Forensic Biology, BSc (Hons)

Level

Forensic Biology, BSc (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University
Logo Nottingham Trent University

Need more information? Get more details on the site of the provider.

Starting dates and places

There are no known starting dates for this product.

Description

This course will appeal to you if your background or interests lean more towards biological or ecological sciences. You will develop skills identifying and analysing biological materials which may:

You will study the concepts and principles of Biology required to assist with forensic analysis, both in the laboratory and in the field. You will develop skills in the identification and analysis of biological materials which may be recovered from a crime scene, or which constitute a crime in themselves. You will also acquire knowledge of the:

  • English legal system
  • methods of evidence collection
  • application of forensic techniques to case studies and practical problems.
Why choose this course?…

Read the complete description

Frequently asked questions

There are no frequently asked questions yet. If you have any more questions or need help, contact our customer service.

Didn't find what you were looking for? See also: Biology, Forensic Science, BSc, Lean, and Health Management.

This course will appeal to you if your background or interests lean more towards biological or ecological sciences. You will develop skills identifying and analysing biological materials which may:

You will study the concepts and principles of Biology required to assist with forensic analysis, both in the laboratory and in the field. You will develop skills in the identification and analysis of biological materials which may be recovered from a crime scene, or which constitute a crime in themselves. You will also acquire knowledge of the:

  • English legal system
  • methods of evidence collection
  • application of forensic techniques to case studies and practical problems.
Why choose this course?
  • The course is accredited by the Forensic Science Society and is recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
  • The Forensic Science Society has also recognised the academic team's strength in positioning forensic science students in relevant industry placements.
  • You'll get free e-student membership to the Forensic Science Society as well as personal protection equipment (PPE) and lab coats.
  • The development of practical skills is a key theme of our forensic science courses. You will take part in crime scene investigation workshops in our Crime Scene House and learn how to process crime scene evidence in the laboratory.
  • The course has a strong practical component. You will undertake exercises in the field and laboratory, including two eight day residential field courses as well as have the option to complete a 12-month work placement.

Industry links
Our Forensics Team work with a wide range of organisations including:

  • the Forensic Science Society
  • Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Nottinghamshire Police
  • Derbyshire Constabulary
  • The Fingerprint Society
  • HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs)
  • The Institute of Forensic Research, Krakow, Poland.

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 8484200

This course has two different pathways you can choose from depending on where your interests lie. You can focus on one of the following:

  • Molecular Biosciences, which covers subjects like DNA profiling and forensic microbiology
  • Ecology, which looks at forensic entomology and palynology.
What will I study?

Year One - core modules

  • Forensic Biology and Microscopy
  • The Forensic Process
  • Practical Techniques for Biology

Molecular pathway

  • Introduction to Microbiology
  • Introduction to Pharmacology

Ecology pathway

  • Life on Earth
  • Natural Ecosystems

Year Two

  • Crime Scene Investigation and Image Processing
  • Biological Techniques in Forensic Science
  • Legal Issues in the Criminal Justice System
  • Criminalistics

Molecular Pathway

  • Microbial Structure, Identification and Distribution
  • Drugs of Addiction and Abuse

Ecology Pathway

  • Field Investigations and Expedition Science
  • Behaviour and Population Dynamics

Year Three
Optional year-long paid work placement

Final Year - core modules

  • Research Project
  • Genetics for Identification

Molecular pathway

  • Toxicology
  • Forensic Microbiology
  • Forensic Archaeology and Paleopathology
  • Advanced Crime Scene Investigation

Ecology pathway

  • Environmental Forensic Assessment
  • Forensic Databases and Biometrics
  • Atmospheric Pollution, Monitoring and Toxicology
  • Advanced Crime Scene Investigation.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a variety of components.

Coursework 57%

  • Assignments
  • Dissertation
  • Group projects
  • Portfolio

Practical 13%

  • Oral presentations
  • Laboratory assessment

Written 30%

  • Exams
What our students say

"The course is varied and will provide you with an excellent biological and forensic background which will open many different doors. There is a wealth of help and information supplied on NOW (the student learning portal) and staff are willing to provide out of hours support. My project supervisor also provided many references for PhD applications and helped me to prepare for interviews.

"The course is quite full on but very rewarding, and finishing your third year project is a very proud moment."

Hayley Brodrick, BSc Forensic Biology, Year Three

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

We provide a range of specialist, first-class facilities to ensure that our students develop the transferable skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the graduate employment market.

Crime Scene Training Facility

You will find a typical residential property on campus, which is exclusively for training students in crime investigation. This property has a garage, outbuildings and gardens. You will also find rooms set-up to replicate a range of realistic crime scenarios ranging from burglaries and assaults to searches for illegal substances. You will learn how to take on the role of Crime Scene Examiner and develop specialist techniques in:

  • investigation
  • collection
  • analysis.
Ballistics Laboratory

This is used to train students in ammunition recognition. You will have access to a large reference collection of spent and inert:

  • shotguns
  • rifles
  • pistols
  • revolver ammunition.

The focal point of the Ballistics Laboratory is the comparison microscope. You will use it to identify the characteristics of spent cartridge cases and bullets recovered from crime scenes.

You can also access ammunition and firearms identification databases. These databases are the same as the ones used by UK ballistics experts and firearms examiners.

Document Examination Laboratory

Our students use a video spectral comparator (VSC) to determine the authenticity of security documents such as:

  • passports
  • identity cards
  • currency.

You will discover how to recover indented writing evidence from documents using the electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) and use specialist equipment to photograph evidence including specialist photographic stands and light sources. You will also be trained in digital photography and image processing.

There are no reviews yet.

Share your review

Do you have experience with this course? Submit your review and help other people make the right choice. As a thank you for your effort we will donate £1.- to Stichting Edukans.

There are no frequently asked questions yet. If you have any more questions or need help, contact our customer service.