Forensic Science and Neuroscience

Forensic Science and Neuroscience - BSc (Hons)

Analyse the science behind a crime scene and explore the fascinating complexity of the human brain to gain the practical, analytical, problem-solving and quantitative skills to pursue a science-based career in a variety of sectors.

Year of entry

2023 - for 2024 entry see here - for 2023 entry see here

Course type

Combined Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

School of Chemical and Physical Sciences School of Life Sciences

UCAS code

FB41

Duration of study

3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

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Why study Forensic Science and Neuroscience at Keele University?

No. 1 in England for Forensic Science (Complete University Guide, 2022)

Top 20 in the UK for Neuroscience (Guardian University League Table, 2021)

Our 600-acre campus offers fantastic indoor and outdoor simulated crime scene facilities to develop your practical and professional skills

Use a wide variety of industry-standard spectroscopic, analytical and forensic instrumentation

Professional recognition or accreditation pathways are available

Course overview

Our Forensic Science and Neuroscience BSc will provide you with a breadth of knowledge and wide range of skills across two fascinating subject areas.

The forensic science element of the course focuses on the entire forensic process, from evidence collection, analysis and interpretation to court reporting. Initial modules including forensic chemistry, forensic biology and criminalistic science, will build your understanding in the key topics underpinning the subject. You will also gain valuable laboratory and crime scene experience to help you stay ahead in this fast-moving science.

Teaching will take place in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories and our dedicated Crime Scene facilities.
The programme will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies by completing a final year forensic science team research project.

Final year forensic science project topics from previous students include:

Analysis of post-mortem bone trauma
Analysis of trace evidence -identification of drugs in latent fingerprints
Long-term geophysical monitoring of simulated clandestine graves of murder victims
Wildlife forensics –assessment of presumptive tests on non-human blood
Forensic odontology -bite marks
Investigating the appearance of aged fingerprints

In neuroscience you will explore a mixture of core modules that will provide you with a grounding in basic biological techniques, an introduction to the core concepts of neuroscience and the practical skills required for a career within the field. During your first and second year, you will take laboratory classes most weeks to develop practical, analytical, observational and interpretative skills. As you progress on the course you will explore how the brain develops, the mechanisms underlying learning and memory, how drugs affect the nervous system, the anatomy of the human and animal nervous systems and how electrical activity in the brain works to control function.

You will also expand your research and analytical skills by exploring the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. Your final year provides the opportunity to study a variety of optional modules including a research project - which may be carried out whilst on placement. Throughout your project you will be supported and supervised by an academic who has expertise in your chosen area of study.

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.

International year

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.

Gain work experience in neuroscience

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. If you're unsure which area of neuroscience you want to focus on, work experience can also provide you with a deep insight into what the work is like. From a year working in industry and paid internships to summer secondment research placements, our programme offers many opportunities for you to gain familiarisation with the professional working environment, develop professional contacts and apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

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 on a regular basis. You will benefit from the support of an assigned academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to forensic science and neuroscience is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

Next Steps

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Accreditation or professional recognition

This programme is recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science or accredited by the Royal Society of Biology if you specialise in Neuroscience. It is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science if you specialise in Forensic Science.

Related Courses

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Additional opportunities

Foundation year Placement year International year Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

Keele strives to be a place where learning, living and working is a positive experience for our entire community, and we're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

A Level requirements

A Level requirement ABC / BBB
A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DDM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team

International Baccalaureate

30 points to include a Higher Level Chemistry or Biology at 6 or above.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry and/or Biology related units. Please contact the Admissions team.

Please note

Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Preparation programmes for international students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

Next Steps

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Additional information

A Level requirements

A Level requirement ABC / BBB
A level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above.

GCSE requirements

Maths at C (or 4)
English Language / Literature at C (or 4)

BTEC

BTEC requirements DDM
You must have taken sufficient Chemistry/Biology units, please contact the Admissions team

International Baccalaureate

30 points to include a Higher Level Chemistry or Biology at 6 or above.

