BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

You will study a diverse range of subject areas relevant to forensic investigation, including crime scene investigation, collection and analysis of evidence, the structure and processes which regulate the criminal justice system and laws associated with criminal investigation.

Year One: Forensic Investigation Degree

During the first year, you will receive an introduction to the various disciplines within the forensic science field and this will be complimented with practical experience gained through the examination of realistic simulated crime scenes from domestic burglaries to homicide within our suite of forensic laboratories and bespoke crime scene house. Other subject areas such as Policing, Health and Safety, Introductory Science and Mathematics will also be studied. Modules include:

• Introduction to Forensic Analysis
  This module introduces students to the fundamental aspects of evidence processing techniques through a combination of laboratory-based training exercises and theory-based learning.  Students will develop an appreciation of a range of laboratory techniques applied to trace particulates and biological evidence materials, including, search, recovery, creating professional contemporaneous case notes to contribute to the laboratory case file, basic microscopy, and chemical testing for the presence of biological materials.
  
  
• Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
  The practice of forensic science requires an understanding of a broad range of forensic topics and involves many investigative techniques. This module will provide you with the knowledge, practical understanding and technical ability relating to the investigation of crime. Here you will study introduction to crime scene investigation; documentation; collection and preservation of physical evidence; interpretation of crime scene evidence and crime scene reconstruction.
  
  
• Law, Governance and the Criminal Justice System
  This module will introduce you to the legislative and criminal justice system of England and Wales. This will include identifying the role of the police and associated agencies, who work in this environment. You will also examine the role of governance within the policing and security environments.

• Fundamental Scientific Principles for Forensic Investigation
  Within this module you will be introduced to the concepts of scientific investigation, measurement, accuracy and essential chemical and biological theories and practices involved in forensic investigation.  This will include assisting you to develop good laboratory technique within these areas, but also an introduction to chemistry, cell and molecular biology, serology, genetics and DNA.

• Introduction to Criminology and Crime Analysis
  In this module you will learn about the scientific and statistical tools used to evaluate crime along with its origin and context, prevalence, and effects upon victims and society. You will be given an overview of the classification of criminal offences and links to intelligence and evidence.

• Key Skills for Forensic Investigation*
  This module will provide you with an appreciation of the principles of safe working in laboratories, accident prevention and the promotion of safety in the workplace and the consequences for health due to exposure to hazards. You will develop an understanding of the information concerning hazards in performing experimental work and in the calculation of the probability of an accident and to estimate risk. Additionally the use of IT for scientific working, accessing journals and referencing skills are provided.

*25% of this module can be studied in Welsh.

Year Two: Forensic Investigation Degree

During the second year of study, you will further enhance your skills through the analysis of evidence in the laboratory, learning about the various chemical and biological analyses that are used within forensic laboratories. Specialist disciplines such as photography, Forensic Earth Science, Computer Forensics and microscopy are introduced here. Modules studied include:

• Analysis and Interpretation of Evidence
  To extend the student’s practical capabilities and knowledge pertaining to particulate and biological trace evidence analysis with a particular focus on the use of sector-standard instrumentation, quality control processes and sector-standard documentation. To introduce students to the interpretation and presentation of scientific data generated from analytical techniques.
  
  
• Volume Scene Examination
  Within this module you will gain practical digital imaging, crime scene photography and video experience recording a variety of crime scenes scenarios. This will involve studying the theoretical aspects of photography, and equipment: Films and film speeds, camera formats, focal length, aperture and depth of field, lighting techniques and flash. In addition to this, you will gain practical training in core skills for the crime scene investigator within a series of simulated volume crime scenes including vehicle examination.
  
  
• Forensic Examination of Human Remains
  To introduce students to the strategic and unique aspects involved in the analysis of human remains. To provide a detailed description of scientific and technological methods used in the investigation of victims of crime or natural disasters.
  
  
• Digital Forensics (e-crime)
  You will develop knowledge and evaluate the tools and techniques associated with the creation and delivery of a computer forensic service within a team environment. You will learn to demonstrate knowledge and skill in the processes required to manage a forensic project, from initial seizure to presenting evidence in the courtroom.
  
