Forensic Science, FdSc

The FdSc in Forensic Science is a two-year full-time course, designed to prepare students for a career in forensic science and related analytical disciplines or to allow progression to any of NTU’s suite of BSc (Hons) courses in forensic science. Why choose this course?

As well as considering the underpinning scientific knowledge, the course develops legal and criminalistic aspects of the subject. The course has a strong practical emphasis, and learning support is provided by workshop problem-solving activities.

On completion of the FdSc in Forensic Science students may enrol on the final year of any of NTU's suite of BSc (Hons) courses in forensic science and gain an honours degree with one further calendar year of study. These courses include:

• BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Physical)
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology.

A fast-track option also exists: students who perform well in year one of the FdSc will normally be offered the opportunity to transfer directly into the second year of one of the BSc (Hons) courses in forensic science.

You'll get free e-student membership to the Forensic Science Society as well as personal protection equipment (PPE) and lab coats.

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

What will I study?

Year One

• Introductory Biology
• The Forensic Process
• Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Chemistry
• Skills for Forensic Science

Year Two

• Drugs and Tissues
• The Microbial World
• Criminalistics
• Problem Solving workshop
• Forensic Project
• Professional Development.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is by a variety of methods including practicals, written assignments, multiple completion tests and formal examinations.

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

You will have access to a range of first-class facilities and will develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the graduate employment market.

Crime Scene Training Facility
This is a typical residential property based on-campus and used exclusively as a crime scene investigation training facility. The rooms are set up to replicate a range of realistic crime scene scenarios, ranging from burglaries and assaults to searches for illegal substances. You will:

• take on the role of Crime Scene Examiner
• develop your investigation, collection and analysis techniques.
• View footage of a student talking about her BSc in Forensic Science.

Ballistics Laboratory
You will have access to a large reference collection of spent and inert:

• shotgun
• rifle
• pistol and revolver ammunition.

We use the collection to train students in ammunition recognition.

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

You will have access to ammunition and firearms identification databases, which are the same as those used by UK ballistics experts and firearms examiners.

Document Examination Laboratory
You will learn how to use the video spectral comparator (VSC) to determine the authenticity of security documents such as:

• passports
• identity cards
• currency.

You will also learn how to recover indented writing evidence from documents using the electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA). A wide of photographic stands and specialist light sources are available for use in photographing a range of evidence types that have been recovered from crime scenes. All Forensic Science students are trained in digital photography and image processing.