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.
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The tuition fee for 2008 entry for applicants assessed as 'home' for fees purposes is £3,145. This course attracts a scholarship of £1,000. For further information, including international student fees and scholarships,
Year 1 entry
The tuition fee for 2009 entry for applicants assessed as 'home' for fees purposes is £3,225. This course attracts a scholarship of £1,000.
Our graduates are highly motivated and skilled with the ability to respond to employment opportunities in varied science sectors such as forensic science, chemistry, biotechnology and the police and criminal justice system. Other careers, where the benefits of a science- based degree are recognised include accountancy, medical science and teacher training.
This module will allow you to engender a spirit of enquiry into a substantial research-based project in your specialist discipline. Here, you will apply the knowledge and skills obtained in previous modules in a range of IT, literature-based or lab-based projects. All projects will include development of research skills and discussion of results as well as an opportunity to compose a written dissertation.
This module is designed to critically evaluate the delivery of forensic science to the Criminal Justice system (CJS). For those involved with the delivery and/or procurement of forensic science there is a requirement to understand the needs of the CJS and associated standards (accreditation, quality assurance, validation). This module reviews the overall management of forensic science from the demands upon the individual scientist to the overall contribution made to society.
Forensic Toxicology
This module explores key themes in forensic toxicology - analytical toxicology, current issues, interpretation and novel approaches to the discipline. The focus of the module is research based to include for example, post-mortem drug redistribution, tolerance, genotoxicity, where you will be able to critically evaluate the impact of existing methodologies, interpret experimental data and apply this knowledge.
Examination of Trace Evidence
Forensic Trace evidence will be explored focusing on evidence collection, current analytical techniques (eg XRF, FTIR, AAS, EDX) and the evaluation and interpretation of the evidence in context to forensic science. The interpretation and statistical significance of the results will be critically evaluated, as will report writing and expert opinion.
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