Forensic Science

Year one
Introduction to Forensic Analysis
Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
Chemistry for Forensic Science
Key Skills for Forensic Science*
Genetics and Evolution
Forensic Awareness

*25% of this module can be studied in Welsh

Year two
Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence
Volume Scene Examination 
Forensic Examination of Human Remains
Human Molecular Genetics
Modern Techniques in Analysis and Identification
Analytical Pathway – Applications of Forensic Analysis
Biological Pathway – Forensic Biology and Microbiology

Year three
Research Project and Employability Skills
Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness
Major Scene Examination
Applied Forensic Toxicology
Human Molecular Genetics
Analytical Pathway – Advanced Analytical Techniques
Biological Pathway – Environmental and Wildlife Forensics

Introduction to Forensic Analysis
Blending theory and lab-based training, learn the fundamentals of evidence processing including search and recovery, basic microscopy, chemical testing, and case notes.

Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
Study investigative techniques and processes including collecting, preserving, documenting and interpreting evidence.

Chemistry for Forensic Science
Build on your lab skills as you learn concepts of organic, biological, and analytical chemistry needed for forensic science.

Key Skills for Forensic Science*
Develop key skills like research, scientific writing, using IT, and maths and statistics, and learn how to work safely and effectively in the lab.

Genetics and Evolution
Understand DNA structure and replication and explore evolutionary theory. You’ll also build fundamental lab techniques and learn how to work safely.

Forensic Awareness
Develop critical thinking and problem solving and learn the purpose of criminal justice and key elements of the criminal justice system.

*25% of this module can be studied in Welsh  

Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence
Analyse, interpret and present particulate and biological trace evidence using sector-standard instrumentations, processes and documentation.

Volume Scene Examination
Develop CSI core practices and learn to record simulated crime scenes like burglaries, car theft, and criminal damage through photography and digital imaging.

Forensic Examination of Human Remains
Explore the unique challenges of discovering, recovering and analysing human remains, from search techniques to post-mortem, odontology and facial reconstruction.

Human Molecular Genetics
Get to grips with molecular biology techniques as you extend your knowledge of molecular genetics and the genetic basis of inherited disorders.

Modern Techniques in Analysis and Identification
Explore analytical techniques to understand the chemical structure of compounds, such as spectroscopy, essential in the identification of substances.

Analytical Pathway – Applications of Forensic Analysis
Investigate how forensic chemists use analytical techniques to identify evidence such as illicit drugs, fire residue and soil compounds.

Biological Pathway – Forensic Biology and Microbiology
Explore cell biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, developing an understanding of the value of biological evidence in forensics.

Research Project and Employability Skills
Evaluate cases like homicides and suicides, demonstrating ethics and standards. Examine the roles of expert witnesses, barristers, and evidence-in-chief.

Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness
Take on a complex simulated case demonstrating your teamwork, critical thinking, and capabilities, culminating in a simulated courtroom cross-examination.  

Major Scene Examination
Show mastery of forensic criminal investigation processes and techniques as you manage simulated major scene scenarios like suspicious deaths, assaults, and firearms offences. 

Applied Forensic Toxicology
Learn how toxic substances affect the body, explore principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and investigate toxicological substances in the lab.

Human Molecular Genetics
Apply everything you’ve learned to forensic applications. Explore areas such as DNA profiling and how this arises from crime scene stains.

Analytical Pathway – Advanced Analytical Techniques
Develop advanced skills and processes such as extraction, chromatography for quantitative analysis and analytical techniques like LC-MS/MS and q-NMR.

Biological Pathway – Environmental and Wildlife Forensics
Explore the specialised fields of environment and wildlife crime, covering law and legislation, microscopy, DNA and soil analysis and GIS.