Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons)

This module aims to introduce you to the forensic science process and the preservation, collection and recovery of forensically relevant materials. You will begin to understand strategy and decision-making at a crime scene as well as the different roles of personnel attending a crime scene. Evidential logs and contemporaneous notes will be introduced as part of maintaining continuity of evidence, and the use of presumptive tests and contamination prevention (PPE, stepper plates, etc) will be covered. You will follow crime scene protocols and learn about the importance of standards (e.g. ISO17025) for investigation, process, management and quality assurance to preserve evidence physically as well as for any probative value.

Laboratory sessions will include methods and interpretation of evidence types directly at the scene, such as pattern and impression evidence (e.g. finger-marks, blood spatter) and you will have the practical opportunity to investigate a mock crime scene and collect and analyse evidence⁴. This module will support you in developing your abilities to solve complex problems, work effectively within diverse teams, confidently adapt to real-life challenges whilst acting ethically and with integrity. 

Compulsory

This module explores prokaryotes and other microbes as commensals, agents of disease and as sources of antibiotics. Increasing evidence highlights the important role of our diverse gut microbiome to modulate metabolic processes and to protect against disease. Methods to study this diversity including contemporary molecular based techniques will be discussed, alongside the consequences of dysbiosis and the development of disease states. Pathogenic interactions between microorganisms, both cellular (bacteria, fungi and parasites) and viral, with human and nonhuman hosts will be explored. The module will also consider how human behaviour has impacted on microbial evolution, such as the selection of antibiotic resistance, and the use of microorganisms as antibiotic sources.   

Compulsory

This module explores natural genetic variation and epigenetics in humans. Genetic studies in humans are complex for both ethical reasons and because of limitations imposed by natural variation. Thus, the module will also consider the uses of model organisms for genetic studies. Topics addressed will include how tissue-specific gene expression, chromatin and DNA modifications, heterozygosity and dominance effects affect gene expression and phenotypes. Methods to analyse genetic variation, gene expression and new ways to explore the causes of disease phenotypes will be discussed. 

Compulsory

This module aims to extend your knowledge of forensic protocols and analysis methods by applying them to the analysis of evidence recovered from different environments, such as outdoor and underwater crime scenes. Continuing the case study approach, you will consider how various evidence types are affected by the external environment and will consider how best to collect and analyse those evidence types within biological and forensic laboratories, in order to preserve the evidence integrity. You will investigate first-hand how the application of forensic science can vary substantially with both the nature of the scene and of the crime, and how collection, preservation and subsequent analysis of different evidence types requires some flexibility.

For example, the order of evidence collection in an external (open air) site is often very different from an indoor scene, due to the associated denaturing effects of different environmental conditions. Key laboratory techniques will be covered including DNA profiling, anthropological techniques, and comparative microscopical methods for soil, hair and fibre analysis. This module will support you in your ability to solve complex problems, confidently adapt to changing circumstances and challenges, whilst acting ethically, responsibly and with integrity. 

Compulsory

This module will explore the role played by our immune system in both health and disease. The module will consider both the innate and adaptive immune responses and their actions to protect the host in cases of pathogen attack. It will also explore how chronic inflammation, rather than being protective, is now recognised as a determining factor in several non-communicable diseases. Dysfunctions of the immune system, including hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency will also be covered, alongside immune responses to transplants and manipulation of the immune system for therapeutic purposes. 

Compulsory

Mental disorders have significant impacts on health, plus social and economic consequences worldwide. This module introduces you to the applied physiology of the brain and nervous system. The physiological disruption of normal processes of neurotransmission, resulting in disorders of movement, memory, behaviour, anxiety and mood are discussed. You will be introduced to research methods and experimental design for the investigation of key aspects related to understanding the function and dysfunction of the nervous system or novel therapies for the treatment of cognitive disorders, disorders of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. 

Compulsory

On successful completion of years one and two, students may elect to apply for either a one-year work experience placement, or a year of study abroad². These opportunities offer highly valued opportunities to enhance learning and gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation.  Students taking this option will take an additional year to complete their degree. 

Students taking the work experience option enrol on the Professional Experience Placement module and those who opt for the study year abroad enrol on the Enhancement Year module. These modules must be passed for this Sandwich year to be recognised.  Work Experience placements are competitive and successful acceptance cannot be guaranteed². Our Talent Team offer support for students in the application process. Students should note that some work placements may require additional health and professional suitability checks including criminal record checking via DBS. If students are unable to meet the health and suitability requirements, then the choice of placement opportunities will be restricted⁵.

Optional

This module focuses on the varied infectious disease challenges that affect human populations in different communities worldwide. It discusses the epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging diseases, the increasing problems of healthcare acquired infection, the rise of antibiotic resistance and strategies to counter this. It will also consider the continuing global burden of neglected tropical diseases. This module relates to Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the target to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable disease. 

Compulsory

This module aims to explore current and international issues and advanced developments in forensic research, analysis, ethics and legislation. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, a range of topics will be explored, ideas introduced and critiqued in depth with reference to current literature and research developments. You will critically appraise real-life cold cases, in the light of new developments and techniques in forensic science, to examine the previous limitations and what new investigative leads could be generated. This module will also enable you to appreciate the complexity of cases crossing international borders, in terms of difference in accreditation, standards of evidence and forensic procedures.

The module builds upon the UK-specific learning from previous modules and extends this to international collaborations. The module also addresses the issues of effective communication between different countries and cultures, and the skills required to operate effectively in these high-pressure professional settings. This module will support you in being mindful of global challenges, inequalities and opportunities, being globally, culturally, socially and self-aware, and being open to new ways of thinking. It will also encourage students to share knowledge and expertise, support and champion the needs and development of others, maintaining a socially conscious and sustainable outlook. 

Compulsory

In this module, you will prepare for your final year research project and for employment or further study after graduation. The module will support you through the process of defining their research question, planning their experiments, and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods. The module will enhance skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. You will be required to submit their proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and organization. 

Compulsory

This module is the culmination of the forensic science teaching on this course and aims to bring together your learning in a fully integrated ‘crime scene to court’ structure. Greater focus will be given to different types of offences and multiple evidence types, and more complex cases, synthesising the knowledge you have gained previously. The module builds upon the forensic analysis techniques previously learned and concentrates on the appropriate application of these techniques to a range of offence types, including homicides, sex offences and drugs offences.

This culminates in an assessment structure where you will be required to defend your interpretation of a professional evidential reporting statement (case report) in a mock courtroom in a traditional adversarial style. This module will support you in being agile and open to new ways of thinking, and supporting and championing the needs of others. It will allow you to demonstrate their ability to communicate with influence and impact, whilst acting ethically, in an unbiased manner and with integrity at all times. 

Compulsory

Our increasing genomic knowledge has led to advances in medical treatment such that therapies may now be tailored to the unique molecular or genetic characteristics of individual patients. This module will consider the impact of genomic knowledge and advances in genomic analysis on the understanding of mechanisms of disease, and the potential for development of these personalised therapies. It will also consider how applicable these approaches are worldwide. 

Compulsory

The aim of this module is for you to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, in a specialised area of forensic or biological sciences, depending on your course. This module follows from Research Design, and you implement your research proposals in this module. The variety and scope of projects allows you to pursue your own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge.

Thus, this module, together with Research Design, provides a capstone experience and is a key requirement for graduation with an Honours classification. You are supported and guided by their supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve their research ideas, based on reflective practice. The skills and competencies developed during the project period that enhance employability will be articulated in a short personal skills reflection. 

Compulsory