University of Glamorgan

BSc [Hons] Forensic Science

Additional Information

The BSc Forensic Science programme provides training and study many areas including: Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Computing, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Geology, Analytical and Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Psychology and Forensic Entomology. These subjects are in addition to the more basic elements of Forensic Science, Forensic Biology (DNA and fibres), Crime Scene Investigation, Analytical Techniques, Accident Investigation, Forensic Imaging, Search Room Techniques, Marks (shoe prints, tyre tracks), Document Examination, Fire and Explosion Investigation. To compliment your training you will receive instruction from leading experts and practitioners in Forensic pathology and crime scene investigation as well as police officers.

We have an extensive range of modern analytical and forensic equipment and small group practical tuition is a major part of the student learning experience. Our students are provided with plenty of ‘hands-on’ experience of these techniques providing them with a first-class training in preparation for employment or further study. A brief description of the modules studied is given below:

LEVEL ONE

• Introduction to Forensic Science
  A comprehensive introduction to the technical and practical aspects of selected topics in forensic science, including forensic geology, forensic odontology and anthropology, homicide investigation, criminal profiling, forensic entomology, crime trends and law.
• Introduction to Criminalistics
  A module about the practical and technical abilities required to investigate crime scenes. You will study fingerprinting techniques, documentation, collection, preservation and interpretation of evidence.
• Laboratory Safety and Practice
  All scientists need to be able to work safely in a laboratory. This module gives you guidance in the safe handling of substances and the law concerning Health and Safety at Work.
• Cell Biology
  This module examines cell structure and the major groups of biological macromolecules. It also gives an introduction to enzymes and microbiology, along with the principles of microscopy and genetics.
• Physical Chemistry
  A revision and then extension of the fundamentals of physical chemistry. The concepts covered include equilibrium, speed of reactions and why chemical reactions occur.
• Organic Chemistry
  A basic introduction to important concepts in carbon chemistry, functional group chemistry, synthetic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, the structures and effects of therapeutic and illicit drugs and spectroscopy.
• Analytical Methods for Forensic Science
  All scientists need to be numerate – they must be able to calculate results and understand the margin of errors that might be associated with such results, the latter being especially important to forensic and chemical scientists. This is a sympathetic introduction to mathematics that is needed in solving and reporting scientific problems.

  LEVEL TWO

• Forensic Evidence
  This module provides you with an understanding of the role, duties and limitations of expert witnesses and of the forensic science service. It will introduce you to the type of evidence that is required for criminal and civil cases in which scientific or technical expertise is essential. Specific reference to ballistics, firearms, arson and documentation forgery will be made.
• Forensic Earth Science
  This half module aims to develop an appreciation of the role of Earth Science data in the forensic examination of crime scenes or reported episodes.
• Forensic Imaging
  This half module explores the role of the forensic photographer in crime scene investigations. Students will develop an understanding of the processes of forensic imaging, together with the criminological significance and limitations of imaging data obtained using an array of modern techniques and processes, including CCTV, UV and IR photography.
• Introduction to Psychology for Forensic Sciences *
  This module is designed to provide forensic science students with an introduction to some of the key concepts within psychology, with a special emphasis on forensic psychology including development of aggression and criminal stereotyping.
• Computer Forensics and Digital Evidence *
  You will be introduced to the role of the computer in crime and computer law, with the aim of developing an appreciation of the types of computer crime and the methods used by the Cyber-criminal.
• Molecular Biology
  This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inheritance. It provides an appreciation of the concept of mapping the human genome, including DNA replication and genetic code.
• Analytical Chemistry
  This module addresses the theory and use of a wide range of modern analytical instrumentation and methodologies for human, biological, environmental and forensic chemical analyses. Here you will acquire an understanding of the criteria used in the selection of analytical techniques and develop a capacity for the critical appraisal of data produced. Areas covered include qualitative field tests for illicit drugs, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (GC, HPLC, GC-MS) and solid phase extraction.
• Spectroscopy
  A complimentary module to Analytical Chemistry focusing solely on spectroscopic techniques, with a special emphasis on multi-spectral interpretation for the identification of substances. You will study topics including stimulated and spontaneous absorption and emission spectra, laser action, electronic spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy.

