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:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. 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.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. 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.