Forensic & Medical Sciences

This course develops skills in core biomedical, chemical and forensic sciences, helping you become a skilled forensic practitioner.

The emphasis is on biosciences, and then shifts towards disease processes and forensic investigation of physical evidence types.

In addition to the pursuit of core sciences, you will study forensic investigation in anthropology and topics relating to archaeology - including the degradation of human remains and physical materials - which will develop your skills in forensic interpretation. The final year develops your professional skills through a forensic research dissertation.

The course prepares you for a wide range of careers, including those in the professional medical and forensic sectors because of its broad basis and application.

Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Rankings
We are ranked 7th in the UK for Forensic Science in the Complete University Guide 2021.

Year 1: Cell and Tissue Biology (core), Human Genetics and Developmental Biology (core), Introductory Biochemistry (core), Introductory Microbiology (core), Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation (core), Scientific Practice 1 (core), Scientific Practice 2 (core) Year 2: Cellular Pathology (core), Clinical Biochemistry (core), Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence (core), Medical Microbiology (core), Molecular Genetics (core), Analytical Biochemistry (option), English Legal Systems 1 (option), English Legal Systems 1 & 2 (option), Haematology and Transfusion Science (option), Immunology (option), Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Systems 1 (option), Pathophysiology and Pharmacology of Systems 2 (option), Personal, Professional and Expert Witness Skills (option), Toxicology (option) Year 3: Interpretation & Presentation of Forensic Evidence (core), Medical Genetics (core), Research Project (core), Biology of Disease (option), Biometrics and Human Identification (option), Electron Microscopy (option), Forensic Anthropology (option), Introduction to Forensic Archaeology for Forensic Scientists (option), Introduction to Forensic Taphonomy (option), Introduction to the Chemistry of Human Remains (option) Research Topics 1 in Medical Cell Pathology (option), Research Topics in Medical Biochemistry 1 (option), Research Topics in Medical Microbiology 1 (option)

You will demonstrate your achievement via written closed-book examinations using constructed - (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertation. The development of outcomes will be through involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). They will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertation.