Biological and Forensic Sciences

This course combines the rich, diverse study of biology and the living world, with the forensic challenge of using scientific analysis to investigate legal cases.

This combination of subjects provides a broad perspective that is very appealing to employers.

Graduates are able to tackle challenges like the spread of infectious diseases and developing new treatments, and also practical problem-solving skills to analyse evidence from crime scenes.

Course aims:

• Enable you to apply critical thinking skills to assess and solve problems in biological and forensic sciences, considering different perspectives and ethical approaches

• Develop your knowledge and understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of human health and disease, and of forensic science, including the criminal justice system processes and investigative practice

• Provide a broad and varied educational experience, with experiential learning including a wide range of community and international contexts, and multidisciplinary real-world problems

Key Course Benefits

• A teaching team of multidisciplinary experts from various subjects, including biologists, chemists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, forensic scientists, investigators and lawyers who bring their research and practical experiences into their teaching.

• Hands-on practical experience, both in the state-of-the-art Superlab+ and in the immersive crime scene simulation houses and outdoor search and decomposition facilities, so that you can confidently walk into a graduate job knowing that you have already used the same equipment used in hospital, commercial, police and research laboratories*.

• A 3D printing lab where you can learn to design and 3D-print your own creations*.

• Regular expert guest lectures from professionals in their field, who provide insight into the numerous employability options available*.

• Opportunities to study international cold cases and take a global approach to your studies with collaborative online projects and the possibility of international field trips*.

• 1st for graduate prospects (on track) in Forensic Science in The Complete University Guide 2023.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

Year one
In your first year, you will join a vibrant community of students studying bioscience-related courses in biomedical science, human biosciences and pharmacology. The common first year ensures that you have a firm understanding of core areas of modern biosciences, from the cellular and molecular level through to whole body anatomy and physiology. These subjects are underpinned by relevant aspects of chemistry, maths and data analysis.

The topics are taught in an integrated manner to ensure that the links between disciplines such as biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology are evident. You will also have the opportunity to start to apply your knowledge to collecting and analysing evidence from a crime scene, in the Applied Techniques in Biology module. You are supported with the aim of becoming a confident, competent and safe laboratory scientist.

Modules
Human physiology: Homeostasis and Health - 20 credits
Genetics, Heredity and Evolution - 20 credits
Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules - 20 credits
Cell Communication, Structure, and Function - 20 credits
The Microbial World - 20 credits
Applied Techniques in Biology - 20 credits

Year Two
In year two, you will build on your knowledge of biology in areas such as genetics, microbiology, neurophysiology and human health and disease. You will study forensic aspects including crime scene evaluation, collection, preservation and analysis of evidence linked to legal aspects of criminal cases. You will continue to extend your skills and competencies, including effective communication to diverse audiences, in both scientific and non-scientific arenas. Individual professional development activities enable you to identify strategies and approaches to enhance your own capabilities and to build your professional profile.

Modules
Fundamentals of Forensic Science - 20 credits
Microorganisms in Human Health and Disease - 20 credits
Human Genetic Diversity - 20 credits
Forensic Science and Evidence Analysis - 20 credits
The Immune System in Health and Disease - 20 credits
Neurophysiology - 20 credits

Placement Year
Our sandwich degree option allows a full year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study year abroad. Previous students in our department have been successful in securing places to study in Spain, France, Canada and the US.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
The final year will build on the knowledge of biological and forensic sciences. You will further develop research skills and will undertake a research project which will be designed and reported with the support of an academic supervisor, providing a capstone experience to the course. Studying international cold cases will allow you to take a global approach to your studies with collaborative online projects (subject to availability) and the possibility of international field trips. You will also study the application of cutting-edge forensic techniques to real-life cold cases and test your presentation skills reporting forensic evidence in a mock courtroom.

Modules
Infectious Disease: Present and Future Challenges - 20 credits
Forensic Futures: Contemporary and Global Issues - 20 credits
Research Design - 20 credits
Crime Scene to Courtroom - 20 credits
Genomics, Disease and Personalised Therapy - 20 credits
Independent Project - 20 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.