BSc in Forensic Science at University of Northumbria at Newcastle U.K.
Forensic Science covers a wide range of scientific disciplines applied in a legal context. A forensic scientist examines items of evidential value and presents their findings in court. They work within a specific area of expertise such as forensic biology, which includes, for example, blood pattern analysis and DNA interpretation and forensic chemistry which includes, for example, drug analysis and paint/glass examination.
Forensic scientists may be called on to attend scenes of crime to apply their specific knowledge in a potentially hostile environment and collect items of potential evidential value. They will utilise analytical techniques based on the sub disciplines of biology and chemistry to interpret these samples. They will then produce a written (expert witness) statement which explains those findings in ‘layman’s terms’ for the judge and jury.
The course benefits from specialist teaching staff of former forensic scientists and places a strong emphasis on ‘hands on’ laboratory work.
Core themes of pure and applied sciences are taught in the context of forensic science. The three key areas of forensic investigation:-
Crime scene investigation
Laboratory analysis
Court presentation
are embedded throughout, which will allow you to explore all areas thoroughly before embarking on a career choice.
Support through a thorough grounding in theoretical aspects, provides the skills, knowledge and problem solving abilities required for a successful career in industry, teaching, research and other careers where scientific skills are valued.
The final year project is a chance for you to explore, in greater detail, an aspect of emerging forensic science and benefits from the expertise of specialist staff members.