  
• Forensic Psychology and Investigative Strategies
  In this module you will gain an understanding of the reactive and proactive approaches to criminal investigations. You will understand the complex nature of offender motivation and consequences for the crime scene. The module will also include an introduction to the complex field of forensic psychology and its role and uses in the criminal investigation procedure.  
  
  
• Science in Practice for Forensic Investigation
  You will learn about the prevalence, abuse and effects and forensic examination of drugs and alcohol. This will include the sports doping, hair analysis and in the investigation of consumer products. In addition to this, you will gain an appreciation of the role of earth science data in the forensic examination of crime scenes or reported episodes. 

Year Three: Forensic Investigation Degree

You will be introduced to more complex Forensic Investigation areas such as Fire and Explosion and Specialist areas of Forensic Investigation. Emphasis will still be placed on the Policing strand of the course and the importance of crime scene processing, and evidence handling in the laboratory. You will also undertake an independent literature review research project. Modules studied include:

• Research Project and Employability Skills
  This will involve the scientific evaluation of cases and evidence and statistical evaluation of forensic evidence and professional ethics and standards. Cases will include forensic pathology, homicide, suicide and accidental death amongst others. In addition to this, you will be introduced to the court room processes and the role of the expert witness, barristers, cross-examination and evidence in chief. As part of this module, you will conduct a literature review which will involve a critical evaluation of primary information and data on a selected topic within forensic science.
  
  
• Forensic Casework and the Expert Witness
  To allow the development and application of teamwork, critical thinking and forensic skills through the experimental design and processing of a simulated forensic case with particular attention to DNA, paint and glass evidence, QA and the interpretation of analytical data using statistical methods. To allow the student to consolidate and advance their understanding of the regulations applying to forensic practitioners when analysing, interpreting and presenting evidence and to develop knowledge and skills to be able to provide witness testimony.
  
  
• Road Traffic Policing and Vehicle Investigation 
  To receive theoretical and practical instruction in traffic incident examination and interpretation, including GIS technology, speed calculations and vehicle penetration profiles. To critically analyse complex road policing legislation.
  
  
• Specialist Subjects in Criminology
  To provide students with a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of a wide range of specialist and serious offences including the study of their origins, offender motivation, traceability including a focus on evidence, and the associated legal frameworks and penalties. To provide students with an opportunity to appreciate serious and organised crime at a national, regional, and global level.
  
  
• Specialist Evidence and its Investigation
  Within this module you will be provided with an understanding of a variety of specialist investigation fields including wildlife forensics, forensic engineering and the investigation of biological and radiological hazards. In addition to this, you will learn about bioterrorism and its’ investigation and wildlife forensics.
  
  
• Major Scene Examination
  This module aims to allow you to develop a detailed knowledge of the forensic criminal investigation process and gain a critical understanding applied to a range of specialist and serious offences described as major incident investigations. You will apply associated learning through exposure to relevant and related simulated major scene scenarios and case studies.

 This downloadable guide allows you to compare modules across all our Forensic courses.

The Forensic Investigation course will be delivered through a series of lectures, tutorials and practical classes. In addition to this, students are expected to undertake both directed and independent learning, reading around the subject area.

On an average week, students may be expected to attend the following:

• Six lectures
• Three to four hours of tutorials or workshops
• Up to 10-12 hours of practical work
• Independent directed study

The timetable may be spread over all five days of the taught week (Monday to Friday inclusive) or it may for example, allow students half a day or a full day free from contact classes. This is subject to change on a weekly basis depending upon when individual activities for modules are timetabled.

Guest lecturers are invited to speak to students on a range of topics. Previous topics have included fire investigation, ballistics cases and identification of bodies from mass graves.

Students will be assessed by various means, including written examinations, in class tests, essays, reports, practical exercises, presentations, assessed tutorials and computer assignments. Some modules will be continually assessed and others may have an end of year examination.