  LEVEL THREE

• Case Studies
  Specific case studies will be examined in order to gain an appreciation of the strengths and potential limitations of forensic evidence in the resolution of criminal and civil matters. You will learn about ethics, forensic pathology, and homicide investigation. Autopsy observation represents an important aspect of the training, but it is not compulsory.
• Fire and Explosion Investigation
  An in-depth understanding of combustion, explosion and fire behaviour is necessary in order to be able to determine the origin and cause of an incident. This module will enable you to investigate fatal fires in vehicles and buildings, and to determine their origin and cause including evidence of arson.
• Forensic Psychology *
  This module applies the concepts and ideas introduced at Level Two to criminological, legal and investigative contexts, including the psychology of confession evidence and interrogation suggestibility, psychology in the court room and theories of crime, delinquency and victimisation.
• Toxicology*1
  This module augments the analytical toxicological methods studied at Level Two by introducing you to the biochemical, mechanistic and clinical aspects of toxicology. Areas studied include toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics, acute and chronic toxicity, the toxicity of natural products and illicit compounds and dose/response
  relationships.
• Human Molecular Genetics
  This module aims to provide an understanding of the underlying principles of modern molecular biology, together with an appreciation of DNA sequencing and gene manipulation techniques. Areas studied include gene cloning, hybridisation probing and PCR.
• DNA Interpretation
  This module centres on the significance of DNA sequencing in forensic science and includes DNA mixture analysis, paternity, ethnicity, DNA statistics, future developments,
  the National DNA database and ethics.
• Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Analysis in Forensic Science
  This half module will introduce the physical principles and practical applications of electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. Specific application of the techniques for forensic investigation will be demonstrated, including the analysis of gunshot residues, metal alloys, ballistic indentation and scratch analysis, animal and human bone comparison and paint chip and glass identification.
• Forensic Microscopy
  Optical microscopy is an essential tool in practically every area of forensic science. In this half module, you will be introduced to the more advanced techniques, including darkfield and Kohler illumination, phase and ultraviolet microscopy and photomicrography through the examination of textiles, fibres, foods, drugs, pollen, tissue samples and hairs.
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  This module provides advanced training and specialisation in the applications of ‘cutting-edge’ analytical techniques, focusing primarily upon forensic investigations. The module is designed to enhance your practical skills by providing a ‘hands-on’ experience of modern analytical instrumentation including headspace gas chromatography (GC-HS), solid phase micro-extraction (SPME), advanced chromatography and spectroscopy, and on-line and off-line derivatisation processes.
• Research Dissertation
  A research project of your choice, under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Project titles embrace all areas of forensic science.

  (*) Elective modules

  (**) Toxicology must be studied in order to be eligible to apply for Associate membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (ARMSC). Graduates may then apply for full membership (MRSC) and chartered status (CChem) after a probationary period in an appropriate post.

  TIME OUT

  Some of our students spend a year working in a forensic related environment mid-way through their Forensic Science course. The experience that these students gained in the USA, UK and other countries has proved invaluable when choosing a career. Students have found work placement posts in many suitable
  organisations including:

• The Medical Toxicology Unit, Guy’s Hospital London
• Dyfed Powys Police, Scenes of Crime and Technical Support Departments
• South Wales Police, Scenes of Crime and Fingerprint Departments
• Avon and Somerset Police, Scenes of Crime Department
• Police Headquarters, Wellington, New Zealand (document examination)
• Massachusetts State Police Crime, Laboratory, USA
• Forensic Laboratory, Helsinki, Finland
• Forensic Science Service Laboratory, Birmingham
• TrichoTech Ltd, Cardiff (toxicology analysis)
• Symbec, Cardiff
• RHM, High Wycombe
• Toxicology Laboratory, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

Related Courses

• BA [Hons] Law and Forensic Science (Subject to validation)
• BA [Hons] Law with Forensic Science (Subject to validation)
• Foundation Certificate Forensic Science
• BSc [Hons] Chemistry
• BSc [Hons] Forensic Chemistry

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