Compulsory modules

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 
In this module you will be introduced to the basic principles of crime scene investigation. You will develop and practice key skills in crime scene investigation and will understand the different types of crime scenes encountered in the field. You will begin to learn the basics of evidence handling and processing as well as crime scene documentation and accreditation standards for a working as a professional forensic scientist. You will experience mock crime scenes and dedicated workshops to develop these key skills. 

The Forensic Science Professional Toolkit 
This module will provide you with an introduction to the principles of scientific writing, research skills and the tools required to collect, analyse, interpret, and present evidence. You will be introduced to the basic concepts in Criminal Law as necessary for forensic practitioners. You will also be introduced to a range of forensic science skills, laboratory techniques and methods used in crime scene investigation. These are essential for maintaining the integrity of exhibits whilst operating in a quality management system and understanding of global accreditation standards. 

Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation 
Here you will gain a solid foundation in the chemical underpinnings of forensic science. Applying core concepts such as molecular structure and polarity to key spectroscopic characterisation techniques will give you the knowledge required to succeed in our forensic chemical analysis modules later in your degree. You will receive hands-on training in a variety of laboratory techniques and spectroscopic instrumentation, as well as be introduced to the important topic of statistics in the interpretation and evaluation of forensic evidence.   

Forensic Investigation: From Documents to DNA 
In this module you will be introduced to forensic science as a professional discipline, covering topics such as crime scene investigation, laboratory examination and the role of the expert witness in court. You will develop your communication skills by presenting data and summarising findings in formats suitable for different audiences, including laboratory-based examination forms and oral presentation work. You will be introduced to recovery and analysis techniques with emphasis on human identification. 

Optional modules

Programming for Forensic Scientists 
In this module you will learn the basics of computer programming through the teaching and use of fundamental python programming concepts that will allow you to apply these coding skills to a forensic context. You will then demonstrate how these employability programming skills can be used to solve a series of numerical problems faced by Forensic Scientists. 

Science and Society 
In this module you will learn about the connections between people and research and the importance of ethics, good scientific practice, and collaboration. Together we will explore multiple different areas of science and where good practice has led to advancements in society. Through being exposed to multiple scientific fields you will be able to develop your critical thinking, learn to reflect on and challenge assumptions within science, and therefore thrive in your future research projects in later years of study. 

Compulsory modules

Crime Scenes: Blood, Marks and Prints 
In this module you will further develop your CSI skills and learn the scientific basis behind the enhancement of different types of evidence found at a crime scene. You will learn the principles behind blood dynamics and blood spatter analysis; forensic imaging techniques as well as the chemical and physical enhancement of forensic marks, prints and impressions. You will develop these skills through practical lab work and through simulations. You will develop scientific writing skills to prepare you for Level 6 and will be assessed on your practical lab skills. 

Forensic Genetics: DNA and Crime 
In this module you will continue to learn about the importance of biological material in forensic casework and how this evidence has the potential to identifying individuals by DNA profiling. Fundamentals in DNA profiling techniques will be explored, its application in forensic investigations and the presentation of DNA evidence in court. You will complete a case-study assessment where you will gain experience of interpreting, evaluating, and presenting DNA evidence. 

Chemical Analysis and Detection 
In this module you will build on your Forensic Chemistry knowledge and learn about and gain experience with a range of modern analytical techniques and their importance in the detection of compounds in forensic materials. The techniques covered, such as chromatography and mass spectrometry, are fundamental in all toxicological investigations. You will develop essential skills through working as an individual and as a group in the lab and lab-based assessments to prepare you for Level 6, and to develop confidence to work in a forensic lab. 

Forensic Anthropology: Decomposition and Skeletal Analysis 
In this module you will learn about the processes that a body goes through after death, and how your knowledge of these postmortem changes can be applied to casework to aid with search and recovery, time of death estimates and victim identification. You will develop your knowledge of skeletal and muscular anatomy, learning how variation between individuals can be used to build a biological profile of the victim, as well as gaining experience in the analysis and interpretation of skeletal trauma and pathologies. 

Drugs of Abuse 
Building on the skills and knowledge gained in Forensic Chemistry: Molecules under Investigation, the Forensic Science Professional Toolkit, and Chemical Analysis and Detection, in this module, you will learn about the role of a forensic analyst in the investigation of drugs and drugs related crime. You will gain an understanding of the systematic abuse of drugs and alcohol and be introduced to the relevant legal issues. Aspects of pharmacology, including pharmacodynamics, the mode of action, and basic metabolism will be introduced alongside the examination of various classes of drugs in detail. The practical determination of drugs and alcohol in biological specimens will be demonstrated through laboratory sessions using presumptive tests and spectroscopic techniques.

