The current programmes in Forensic Biology at the University of Chester are a novel way to study biological science, with a particular emphasis on criminal investigation.
Forensic Biology covers the areas of science that are relevant to the gathering of scientific evidence, indicating what crime has occurred and by whom it may have been committed. This requires that forensic biologists search for and examine traces of material which might either establish or exclude an association between a suspect and a victim of a crime. Evidence is thus acquired by utilising areas of biology including molecular biology, chemistry, analytical sciences and mathematics.
Although careers in the forensic sciences, both nationally and locally, are competitive, many aspects of criminal investigation rely on modern analytical techniques which are also highly transferable. As such, the Forensic Biology programmes not only equip students for a career in forensic science but will also provide graduates with the necessary skills to enter many other areas of employment (biochemical, medical, and pharmaceutical industries, teaching etc.).
Why study Forensic Biology with us?
We offer a programme which can be studied alone or in combination with related subjects, such as Biology, Animal Behaviour, Criminology, Psychology & Archaeology. During your time with us, you will develop an understanding of the role of biology in the forensic sciences. You will advance your practical and analytical skills and learn how to solve problems. In addition, a particular emphasis is placed on the acquisition of marketable competences and skills valued by employers.
Our staff are enthusiastic and supportive. We pride ourselves particularly on the extra help we make available to those who request it. The teaching facilities are modern and of high quality. Our laboratories are housed in the Thomas building (recently refurbished), in the heart of the campus. Teaching and learning involves a range of methods including lectures, seminars, group work and presentations. In addition to crime scene analysis, including wildlife crime, you will undertake experimental work in general biological techniques, DNA technology, analytical chemistry, microbiology and genetics.
Features
The Department of Biological Sciences has an extensive range of laboratory facilities which support an investigative approach to the study of Forensic Biology. We also have access to Cheshire Police’s HQ crime scene training facilities. The programmes are taught by a highly enthusiastic and experienced team comprising of both University lecturers (including the programme leader who has over 20 years experience as a front line forensic scientist) along with expert external scientists.
A strong emphasis is placed on the vocational aspects of the subject and the development of key generic skills. As such, the programme has been specifically designed to equip students with the necessary theoretical and practical experience to enter many areas of employment in both forensics and biological sciences along with providing graduates with the necessary qualifications should they wish to continue their studies for a specialised postgraduate degree.
The Department of Biological Sciences has an extensive range of laboratory facilities which support an investigative approach to the study of Forensic Biology. Group-work and individual case based scenarios are used to give the student a stimulating learning experience. A particular strength of the programme at Chester is the underpinning of the discipline with biological sciences and, in particular, molecular biology and the rapidly-developing techniques of DNA profiling, thus further enhancing the employability of our graduates.
Programme Structure:
Both programmes are modular in structure and are delivered at three levels over three academic years. Some modules are common to other degree pathways, whilst others are highly specialised and have been developed specifically for the forensic biology programmes.
Single Honours
Level 4 (Level 1)
The modules at Level 1 have been selected to provide a coherent and challenging learning experience, as well as providing a sound basis for more advanced study.
Subject areas studied include:
- Genetics and Evolution
- Human Physiology
- DNA Forensic Analysis
Along with the specialised forensic modules;
- Forensic Identification - including Forensic Osteology and Odontology, Forensic Entomology, fingerprints, footwear marks, etc.’
- Introduction to Forensic Biology - an introduction to crime scene investigation and aspects of forensic biology including DNA profiling in Forensic Science, Wildlife Forensics and the types of physical evidence found at crime scenes to include specialised input from external expert practitioners.
Level 5 (Level 2)
Subject areas studied include:
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Applied Microbiology
- Analytical Techniques used in Forensic Biology
- Scene of Crime Evaluation and Analysis
- Research Methods
You will also take a double module of Work Based Learning or Experiential Learning, a work placement giving you an introduction to possible future careers.
Level 6 (Level 3)
At Level 3, you can choose to take advanced modules in more specialised areas of forensic biology.
Subject areas studied include:
- Forensic Toxicology,
- Physical Anthropology,
- Scene of Crime Natural Materials,
- Clinical Chemistry and Human Genetic Disease.
At level 3 you will also undertake a research project in an area of interest to you. This may be a practical project working on DNA extraction and analysis from bones, for example, or it may be research into more literature-based topics in anthropology or phylogeny.
Combined Honours
You may combine Forensic Biology with a range of subjects as a major, equal or minor subject.
At Level 1, you will take compulsory modules in Biology covering the following subject areas: Introduction to Forensic Biology, Forensic Identification Techniques and Genetics and Evolution, plus modules from your other chosen subject.
At Level 2, you will study Scene of Crime Evaluation and Analysis along with Research Methods or Analytical Techniques in Forensic Biology, plus modules from your other chosen subject.
At Level 3 you can choose to study Forensic Biology as a major, equal or minor subject, along with your other chosen subject.
Assessment is both by coursework and end-of-year examinations. Coursework can include practical reports, extended essays and presentations.
The examinations vary, depending on the nature of the module, but may take the form of multiple choice papers, essays, data handling questions and practical assessments.
We are keen to use a variety of assessment methods to find your strengths and give you the maximum opportunity to achieve the best results.
A degree in Forensic Biology will give you excellent skills for entry to the forensic science services, police force or the civil service.
In addition, the programme will also provide graduates with skills which many employers outside those areas will find desirable. For example, experience of DNA technology, molecular techniques and chemistry are in great demand in many industrial and medical applications.
This degree will also equip you to undertake specialised postgraduate qualifications in Forensic Science.
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UCAS points:
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A minimum of 200-240 UCAS points, of which 180-200 points must be obtained from GCE A Levels, including a grade C in one of the subjects recommended by the department. The remaining points may be achieved from GCE AS Levels, or from Level 3 Key Skills.
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GCE A Level:
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The department recommends one of the following subjects:
Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Science GCE A Level: Applied Sciences
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BTEC:
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BTEC National Diploma/Certificate (Applied Science): merit/
distinction profile
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Irish/Scottish Highers:
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B in 4 subjects, including Biology, Chemistry or Human Biology
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International Baccalaureate
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24 points, including 4 in Biology or Chemistry
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QAA:
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QAA recognised Access to Science course, Open College Units OR Open University Credits
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Extra Information:
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OCR National Extended Diploma/Diploma: pass/merit profile plus one of the GCE A Level subjects listed above
The Advanced Diploma: acceptable in combination with one of the GCE A Level subjects listed above
Please note: A BTEC National Award, OCR National Certificate or the Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff
offer.
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