Forensic Science </br>(with foundation year)*

BSc (Hons)
Forensic Science
(with foundation year)*

1st

in Wales for student voice*

1st

in Wales for assessment & feedback*

1st

'body farm' of its kind in Wales

UCAS code: 7F28

Year of entry: 2019

UCAS Tariff: 48

Duration: 4YRS (FT) 6YRS (PT)

Institution code: G53

Location: Wrexham

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Why choose this course?

From sharp force trauma to spectra, from bones to bugs... Wrexham Glyndŵr University will prepare you for an exciting career in science.

This degree has been designed to provide a detailed knowledge of numerous scientific disciplines and how they can be applied to investigate a wide range of crimes. The programme has been tailored to train students to become competent and skilled scientists, able to conduct analysis of materials, interpret complex results, and present their evidence as expert witnesses.

With a strong practical focus, this course will train students in a wide variety of fields, including crime scene investigation, biology and chemistry. You will use our dedicated laboratories, crime scene house, and taphonomic facility (body farm) to test and hone your scientific skills.

This programme is among the ones with the longest history in the School of Applied Science, Computing and Engineering. We also have long-term collaboration with regional stakeholders, including North Wales Polices and several analytical companies to provide students with opportunities to perform frontier research and publish papers.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year degree (without a foundation year) BSc (Hons) Forensic Science UCAS Code: F412

*Subject to validation As part of its continuous quality assurance and enhancement, the University has new and updated courses in development. The details of these courses are in the process of being finalised and are awaiting their turn in the approval cycle, known as the ‘validation’ process. As soon as the programmes are validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of new courses that are still ‘subject to validation’ are approved by their validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham Glyndwr University or at another provider.

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KEY COURSE FEATURES

Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
Highly experienced, research-active staff
Dedicated crime scene investigation lab located right on the campus
First and only body farm in Wales for taphonomic study and research
World-leading research in materials science in the subject area providing students with wider scope of knowledge and alternative exit routes
Hands-on practical experience of modern laboratory equipment
Courtroom practice with real barristers
Crime scene investigation scenarios set by senior CSIs
Opportunities to attend conferences in forensic science and become a Student Member of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
Tutorial support available through the medium of Welsh
Long-term collaboration with North Wales Police on research projects in forensic investigation
Established partnerships with a number of industries in the areas of forensic, chemical, analytical and materials science, with opportunities for student work placements.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY?

The course covers the three key elements of forensic science, namely: the search and recovery of evidence; biological (including DNA), chemical and physical analysis; and the presentation of evidence in court. The course is highly practical which equips students with all the skills needed for career development.

Year 1 (Foundation Year)

The foundation year will introduce you to a range of scientific concepts and methods which underpin biological sciences. You’ll gain a thorough training in laboratory skills and will develop your analytical and mathematical skills. Students will be encouraged to develop their own abilities in science, with a basic bank of knowledge across the main scientific areas.

Modules

Introduction to biosciences
Laboratory and Field Skills in Biology (Biosciences)
Introduction to Experimental Design and Mathematical Analysis (Biosciences)
Introduction to Science
The Skills You Need
Contextual Studies

Year 2 (Level 4)

Introduces a broad range of scientific knowledge and skills covering mathematics, statistics, biology and chemistry etc. Meanwhile, the students are also educated with fundamentals in forensic science, criminal justice and crime scene investigation. Intensive practice in both lab and crime scene house is an important part of this year.

Modules

Cell Biology
Introduction to Chemistry
Laboratory Chemical Analysis
Maths and Statistics for Science
Forensic Evidence and Criminal Justice
Crime Scene Investigation

Year 3 (Level 5)

Builds on and expands your portfolio of study, introducing further strategies of crime scene investigation, skills in advanced instrumental analysis and contemporary knowledge in forensic biology. Both hands-on experience and research methodology will be emphasised.

Modules

Forensic Biology
Analytical Methods
Anatomy, Pathology and the Forensic Examination of Human Remains
Instrumental Analysis
Laboratory Instrumental Analysis
Forensic Research

Year 4 (Level 6)

The final year leads students into specific areas in forensic science, including taphonomy, drugs and toxicology, and cross examination in court etc. You will carry out a research project in a field of your choice.

Modules

Forensic Taphonomy
Drugs and Toxicology
Science in Court
Forensic Investigation of Mass Fatalities
Forensic Research Project

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLYING

BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (four years including foundation year)

UCAS Code: 7F28

Our general requirement for the foundation year is 48 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications, as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

Part-time applicants should apply using this form.

If you have studied in another European country, please check the Entry Requirements for your qualification.

International Students - BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (four years including foundation year)

If you are an international student please visit the countries page and select your country to see the relevant academic and English language entry requirements.

ASSESSMENT

A broad range of assessment methods are used; these include task-based exercises, crime scene and courtroom scenarios, oral and poster presentations, essays and laboratory reports, and written exams. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential. A project dissertation will form one of the final parts of your assessment.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, student-led seminars and guided research.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through guided study or feedbacks given to students.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

A scientific qualification with transferable skills (i.e. research, report writing, critical thinking, problem solving communication, team working, numeracy and mathematical skills and decision making) can open-up career opportunities in many fields.

For example:

forensic science employers
teaching
laboratory analysis
public sector
armed forces
customs
insurance
police force
further study opportunities

Our graduates have a good record of employment, forging successful careers in police forces, school/colleges, analytical/chemical companies or studying postgraduate courses across the country and internationally.

FEES AND FUNDING

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2019/20 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages.

Programme Specification