based Learning Unit allow you to undertake a sandwich year, after successful completion of year two, to experience working in a scientific environment.

Many of our students have been placed in internationally recognised companies such as Pfizer.

Graduate careers

The variety and depth of this course equips graduates to work in many fields, including:

• Scene of crime work
• Forensic science
• Analytical chemistry
• General scientific analysis
• Health and safety
• The insurance industry and law enforcement

Graduates have progressed on to work for globally recognised forensic science providers, such as: Orchid Cellmark, various constabularies and internationally renowned companies such as 3M.

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9,000 International
Full-time £10,750

Please note: these fees are for 2012 and are subject to change.

Learn more about fees and funding information|.

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships| and awards information.

Facilities

Recent investment of £8 million in new state-of-the-art equipment and facilities include;

• Mock Crime Scene House
• Specialised Forensic DNA laboratory
• Specialised Physical Evidence laboratory
• Analytical Chemistry laboratory

Crime Scene House
Situated on the edge of the University campus is a typical terraced house that provides the ideal opportunity for realistic training in crime scene processing and evidence recovery; procedures vital to the whole investigative process

Physical Evidence Laboratory
Used for teaching various practical aspects of forensic science in a variety of modules. It contains our forensic microscope and imaging facilities (with compound, comparator, USB, fluorescence and polarising microscopes and digital image capture capability, VSC-4+ video spectral comparator and electrostatic detection apparatus or ESDA) and our fingerprint development and analysis facilities including superglue fuming facilities and AFIS system.

Forensic DNA Laboratory
This specialised laboratory contains our molecular biology and DNA profiling facilities such as PCR, capillary electrophoresis, gel electrophoresis and gel documentation systems. It is used extensively in the Forensic Biology; Bodies, Tissues and Fluids and DNA Profiling modules.

Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
This laboratory provides all the specialised analytical equipment used in routine forensic analysis including; UV-VIS spectrophotometers, FT-IR, a FT-IR microscope with ATR accessory, HPLCs, GCs, Pyrolysis-GC and atomic absorption spectrometers.

Analytical Microscopy Suite
Housing a new Carl Zeiss EVO HD 15 scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) capability and an atomic force microscope which are used in routine teaching and can be used in final year project work.

We have a range of other equipment housed in specialised facilities which include:

• Tandem MS/MS
• GC - and LC-MS
• NMR

These pieces of equipment are used primarily to support project work in year 3.