Course overview

Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system. As criminals continue to use ever advancing tools and techniques to commit crime, the field of forensics is integral in producing scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

Our Forensic Science BSc is an interdisciplinary applied science course that focuses on the entire forensic process, from evidence collection, analysis and interpretation to court reporting. The core curriculum includes key topics in forensic chemistry, forensic biology and criminalistic science. Throughout your studies you will develop an understanding of continuity of evidence and how the crime scene, the laboratory and the court contribute to the forensic and legal process. You'll also explore specialist branches of forensic science, including anthropology, fire investigation and toxicology.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to introduce many of the basic science topics that underpin the study of forensic science. You will acquire a solid grounding in the principal concepts of basic chemistry, biology, and forensic investigation, whilst gaining hands-on practical experience in a variety of experimental skills and analytical methods through laboratory work. To provide a wider understanding of the subject, you will also examine forensic science as a professional discipline, looking at the crime scene, the laboratory and the court, why people commit crime and how digital infrastructures, such as the internet, are used to facilitate crime.

Year two

From year two, you will build on the knowledge gained in your first year to develop an appreciation of the key themes in forensic science that are relevant to professional practice. This includes the tools used for identifying individuals by DNA profiling, forensic analysis of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries, the techniques used to build a biological profile using forensic anthropology and the role of forensic science in the investigation of drugs and drug-related crime.

Year three

Your studies will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the knowledge and techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by working on a final year extended project. This will enable you to integrate your personal passions and examine them from a forensic perspective and further develop your expertise, teamwork and communication skills required for a career within the field. You will also carry out the forensic examination of a crime scene and report on the evidence within the professional context of crime scene examiner, forensic scientist and expert witness.

Final year dissertation topics from previous students include:

• The influence of animal scavenging on forensic casework
• Bite mark evidence in court
• Identification of burnt remains: Are tattoos a reliable source?
• The role of forensic science in the fight against global wildlife smuggling/poaching
• Detection and prevention of counterfeit drinks

To add breadth to your learning, you will also study a variety of advanced forensic science topics. These include forensic fire investigation, forensic geoscience, toxicology, ballistics and advanced analysis of specific trace evidence such as paint, glass, fibres - with particular emphasis on examination of evidence in court.

Learn from our campus - our own 'living and natural laboratory'

From recovering evidence in our indoor and outdoor crime scene facilities to replica skeletal remains within the grounds of Keele woods, our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic environment to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios you may encounter within forensic investigation. These practical experiences will also provide you with the opportunity to develop and refine the methods and techniques that are integral to work within the field.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Student support

We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters relating to your course on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of a academic mentor and Keele's Student Experience and Support team.