Forensic Biology and Biology BSc (Hons)
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Course Summary
This course offers a combination of forensic aspects with a thorough grounding in the traditional science of biology, in particular the molecular biology techniques and DNA profiling. The techniques you will learn are transferable to other biological disciplines and provide a solid foundation for a wide range of graduate employment.
Our Biology degree offers a range of subjects and unique experiences due to close partnerships with organisations such as Chester Zoo and other leading institutes, industries and charities. We supplement classroom learning with opportunities for work placements or fieldwork. There are also opportunities to take part in exciting laboratory-based research.
We will encourage you to become a member of relevant professional societies, such as a member of the Royal Society of Biology, and participate at organised events.
What you'llStudy
During Year 1, you will undertake work in general biological techniques; DNA technology; analytical chemistry; microbiology and genetics; crime scene examination; and forensic analysis of trace evidence.
Module content:
Introduction to Genetics
Mendelian Genetics
Introduction to Cytogenetics
Introduction to DNA
Protein Synthesis and the Genetic Code
Inheritance patterns of single genes and gene interaction
On the origin of species
Natural selection and speciation
Classification and phylogenies
Evolution and conservation
The Molecular Basis and Phenotypic Consequences of Mutation
Understanding genetic analysis
Introduction to gene technology
Evolution of Disease
Genetics of Disease
Module aims:
The module is designed to provide students with:
An understanding of the application of taxonomic principles An appreciation of the weight of evidence supporting modern evolutionary theory An enhanced understanding of the basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics. |
Module content:
This module will cover key areas in Forensic Investigations, including the following;
Introduction to the biological techniques used in forensic science
Introduction to genetic analysis as applied to forensic science
Analysis of physical evidence
Relationships between all the partners in criminal investigation and prosecution
Introduction to criminal law- including the structure and presentation of forensic evidence within the legal framework
Forensics in a wider context eg in applied biological research
An introduction to osteology and skeletal biology, including evidence of injuries
etc on the body.
Methods involved in the determination of age, sex and other physical characteristics from skeletal material, e.g. teeth and skull characteristics.
Mould making, modelling, reproduction of anatomical features and obtaining casts from imprints.
An overview of the commonest forms of forensic identification used
The use of soil materials and profiles and plant material such as pollen in forensic analyses
Module aims:
This module will provide an insight into the biological aspects of the work of forensic scientists and related professions. It will also provide an understanding of the work of associated services e.g. police, crime scene investigator, identification specialists, legal specialists.
The main aims are: To place modern forensic science in its historical context and give insight into the development of the modern science. To give an insight into the use of forensic techniques in areas of biological research other than crime scene analysis.
An understanding of key aspects of skeletal biology and what the skeleton can say about its owner.
Knowledge of patterns of injuries on the outside of the body and on the skeleton.
The practical skills required to model and reproduce anatomical and imprinted specimens.
An awareness of methods of Forensic Identification
Knowledge of soil and plant material in forensic site analyses.
Year 2 will allow you to undertake experimental work in molecular biology, project designs, microbiology, and analytical techniques, plus examination of forensic exhibits.
Module content:
Indicative content:
- Appreciation of numbers
- Literature searching and critical appraisal of research papers
- Survey methods and feedback
- Experimental design
- Research questions, hypotheses and statistical analysis
- Research proposals and dissertations
- Research ethics and sustainable development
- Development and exposure to a range of core biological skills
Module aims:
To build upon knowledge gained in Level 4 (e.g. BI4114 Data Handling and Project Design);
To equip students with the skills required to critically analyse primary research papers;
To provide an introduction to the essential processes involved when conducting good scientific research;
To expose students to a range of core biological skills and techniques;
To equip students with the statistical skills required to handle data, analyse and report findings in accordance with scientific convention;
To expose students to the importance of ethical and sustainable development considerations when conducting research in relevant disciplines;
Allow students to plan and complete a research proposal that will help them develop and prepare for their dissertation at Level 6.
Module content:
Qualitative analysis for chemical group identification. Discrimination between organic and inorganic material.
Titrimetric techniques. Quantitation of anions and cationic compounds.
Spectrophotometry. UV-visible and atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry.
Chromatography. Low pressure (LC) and high pressure (HPLC). Thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography. Detection methods including electron capture and mass spectrometry
Electrophoresis. Cellulose acetate, polyacrylamide. Western blotting.
