Forensic Science (Physical), BSc (Hons)

Do you have a background or interest in the physical sciences of chemistry and physics? If so, this unique and accredited course will appeal to you. The intensive science content will give you the skills and knowledge valued highly by employers in the fields of chemistry, biology and physics and forensic science. You will also develop strong practical skills in forensic science. Why choose this course?

This is the only course in the UK which has a strong emphasis on digital aspects of forensic evidence examination. You will study the physical techniques of:

• forensic audio
• ballistics
• security and detection
• fingerprints.

You will also develop the analytical techniques needed for:

• identifying and evaluating evidence
• crime scene science
• the legal aspects of forensic investigation.

Why choose this course?

• It's accredited by the Forensic Science Society and is also recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). You will be eligible for admission to Associate Member of the RSC (AMRSC) upon graduation.
• This course is the only one of its kind in the UK. It combines the study of chemistry and physics with elements of the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree.
• You'll get free e-student membership to the Forensic Science Society as well as personal protection equipment (PPE) and lab coats.
• You will take part in crime scene investigation workshops in our and learn how to process crime scene evidence in the laboratory. The practical emphasis of this course will make you attractive to future employers.
• You will have the opportunity to take a 12-month work placement. On completion of a successful placement, you will be eligible to receive a Diploma in Professional Practice.

What our students say

"I've always wanted to go into Forensics, and the crime scene house at NTU is brilliant - we can practice collecting evidence and dealing with a crime scene; resources to deal with fingerprints; SLR cameras; software packages (i.e. ImageJ) etc.

"If you're interested in forensics then this course is perfect. It involves every aspect, from the crime scene to the courts and can lead to many different career paths. I've really enjoyed it and am glad I did it at NTU."

Rebecca Branson
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (Physical) Year four

Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

What will I study?

You will study the following modules throughout the course.

Year One

• Instrumentation and Programming
• Microscopy and Sound
• The Forensic Process
• Forensic Chemistry
• Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
• Skills for Forensic Science

Year Two

• Crime Scene Investigation and Image Processing
• Criminalistics
• Forensic Toxicology: methods and application
• Analytical Chemistry
• Forensic Audio: Recording and Signal Processing
• Legal Issues in the Criminal Justice System

Year Three
You have the option to undertake a year-long paid work placement. This will enable you to develop transferable skills and test out which aspects of forensics you enjoy most in practice. Your placement experience will also make you attractive to future employers.

Final Year

• Ballistics and Firearms
• Research Project
• Forensic Databases and Biometrics
• Research Project
• Advanced Crime Scene Investigation.

For further information, download the module descriptions document

How will I study?

You will be taught through a variety of teaching and learning experiences which will include:

• lectures
• workshops
• seminars
• visits
• group projects
• case studies
• oral presentations
• laboratory assessments and reports.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on a variety of components.

Coursework and Practical 75%

• Assignments
• Dissertation
• Group projects
• Case studies
• Oral presentations
• Laboratory assessments and reports

Written 25%

• Exams
• Written tests

Industry links

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

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

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 at the School of Science and Technology. Find out how these will be used to help you develop employable skills.

Crime Scence Training Facility

This is a typical residential property based on-campus with a garage, outbuildings and gardens. You will use it 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 learn how to take on the role of Crime Scene Examiner and develop your investigation, collection and analysis techniques.

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

You will be trained in digital photography and image processing using:

• a video spectral comparator (VSC) to determine the authenticity of security documents such as passports, identity cards and currency
• electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA) to recover indented writing evidence from documents
• specialist stands and light sources tailored to photograph a range of evidence types that have been recovered from crime scenes.