COURSE CURRICULUM

The Forensic Science BSc (Hons) program is structured to develop students’ scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional expertise over four years. In Year 1, students study fundamental chemistry and bioscience while developing essential laboratory skills, alongside core forensic science and data analysis. Topics introduced include drink driving, drugs, fingerprint development, explosions, and crime scene investigation. Practical exercises involve drug chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, biochemical tests, forensic anthropology, and CSI activities, complemented by transferable skills such as report writing, presentations, and mock court exercises. Year 2 builds on this foundation with advanced chemistry, classical and molecular genetics, and crime scene investigation, incorporating probability and statistics to evaluate forensic evidence. Students gain practical experience through activities such as drug synthesis, chromatographic analysis, spectroscopic quantification, and large-scale crime scene investigations using specialist software. In Year 3, students specialise in the treatment and analysis of evidence, covering arson investigation, fibre and electron microscopy, DNA profiling, and chemical, biochemical, and toxicology analysis, while further developing crime scene skills. Industry engagement is enhanced through guest speakers, group work, and optional paid work placements in laboratories. In the Honours year, students study advanced forensic topics and undertake an independent research project, developing expertise in areas such as post-mortem drug analysis, fingerprint development, trace evidence, and explosive detection, while refining practical and investigative skills critical for a career in forensic science.