Antibodies and immundiagnostic methods. Single radial immunodiffusion, lateral flow devices and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Module aims:
To develop an understanding of the theories underpinning modern biochemical, physical and chemical analytical procedures.
To develop practical skills in biochemical, physical and chemical analytical techniques.
To apply the theoretical and practical skills to a problem solving exercise.
To understand and critically evaluate common analytical technologies.
Module content:
The module will cover the following: Introduction to the techniques and methodology of crime scene investigation Roles and responsibilities of crime scene personnel Identification and preservation of the crime scene Risk assessment pertaining to crime scene investigation Evidence identification and recovery Evidence preservation, packaging and storage Recording evidence at major crime scenes Evaluation of physical trace evidence Isolation and analysis of DNA from crime scene samples (extraction and purification of genomic DNA; agarose gel electrophoresis). Amplification of specific microsatellite sequences used as markers of individuality. Compilation of a forensic science report / statement |
Module aims:
This module aims to:
Introduce students to the methods and procedures used in crime scene investigation
Experience the roles and responsibilities of individuals investigating major crime scenes
Provide students with an appreciation of health and safety aspects pertaining to the investigation of a crime scene
Gain an understanding of how unique identifiers can be used in criminal cases
Evaluate mechanisms for matching individual suspects with their unique identifiers
Discuss aspects of evidence identification, packaging, and storage
Provide practical experience of crime scene investigation through a simulated small group exercise
Enable students to evaluate evidence obtained at the simulated crime scene and use appropriate analytical techniques to extract information pertaining to the investigation
Present findings in the appropriate manner in the form of a detailed forensic report / statement
Module content:
Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:
- Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
- Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
- Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world
Theories, models and strategies of learning
- Critical thinking skills, experiential learning and models of reflection
Personal and placement-related transversal skills
- Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
- Effective time management and organisational skills
- Project management – working away from University and independent study
- Self-management and personal development
Whilst abroad:
Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.
Module aims:
- To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
- To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
- To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
- To further develop independent learning techniques.
- To foster critical evaluation.
Module content:
Pre-placement:
- Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
- Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
- Interview skills.*
*Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.
Induction Programme and Placement:
- The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
- Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
- Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
- Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements.
During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:-
- Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
- Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
- Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
- Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;
Module aims:
This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:
- Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
- Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
- Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
- Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.
In Year 3, you will undertake advanced modules in more specialised areas of forensic biology. You may also have the option to undertake a research project.
Module content:
The module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s. Primary scientific sources should be used to a significant extent in addition to a thorough grounding in the secondary literature.
Chester blend will provide all relevant support during the second half of level 5 so that students can be allocated to a supervisor before the end of the academic year to enable them to collect data during the summer if necessary for their project (or if preferred). Guidance will also be given on procedures that need to be carried out before any data is collected, e.g. ethical permission and risk assessment.
A small number of lectures will take place during the module to advise on what is expected of students, how to present data and organise work. Students will mainly be prepared for the dissertation during modules in levels 4 and 5 in modules such as Research Methods.
Module aims:
To enable the student to engage in research, development and/or interpretation of a selected topic relevant to their programme of study through the scholarly use of primary and other sources.
Module content:
Content will include some or all of the following:
1. Toxins and Toxicity - definitions and classification
2. Toxicity testing procedures and terminology. Toxicity data analysis and limitations.
3. Responses to toxicant exposure and levels of organisation. Inter and intra-specific variation, genetics and environment.
4. Metabolism of toxins. The central role of the liver and liver damage.
5. Metabolism of toxins. The cytochrome P450 system. Detoxification and excretion.
6. Case studies of selected toxicants: distribution, mode of action, metabolism and detection.
7. Xenobiotics e.g. dioxins and PCBs
8. Synthetic insecticides e.g. organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides
9. Biotoxins e.g. Botulinum, algal toxins, ricin, aflatoxins
10. Heavy metals. e.g mercury, cadmium, lead
11. Forensic applications - Analytical technologies for scene of crime and counter-terrorism.
Module aims:
To develop an understanding of the mechanisms of toxic action.
To appreciate the importance of metabolism and genetics in the response of individuals to toxin exposure.
To develop an understanding of the analytical techniques and their deployment relevant to the field of forensic toxicology.
Module content:
This module will cover key areas in Forensic Biology, including the following;
Bite mark evidence and analysis on bodies
Bite mark evidence and analysis on inanimate objects
Use of Dental Records for identification in mass fatalities
Forensic Odontology in Archaeological investigations
Additional sampling procedures employed at the scene of a crime. Sample storage and preservation.