Optional modules

Counterfeits, Fakes and Forgeries 
In this module you will delve into the topic of counterfeits, fakes and forgeries and how forensic science can detect and prevent these crimes. You will learn the current issues surrounding topics such as document security, heritage security, counterfeit medicine and food fraud. You will investigate how chemical and analytical analysis can be used to detect these forgeries and will develop practical and reporting skills needed for these investigations. You will develop critical thinking skills needed to investigate these complex cases. 

Digital Forensics: Crime and Technology 
In this module you will be develop the topic of Digital Forensics, which is becoming increasingly important now that digital evidence is frequently a subject of criminal investigations. You will learn the principles of a digital forensic investigation, how evidence is collected, the tools used to analyse the data, focusing on different areas, such as operating systems, computer and mobile devices, the internet, and the law. You will attend a simulated crime scene to gather digital evidence and be introduced to software used within the industry. You will be asked to complete a written assessment and a group presentation. 

Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands. 

Compulsory modules

Crime Scene to Court 
This module builds on your forensic examination skills from all Level 4 and 5 core modules. You will continue to develop your ability to professionally examine and report evidence, building on skills that will be vital for work in a professional context. You will attend a simulated crime scene as a crime scene examiner; investigate the evidence as a forensic scientist and finally report your findings as an expert witness in our simulated courtroom. 

Explosives, Arson and Evidence 
In this module you build on your forensic chemistry knowledge from Level 4 and 5 and apply these skills to the investigation of explosives and arson. This is combined with an introduction to the key skill of communicating your scientific findings in a court context. You will develop the ability to express your scientific findings and their interpretation to a variety of audiences, which will prepare you for giving evidence in court. 

Forensic Toxicology: Ingestion to Detection 
Building upon the Drugs of Abuse module in second year, here you will examine the work of a forensic toxicologist. You will study the pharmacological journey of compounds through the body as a lead into the process of toxicological investigation. In addition to learning about the subject’s legal aspects, the role of the analyst will be explored from sampling to the determination of toxins and poisons, with the use of toxicological cases and scenarios as authentic applications of the content. 

Forensic Science Research Project 
This module is an opportunity for you to carry out a substantial piece of meaningful research.  You will work alongside staff to undertake an authentic research project, which could include lab- or field-based projects, systematic reviews, pedagogic or desk-based research work. Through engagement with this module, you will be introduced to the approaches needed to perform scientific research and develop key skills that are routinely utilised by the forensic science research community. 

Optional modules

Environmental and Wildlife Forensics 
Through this module, you will have the opportunity to apply your forensic expertise to environmental and wildlife crime, exploring topics ranging from industrial contamination of land to the illegal trade of exotic animal products. We will equip you with the skills to investigate environmental crime scenes, interrogate a range of natural and artificial evidence types, and to combine different types of data to protect the environment and wildlife in the U.K. and beyond. 

Topics in Forensic Biology
This module will allow you to build skills in collecting and interpreting forensic biological data. This will involve developing your abilities in working with soft tissue, DNA analysis, teeth and entomology. This will involve learning in the lab to grow your practical skills in both collecting and analysing forensic biological evidence. Assessment is similarly aimed at assessing your abilities in a practical sense through forensic reports. This module aims to expand your career prospects in the forensic biology field, and is ideal if you have an academic interest in biology and/or aspirations to work within forensic biology in the future.

Marks and Traces Examination 
This module further develops your knowledge and practical experience of marks and trace examination that will prepare you for the forensic laboratory practitioner workplace. Working through current SOPs and guidelines will provide valuable employability skills. An emphasis will be made on the documentation of forensic physical trace evidence that will be usable in court. 

Digital Forensics: Applications and Examinations 
This module will expand on the knowledge and understanding gained from the Digital Forensics: Crime and Technology module. Using AXIOM, software used within industry, you will work through a number of set tasks to gain the skills vital for working within a digital forensics unit. You will be asked to complete a written assessment and at the end of the module, you will take an external examination to become a certified examiner within the software. 

Forensic Chemical Analysis: Instrumentation and Evaluation 
Designed to enhance your forensic chemical analysis knowledge and skills, this module builds on what you have learned at Levels 4 and 5. Through this module, you will increase the range and depth of theoretical and practical experience of state-of-the-art analytical techniques currently used in academia and industry. The authentic assessment provides you the opportunity of choosing an area to focus on, mirroring the type of problem solving an analyst may be faced with on a daily basis. 

Flexible Work Placement and Professional Training 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands. 

Work Placement and Professional Training in Education  
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles.  

