Forensic and Applied Biology BSc Hons

Forensic and Applied Biology at the University of Worcester

With a ‘hands-on’ approach, this course brings theory to life, and will develop your intellectual, practical and social skills relevant to both forensic and general biological careers.

A strong practical emphasis runs throughout the course and you will have access to a range of specialist equipment and facilities. The course benefits from a crime scene house and garden in which we can simulate a wide variety of domestic scenes. These facilities complement the specialist equipment and staff resources allowing us to make the course even more realistic, relevant and exciting for our students.

The Forensic and Applied Biology course is formally accredited by the Forensic Science Society. Furthermore, the Society commended the University's commitment to the use of specialist Forensic Practitioners on the course and the high practical component (with particular reference to the Independent studies conducted by students in their third year of study). For further details on the Forensic Science Society please visit their website.

In your final year you will undertake an Independent Study (normally designed in Year 2). This is a double module and will be taken in a forensic-based subject. It is a very practical project and past topics have included studies on decomposition, forensic entomology, extraction and analysis of DNA, Diatom analysis and the use of geophysics in forensic archaeology.

Amongst the benefits of studying this course at Worcester are small class sizes (normally under 30 for specialist forensic modules) and access to a range of experienced forensic practitioners.

There is a vibrant student forensic society. Recent activities include a 2 day forensic anthropology course, various guest speakers, and a crime scene experience day.

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UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Forensic and Applied Biology BSc (Hons) FC41 BSc/FSAB

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Full time or part time available

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Institute of Science and the Environment Admin Office
01905 855201
ise@worc.ac.uk

240 UCAS Tariff points with A2 Biology/Chemistry and A2 in another Science

260 UCAS Tariff points with A2 Biology/Chemistry and A1 in another Science

270 UCAS Tariff points with A1 Biology/Chemistry and A2 in another Science

280 UCAS Tariff points with A1 Biology/Chemistry

Students from BTEC Forensic courses will, depending on the nature of their course, be accepted with 240 UCAS Tariff points

Non-standard entry via the exploratory essay route is available

The University will consider each application on its individual merits and will recognise a range of qualifications not currently included in the Tariff, including Access courses, European Baccalaureate and pre-2002 qualifications such as GNVQ.

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from http://www.ucas.com

Modules

Introduction to Forensic Science
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Biological Diversity
Interpretation, Evaluation & Reporting of Evidence
Forensic Archaeology
Forensic DNA Analysis
Biological Indicators for Crime Reporting
Crime Scene Investigation
Independent Study (double module)
Cell Biology (double module)
Human Genetics
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Integrated Studies
Medical Forensics
Human Genetics
Molecular Biology
Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction to Fieldwork in Archaeology
Introduction to Forensic Biology
Research Methods
Death & Burial

Assessment

Assessment
Wide range of assessment types, including essays, field, laboratory and forensic reports, seminar presentations, oral presentation of evidence, and research projects.

Experienced Lecturers and Researchers
The course team is enthusiastic, supportive and well-qualified (including a number of forensic practitioners), with staff carrying out research in a range of areas pertinent to the course. Staff regularly attend academic conferences and publish their research in learned journals, text books and book chapters. The research-active nature of the staff means that teaching is enriched and students benefit from up to date knowledge, contemporary perspectives and staff enthusiasm.

Georgiana Neag

Student, Forensic and Applied Biology BSc (Hons)

“The city of Worcester is so full of life and a great city to live in. I love my course, especially the practicals because you can apply what you’ve been learning in the lectures.”

Academic department

Institute of Science & the Environment

“The Institute’s acclaimed research in areas such as river management, rural issues, forensic biology, nutrition and archaeology has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people.”
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute

Employability

You will have opportunities to develop a wide range of intellectual, practical and social skills. These include primary research using both quantitative and qualitative techniques, data collection and analysis, oral and verbal communication, critical evaluation and laboratory techniques.

In addition to transferable academic skills, you will develop skills and the confidence to operate in both the forensic area and a wide variety of other work environments.

For example, Biologists who can look at evidence and make measured and reasoned arguments are not only required in scientific fields but also in the media, retailing and finance to ensure there is a balanced view relating to new technology and the estimation of risk.

There is also a need for people to be able to explain these scientific arguments in ‘lay’ terms, not only in teaching but also in a wide range of other vocations.

This course allows you to work in many different roles including:

Forensic Science
Police Force and Fire Service
Local Government and Planning
Laboratory and Environmental Research
Teaching
Civil Service
Postgraduate Research