Forensic human biology having fossil potential including bones, hair, teeth, nails
Advanced analytical techniques including chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, capillary and gel electrophoresis, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, x-ray microanalysis, immunoassay.
Forensic toxicology. Illicit and therapeutic drugs and other substances of forensic interest.
Forensic chemistry. Analysis of explosives, arson accelerants and writing media.
Forensic serohaematology. Identification of individuals and biological traces from biomolecules.
Expert witness appearance in a criminal court setting.
Module aims:
This module will provide students with an increased understanding and encourage the critical exploration of further aspects of forensic work, including;
An understanding of the origins and contributions of materials to forensic analysis.
An appreciation of the diversity of materials and matrices that may be exploited for forensic purposes, and the associated sampling strategies that may be employed.
An understanding of and ability to systematically deploy knowledge of specialised biochemical, physical and chemical analytical techniques and their application to forensic analysis.
Experience in providing expert witness testimony in a courtroom setting.
Module content:
This module will build upon content delivered in level 4 and level 5 microbiology modules. Topics discussed will include:
- Microbial pathogenicity.
- Defences against microbial attack.
- Antimicrobial and antiviral agents.
- Human commensal flora.
- Microbial diseases of selected organ systems.
- Laboratory detection of microbes of medical importance.
- Biofilms and quorate sensing.
- Infection control.
- Advanced epidemiology.
- Ethical issues in microbiology.
Module aims:
This module applies the principles and skills of experimental microbiology, discusses the role of microorganisms as causative agents of infectious disease and examines the ways in which they may be controlled. The module particularly builds upon information covered in the Level 5 module “Applied Microbiology”, and complements the Level 6 module “Clinical Medicine and Immunology".
Aims:
- To appreciate the relationships that exist between aspects of human biology and microbiology.
- To understand the factors that influence the establishment of infection and various methods of control.
- To understand the process of infection and its effects on the major organ systems.
Module content:
1 Genetic variation detection.
2 Autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance.
3 Sex-linked and nontraditional modes of inheritance.
4 Epigenetics.
5 Small non-coding RNAs in regulation of gene expression.
6 Omics: transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics.
7 Genetic testing and gene therapy.
8 Genetics and precision medicine.
9 Clinical genetics and genetic counselling.
Module aims:
The aim of the module is to give students an appreciation of the clinical genetics specialist area in the biomedical sciences. The module will encompass various aspects related to clinical genetics such as the genetic basis of disorders, sign and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
You will gain practical experience in teaching laboratories and crime scene sites.
Assessments are designed to challenge and encourage both your academic skills and skills that are valid in the workplace.
Beyond the Classroom
On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience.
You may wish to undertake Experiential Learning, where there are opportunities to experience international trips. However, overseas trips to incur additional costs associated with travel, accommodation and activities.
This course offers the opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.
Entry Requirements
112 UCAS Points
UCAS Tariff |
112 points |
GCE A Level |
Typical offer – BCC-BBC Must include A Level Biology or Chemistry |
BTEC |
BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM |
International Baccalaureate |
26 points, including 5 in HL Biology or Chemistry |
Irish / Scottish Highers |
Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in either Biology, Chemistry Scottish Highers: BBBB including either Biology, Chemistry |
Access requirements |
Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above |
T Level |
T Level Science - Merit |
OCR Cambridge Technicals |
OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM |
Extra Information |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. |
Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.
We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
- Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.
Fees and Funding
£9,250 per year (2024/25)
Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.
The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.
Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.
Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.
Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
£13,950 per year (2024/25)
The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950.
This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.
For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.
Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.
Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.
Overseas trips incur additional costs that vary each year depending on the destination.
If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.
Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.
Your Future Career
Job Prospects
A Combined Biology degree allows both further specialisation in the biological sciences, as well as providing technical knowledge and transferable skills useful beyond the scientific profession.
Potential biologically related careers include working in technical and clinical environments, research and development, supporting conservation and environmental groups, and working in education and teaching.
For Forensic Biology, careers have included: police officer, analytical scientist, biological researcher, science teacher, crime scene examiner, forensic DNA analyst.
The course provides skills in communication (both written and oral), encourages analytical thinking as well as critical analysis, and develops practical laboratory skills enhancing employability options in a wide variety of industries.
Careers Service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.