Work Placement and Professional Training Year 
Employers value candidates with practical skills and workplace understanding.  The Natural Sciences Placement Year gives you the opportunity to undertake a placement between year 2 and 3 of your course, enabling you to experience the world of work in an area aligned to your academic, or career preferences. You will have access to expert advice and guidance on how to find a placement, application and interview preparation via personalised and group activities, plus ongoing support throughout your placement, and beyond.   

Compulsory modules

Major Scene Investigation: From Crime to Trial 
Throughout this module you will gain professional, expert experience, skills and knowledge, whilst strengthening skills learnt through previous modules that are transferrable for use in professional forensic practice.  Focussing on Forensic Strategy and how joint investigations are managed - you will investigate major crime scenes, report to Senior Investigating Officers and undertake practical work.  Ultimately, making you a credible ‘Expert Witness’ to present your evidence in court. 

Forensic Research Skills 
This module aims to build on your research skills developed from your Level 6 research project. You will enhance your ability to design and manage a research project. You will use self-reflection on your research skills to enhance your scientific writing skills and will further develop the ability to professionally present the findings of scientific research. These fundamental skills will help you succeed in carrying out your research project under guidance from your supervisor. 

MSci Forensic Research Project 
The independent project module is the culmination of your MSci degree and gives you the opportunity to study a specific research topic in depth, to undertake experimental work to investigate fundamental aspects of that topic, or develop and evaluate new methods of investigation or analysis. Your work will be supervised by an assigned member of staff over the course of a year. You will research and plan the project before conducting experimental work, data analysis and reporting of results. Your results will be reported orally at a student conference at Keele and a final written report submitted. 

Optional modules

Forensic Anthropology: Complex Scenes, Recovery and Analysis 
In this module you will build on your existing knowledge of forensic anthropology and taphonomy, practicing more specialist techniques and developing your critical analysis skills. You will spend time working out in the field, practicing the methods used to locate and recover skeletal remains, as well as in the laboratory where you will gain experience in microscopy, virtual anthropology, photography and soil sampling. The module will encourage you to apply environmental evidence, such as botany, diatoms, and entomology to casework, and you gain confidence in differentiating between human and animal bone. 

Contemporary Topics: Expert Perspectives in Forensic Science 
You will explore the current cutting-edge research topics on forensic sciences, critically evaluating these topics in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and significance for both the discipline and society. By the end of the module you will have further developed your research skills, have acquired in depth knowledge of forensic science topics at the forefront of the discipline, will have acquired the necessary skills to design and produced scientific communication. 

Forensic Analysis: From Academia to Industry 
As you start your final year, thoughts turn to what you are going to do after university. This module is designed to aid the transition from the academic laboratory to one in industry. This module will build on the analytical skills that you have developed throughout the course and teach you some of the key concepts that are important in an industrial laboratory. This will give you an insight to being an analytical scientist in industry which will be invaluable for interviews and your future career. This module will be more hands on than lecture based, and the assessments are centred on activities that are carried out in industry. 

Advanced Environmental & Wildlife Forensics 
Through this module, you will have the opportunity to apply your forensic expertise to environmental and wildlife crime, exploring topics ranging from industrial contamination of land to the illegal trade of exotic animal products. We will equip you with the advanced skills to investigate environmental crime scenes, interrogate a range of natural and artificial evidence types, and to combine different types of data to protect the environment and wildlife in the U.K. and beyond. 

Digital Forensics: Advanced Applications and Examinations 
This module will provide leading knowledge and understanding of Digital Forensics at the forefront of the discipline. Using AXIOM, software used within industry, you will work through a number of tasks to gain the critical skills vital for working within a digital forensics unit. You will be asked to complete written assessments, take external examination to become a certified examiner within the software and present a court report on examination of digital evidence.

Advanced Topics in Forensic Biology 
This module will allow you to build advanced skills in collecting and interpreting forensic biological data. This will involve expanding your abilities in working with soft tissue, DNA analysis, teeth and entomology. This will involve learning in the lab to grow practical skills in both collecting and analysing forensic biological evidence. Assessment is aimed at assessing your abilities in a practical sense through forensic reports. This module aims to provide career prospects in forensic biology at the forefront of the discipline, and is ideal if you have an academic interest in biology and/or aspirations to work within forensic biology in the future.

Marks & Traces: Advanced Examination
This module provides advanced knowledge and practical experience of marks and trace examination that will prepare you for the forensic laboratory practitioner workplace. Working through current SOPs and guidelines at the forefront of the discipline will provide valuable employability skills. An emphasis will be made on the documentation of advanced forensic physical trace evidence that will be usable in court.