BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

The forensic science degree covers a wide range of sciences, from criminalistics to chemistry and biology. You will develop the concepts of crime scene investigation protocol and gain scientific knowledge of the chemical and biological analytical techniques used to assist investigations. The course has been developed to build each year on the knowledge learnt in previous years and is taught to develop theoretical skills and then getting to put those skills into practice in a practical setting.

The first year of your forensic science degree introduces you to the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in biological, analytical chemistry and crime scene investigation employed within forensic investigation.

Following successful completion of a common first year curriculum, students choose to study modules that follow either an “Analytical” or a “Biology” Forensic Science pathway depending upon their personal preference during their second and subsequent third year.

The second year of your forensic science will enhance your practical skills and theoretical knowledge through forensic evidence and crime scene examination. You will develop your skills in applying chemistry techniques and your understanding of either analytical chemistry or biological science within forensic investigation depending upon the pathway chosen.

In the third year you will study advanced modules, critically analysing forensic case studies as well as developing advanced skills in either the analytical chemistry or biological science depending upon the pathway chosen as well as taking the Research Project and Professional Skills module.

Year One: Forensic Science Degree

Introduction to Forensic Analysis
This module introduces students to the fundamental aspects of evidence processing techniques through a combination of laboratory-based training exercises and theory-based learning.  Students will develop an appreciation of a range of laboratory techniques applied to trace particulates and biological evidence materials, including, search, recovery, creating professional contemporaneous case notes to contribute to the laboratory casefile, basic microscopy, and chemical testing for the presence of biological materials.

Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
The practice of forensic science requires an understanding of a broad range of forensic topics and involves many investigative techniques. This module will provide you with the knowledge, practical understanding and technical ability relating to the investigation of crime. Here you will study introduction to crime scene investigation; documentation; collection and preservation of physical evidence; interpretation of crime scene evidence and crime scene reconstruction.

Key Skills for Forensic Science
This module will provide you with an appreciation of the principles of safe working in laboratories, accident prevention and the promotion of safety in the workplace and the consequences for health due to exposure to hazards. You will develop an understanding of the information concerning hazards in performing experimental work and in the calculation of the probability of an accident and to estimate risk. Additionally, the use of IT for scientific working, accessing journals and referencing skills are provided.

Genetics and Evolution
Students work to learn the key principles of genetics and the theory of evolution to gain an understanding of the structure and organisation of DNA, how DNA replication work and how we get from gene to protein. This module will also provide students with laboratory experiences relevant to working with DNA in a laboratory setting.

Fundamental Organic Molecules and Analysis for the Forensic Sciences
This module is designed to introduce students to a variety of concepts in organic, biological, and analytical chemistry that is needed for forensic science. Students are able to build on their laboratory skills to support the development of other analytical skills.

Chemical Concepts
Students are able to gain knowledge of fundamental concepts of physical and inorganic chemistry to support with future modules but also develop keys skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. Students will be able to look into analytical and instrumental techniques to understand their chemical basis. Laboratory sessions will develop the necessary laboratory skills.

Year Two: Forensic Science Degree

Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence
To extend the student’s practical capabilities and knowledge pertaining to particulate and biological trace evidence analysis with a particular focus on the use of sector-standard instrumentation, quality control processes and sector-standard documentation. To introduce students to the interpretation and presentation of scientific data generated from analytical techniques.

Volume Scene Investigation
Within this module you will gain practical digital imaging, crime scene photography and video experience recording a variety of crime scenes scenarios. This will involve studying the theoretical aspects of photography, and equipment: Films and film speeds, camera formats, focal length, aperture and depth of field, lighting techniques and flash. In addition to this, you will gain practical training in core skills for the crime scene investigator within a series of simulated volume crime scenes including vehicle examination.

Forensic Examination of Human Remains
To introduce students to the strategic and unique aspects involved in the analysis of human remains. To provide a detailed description of scientific and technological methods used in the investigation of victims of crime or natural disasters.

Human Molecular Genetics
Students build on the genetics learnt in the first year to understand molecular genetics and the genetic basis of inherited disorders. Students gain an understanding of the practical applications of molecular biology techniques and how these are used to study genetics.

Modern Techniques in Analysis and Identification
Through this module, students learn the theory and practise around the analytical techniques which are used in forensic science. This covers subjects such as spectroscopy which is essential in the identification of substances and how we can use a variety of techniques to understand the chemical structure of compounds.

