Course content
Year 1 - Level C
Legal Studies
This unit introduces you to the current principles dominating English and European law. Through the examination of case studies and statutory material, you will develop an understanding of the role of witnesses and experts in Forensic Investigations, criminal liability and the legal systems underpinning criminal investigations.
Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
This unit introduces the chemical principles that will be essential throughout the forensic science units within this programme. You will gain initial practical experience in a laboratory setting and be introduced to some key techniques used in chemical analyses. A range of basic concepts of physical, analytical, organic and inorganic chemistry within a focussed setting will be covered. The important area of fire and explosives will be reviewed as part of this unit. Successful completion of this unit will enable you to deal with the scientific aspects of this forensic science degree.
Crime Scene Investigation
This units aims are to provide details on the legal aspects, command structure and operational procedures of UK scene of crime investigations and provide an introduction to a range of forensic sciences. It also aims provide practical experience in the recovery of evidence from potential scenes of crime. Mock scenes will be established to consolidate learning. Photography and its importance at the forensic crime scene will be explored through practical and theoretical perspectives.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
This unit will introduce you to human anatomy and physiology. It will explore physiological system function in addition to soft and hard tissue structure, from both the microscopic and gross perspectives. It will also demonstrate how an understanding of these areas may facilitate forensic and archaeological techniques, such as reconstruction of the face upon the skull, and toxicology.
Cell Biology
Molecular biology is the study of the molecular basis of life, and has its origins in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and physiology. This unit introduces the basic concepts of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and metabolism and emphasises the importance this subject has gained in forensic sciences over the past 50 years. You will also be introduced to a range of biological techniques involved in the identification and quantification of biologically active molecules.
Academic Practice
This unit provides a broad introduction to the fundamental study and research skills required for studying in the scientific environment. It also provides a solid foundation in scientific study for a programme seeking to provide practically orientated graduates with marketable skills essential in obtaining, recording and managing scientific analytical data. This unit is essential to develop fully your interests and presentation skills (both written and oral). Scientific methodology and its implementation in a major activity will be pursued as well as a secondary research activity focusing on a key area to forensic science.
Forensic Psychology & Criminology
This unit will introduce you to the basic principles of Forensic psychology and the associated approaches within psychology. This includes research methods, theories and perspectives. You will have the opportunity to relate theories to crime and wider issues in society.
Work Based Learning
This unit aims to provide you with experience of working in a scientific sector for a period of 25 days, where important aspects of this programme are encountered. Part of this period may be a placement with the local Crime Scene Investigators arranged for you during the first year of the course. You will develop interpersonal skills with professionals and embark on applied problem solving activities. Apart from improving scientific skills other benefits will include team working, improving own learning and performance and time management. Successful completion of this placement will result in a detailed written documentation.
Year 2 - Level I
Forensic Computing
Initially you will develop a basic computer awareness of computer hardware to facilitate understanding of more advanced concepts and techniques covered in this unit and at level H.Forensic scientists have had to develop new tools for collecting, examining and evaluating data in an effort to establish intent, culpability, motive, means, methods and loss resulting from e-crimes.
The module will examine some of these tools and their use in forensic examination of data and network communications. The principles of modern IT systems, their use by the forensic specialist and an introduction into cyber crime evidence gathering techniques will be addressed.
Organic & Analytical Chemistry
This unit develops the Level C organic chemistry to embrace important topic areas including dyes, polymers, fabrics and drugs. The underlying physic-chemical characteristics of these categories will be developed through practical and theoretical sessions. Drug classification, their detection and impact will be reviewed. To complement this section, qualitative and quantitative analyses of waters containing a range of inorganic and organic chemicals will be investigated.
Laboratory and Analytical Skills
This unit aims to initiate you in the application of analytical methods such as those encountered in the key areas of forensic science. You will develop your practical analytical skills and to understand how to manage analytical data. Successful completion of this unit will enable you to be familiar with the key analytical methods used in forensic science and appreciate how data is obtained from key materials.
Forensic Biochemistry and Biomolecules
Analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is at the forefront of forensic science today, and has over taken fingerprint analysis in the identification of both the victim and perpetrators of crime. This unit places the chemistry of DNA within the context of human metabolism and genetics to give you the tools need to understand the principles behind DNA analysis techniques covered in level H.
The application of Chemistry is also reviewed in the key area of forensic science. Part of this unit serves to demonstrate the relevance of chemical knowledge in the collection, handling, storage and analysis of common materials frequently encountered in forensic investigations. A range of accepted forensic biochemistry laboratory tests will be undertaken.
Forensic Microscopy
The aim of this unit is to familiarise you with the broad application of microscopy to forensic examinations. A range of sample categories will be examined using conventional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM / EDAX. Experimental work and further exploratory primary and secondary research will help underpin the significance of this analytical technique.
Research Project
This unit aims to provide you with the ability to formulate a research problem, design an appropriate research strategy, gather and analyse data, report the results appropriately, and manage the process effectively. This unit provides a framework for personal development within Level I and will prepare you for either exposure to the workplace scientific environment, or should you wish to pursue the honours degree programme, a foundation for your personal research project, which is an important feature of the final year of the BSc in Forensic and Crime Scene Science at Bournemouth University.