Access to HE Diploma requirements

Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry and/or Biology related units. Please contact the Admissions team.

Please note

Reformed GCSE grades for England are stated in brackets
If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

English Language Requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from .

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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"My experience on the forensic science course has been brilliant due to the commitment of the lecturers and lab staff in providing me with the necessary tools to pursue a career in forensic science. I particularly enjoy the practical lab sessions where we get hands on experience with techniques used in the field such as fingerprint enhancement and identification, DNA, blood spatter, and chemical analysis using the newly added equipment and lab spaces contained within the CSL building."

Max, Forensic Science

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"I gained invaluable experience working in Malaysia on a three month research project which was secured by way of application and interview with the department of Life Sciences. This involved applying to train in Malaysia (Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang)"

Ryan, Neuroscience and Psychology

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Guest Speakers

Throughout the programme you will have the opportunity to learn from a number of guest lecturers from the profession who contribute either a single or short series of lectures, workshops or practical classes in a range of forensic science topics. This will enable you to gain valuable insight into today's industry and network with potential employers, colleagues and mentors.

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Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching

In forensic science we offer a personalised learning experience in an environment where you can feel part of a community. To ensure you receive a high-quality learning experience, teaching will be delivered through a blend of in-situ and digital approaches.

Methods of teaching include:

group/ team-work and independent project work
lectures (including those from guest speakers from the profession)
mini-projects and extended research projects
practical laboratory classes
practical simulated crime scene examination (indoor and outdoor)
problem-based learning workshops
team-based learning workshops
tutorials and problems classes
use of e-learning/the Keele Learning Environment (KLE) (Blackboard) and MS Teams

Assessment

The wide variety of assessment methods used on this in the forensic component of this programme reflects the broad range of knowledge and skills that are developed as you progress through the degree programme.

Assessment methods include:

class tests
court expert witness statements
crime scene investigation reports
cross-examination assessment
dissertation and research paper literature critical reviews
end of module examinations, open book assessments and case work portfolios
essays
laboratory diaries, proformas, reports and examination forms
oral, digital and poster presentations
problems sheets and data analysis exercises
project plans, team project interviews and viva examinations
technical leaflets

Teaching

In Neuroscience we offer a hybrid delivery of teaching - online learning and
in-person practical classes. Our core content is designed for online consumption and this aims to provide you with the space and flexibility to digest at your own pace and to ask questions anonymously. To complement our core virtual learning, laboratory practical classes, tutorials, seminars and workshops will take place on-campus.

Methods of teaching include:

laboratory practical classes
live, campus-based tutorials, seminars and workshops
online lectures

Assessment

From creating patient information leaflets to writing wiki entries, the assessment methods used within our the neuroscience element of the programme aim to give you experience of work-related activities you will likely undertake in graduate roles.

Methods of assessment include:

blogs or oral presentations
final year independent research project
laboratory reports or experimental projects
patient information leaflets
scientific posters

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"In my first year, I found it helpful to have PHD students helping in laboratory sessions as we were able to talk to them about their experiences Keele and they were able to advise us on our practical work."

Rebecca, Forensic and Analytical Investigation with Integrated Master's

Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

The Keele University Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science and Neuroscience degree. For example, the Foundations of Life Sciences module looks at basic cell biology in terms of structure and function and goes on to examine how cells obtain their energy for example, by photosynthesis, and raw materials, for example via the nitrogen cycle. In addition, the Advancing Chemistry module aims to increase your knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of chemistry in a theoretical context, while also demonstrating the application of concepts in a practical environment. All of the modules you take will prove useful in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one modules

FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits
FYO-00211	Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists	15 credits
FYO-00197	Foundations of Life Sciences	15 credits
FYO-00189	Foundations of Chemistry	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00191	Advancing Chemistry	30 credits
FYO-00199	Advancing Life Sciences	30 credits

Entry requirements

Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience

AND

GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above

How to apply

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Foundation Year (UCAS code F410) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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