Forensic Science

Course overview

‌Gain an in-depth understanding of Forensic Science, taught by academics and forensic professionals, as well as gaining valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast moving science.

Key facts

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BSc Biology and Forensic Science student quote

Richard Bridgett, BSc Biology and Forensic Science

"After initially graduating I spent time working for the forensic investigations unit of Cheshire Police and for a global pharmaceutical company where I utilised the instrumental skills I acquired through study of chemical analysis."

Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science and Criminology

"I definitely feel that the degree course I studied at Keele provided me with an excellent advantage when applying for this job due to the amount of instrumentation we were able to use and the breadth of information we were taught."

Katherine Gorman, Reporting Forensic Scientist - BSc Forensic Science

"A forensic course is a perfect opportunity for you to explore the different disciplines within forensic science and gain an understanding about which path is right for you. The facilities and knowledge available at Keele is excellent and would provide a great foundation for a career in this industry."

Course content

You will be taught by a range of academics and forensic professionals using state-of-the-art facilities in our modern laboratories using industry standard equipment. We have a dedicated Crime Scene House that allows you to put the theory into practise. Forensic Science at Keele is ranked 1st in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2018.

Studying this course will allow you to cover the entire forensic process from the collection of evidence at the crime scene to its presentation in court. You will cover key forensic areas such as genetics, anthropology, toxicology, ballistics and arson, alongside newer fields such as digital forensics. You will also develop your analytical science skills, so that you are able to analyse any piece of evidence you should encounter. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court.

Forensic Science 2nd in Complete University Guide

Combinations

Forensic Science is also available as a Combined Honours degree. It can be studied in the following combinations:

For more information please see our Forensic Science Undergraduate Brochure 2020.

Keele has been ranked as the No.1 university in England to study Forensic Science in this article published in 'The Telegraph'.

Our Course Information Documents (CIDs) are designed to give you all of the details you need to make an informed decision about what and where to study.

Download CID

Detailed Course Content

Year One

In your first year you will study a variety of modules designed to introduce you to forensic science and criminology, as well as providing you with the core chemistry knowledge needed for the remainder of the course. You will be introduced to key forensic skills and study modules providing a context for crime from different perspectives and an understanding of digital infrastructures, such as the internet, and how these are used to facilitate crime. You will learn about the key spectroscopic techniques used by the forensic scientist in the analysis of trace evidence and the statistical methods needed for data analysis and interpretation of results.

We will also introduce you to the biological aspects of forensic science including the study of protein biology, DNA, genetic markers and an introduction to biological sample preparation and analysis. These will be complemented by dedicated modules in criminology covering the criminal justice system and the various agencies involved, as well as the development and consequences of modern investigative techniques and how criminal investigations are conducted and managed.

Year Two

In the second year, the focus is to develop the core themes within the forensic science and criminology disciplines that are directly relevant to professional practice and related evidence types. You will look at how globalisation has affected crime and the ways mental health issues are classified and dealt with in the justice system. You will learn about how policing is organised, and the people and institutions involved and discover how social science research skills are applied to the study of crime. In the forensic science modules, you will study the interpretation of DNA profiles from biological material and expand your understanding of chemical separation techniques such as Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

These topics will be complemented with modules covering the chemistry and effect of illicit drugs on the body and how we investigate marks and impressions left at the crime scene such as blood spatter patterns and fingerprints.

Year Three

In your third year, you will undertake a year-long forensics team research project and an individual criminology dissertation. You will also get to experience the entire ‘forensic process’ from the collection of evidence at the crime scene to its presentation in court alongside studying topics such as explosives and arson. In addition, you will be able to choose option modules from both Criminology and Forensic Science.