Analytical Pathway – Applications of Forensic Analysis
This module deals with how we can use analytical techniques within the forensic setting. It investigates how a forensic chemist can use analytical techniques in the identification of evidence such as illicit drugs. It also covers how fire residue, and the investigation of soil compounds can be used in Forensics.

Biological Pathway – Forensic Biology and Microbiology
Students will be learning about cell biology, microbiology and biochemistry. Through this is will give the learner the opportunity to develop an understanding of the complexity of cellular life. The module also explores the value and theoretical basis of biological evidence in forensics as well as looking at how microbes can contribute to human disease which can lead to death.

Year Three: Forensic Science Degree

Research Project and Employability Skills
This will involve the scientific evaluation of cases and evidence and statistical evaluation of forensic evidence and professional ethics and standards. Cases will include forensic pathology, homicide, suicide and accidental death amongst others. In addition to this, you will be introduced to the court room processes and the role of the expert witness, barristers, cross-examination and evidence in chief. As part of this module, you will conduct a literature review which will involve a critical evaluation of primary information and data on a selected topic within forensic science.

Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness
To allow the development and application of teamwork, critical thinking and forensic skills through the experimental design and processing of a simulated forensic case with particular attention to DNA, paint and glass evidence, QA and the interpretation of analytical data using statistical methods. To allow the student to consolidate and advance their understanding of the regulations applying to forensic practitioners when analysing, interpreting, and presenting evidence and to develop knowledge and skills to be able to provide witness testimony.

Major Scene Examination
This module aims to allow you to develop a detailed knowledge of the forensic criminal investigation process and gain a critical understanding applied to a range of specialist and serious offences described as major incident investigations. You will apply associated learning through exposure to relevant and related simulated major scene scenarios and case studies.

Applied Forensic Toxicology
This module introduces students to the study of toxicology and builds an understanding of the effects toxic substances can have on the body. It introduces students to the principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion as well as using practical laboratory classes to understand the investigation of toxicological substances.

Technical Forensic DNA Analysis and Interpretation
Students will be able to use all the theory learnt on the course and apply this to the forensic applications. It explores how molecular genetics are used in forensic settings by exploring areas such as DNA profiling and how this comes about from crime scene stains.

Analytical Pathway – Advanced Analytical Techniques
This has been developed to provide students with the advanced skills that would be needed within the workplace. Building on study in previous years this module advances process such as extraction techniques which are essential for forensic work but also looks into the importance of good chromatography for quantitative analysis. It also investigates the applications of analytical techniques such as LC-MS/MS and q-NMR.

Biological Pathway – Environmental and Wildlife Forensics
Through this module, students can develop an understanding of the application of forensics within the fields of environment and wildlife crime. This covers subjects and areas such as the law and legislation relating to wildlife crime and the microscopy and DNA analysis which may be needed. It investigates the tools that may be employed in the investigation of environmental crime and how specialist tools like GIS are used along with the scientific analysis of soils.

This forensic science degree will involve about ten hours in lectures and small group tutorials, and up to ten hours of practical work each week.

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practicals. The number of hours of formal teaching will vary depending on your module choice and year of study. In addition to lectures from the staff at The University of South Wales, guest lectures are delivered by external specialist experts in their field as part of the module delivery and additionally through presentations organised by the University Forensic Science Society and Chemistry Society.

In addition many events are held during the year such as Career Fairs and Career conferences where students will have an opportunity to find out more about prospective careers and meet prospective employers.

Research-informed teaching

Lecturers are members of our applied science research group which comprises biologists, chemists, ecologists, earth, environmental and forensic scientists. Broadly our research falls into two areas - Biological Science and Analytical and Physical Science. Our research includes both fundamental science and very applied science working alongside industrial partners. We have an international outlook with research projects and collaborations world-wide. Our research is supported through excellent dedicated research facilities.

You will be assessed by a combination of different approaches including end of year examinations, in-term tests, practical and laboratory skills assessments, written essay-style coursework, online short answer assessments, laboratory reports, simulated case work files, preparation of witness statements, data analysis exercises, mock court sessions and oral presentations.

Many of the tasks and assessments you will complete have transferable and employability skills deeply embedded within them including independent learning, working as part of a team, numeracy, planning, organisation and communication skills, as well as allowing you to develop professional skills for practice in forensic science