Course summary
This course combines the rich, diverse study of biology and the living world, with the forensic challenge of using scientific analysis to investigate legal cases. This combination of subjects provides a broad perspective that is very appealing to employers. Graduates are able to tackle challenges like the spread of infectious diseases and developing new treatments, and also practical problem-solving skills to analyse evidence from crime scenes. Course aims:
- Enable you to apply critical thinking skills to assess and solve problems in biological and forensic sciences, considering different perspectives and ethical approaches
- Develop your knowledge and understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of human health and disease, and of forensic science, including the criminal justice system processes and investigative practice
- Provide a broad and varied educational experience, with experiential learning including a wide range of community and international contexts, and multidisciplinary real-world problems
- A teaching team of multidisciplinary experts from various subjects, including biologists, chemists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, forensic scientists, investigators and lawyers who bring their research and practical experiences into their teaching.
- Hands-on practical experience, both in the state-of-the-art Superlab+ and in the immersive crime scene simulation houses and outdoor search and decomposition facilities, so that you can confidently walk into a graduate job knowing that you have already used the same equipment used in hospital, commercial, police and research laboratories*.
- A 3D printing lab where you can learn to design and 3D-print your own creations*.
- Regular expert guest lectures from professionals in their field, who provide insight into the numerous employability options available*.
- Opportunities to study international cold cases and take a global approach to your studies with collaborative online projects and the possibility of international field trips*.
- 1st for graduate prospects (on track) in Forensic Science in The Complete University Guide 2023.
Modules
Year one In your first year, you will join a vibrant community of students studying bioscience-related courses in biomedical science, human biosciences and pharmacology. The common first year ensures that you have a firm understanding of core areas of modern biosciences, from the cellular and molecular level through to whole body anatomy and physiology. These subjects are underpinned by relevant aspects of chemistry, maths and data analysis. The topics are taught in an integrated manner to ensure that the links between disciplines such as biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology are evident. You will also have the opportunity to start to apply your knowledge to collecting and analysing evidence from a crime scene, in the Applied Techniques in Biology module. You are supported with the aim of becoming a confident, competent and safe laboratory scientist. Modules Human physiology: Homeostasis and Health - 20 credits Genetics, Heredity and Evolution - 20 credits Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules - 20 credits Cell Communication, Structure, and Function - 20 credits The Microbial World - 20 credits Applied Techniques in Biology - 20 credits Year Two In year two, you will build on your knowledge of biology in areas such as genetics, microbiology, neurophysiology and human health and disease. You will study forensic aspects including crime scene evaluation, collection, preservation and analysis of evidence linked to legal aspects of criminal cases. You will continue to extend your skills and competencies, including effective communication to diverse audiences, in both scientific and non-scientific arenas. Individual professional development activities enable you to identify strategies and approaches to enhance your own capabilities and to build your professional profile. Modules Fundamentals of Forensic Science - 20 credits Microorganisms in Human Health and Disease - 20 credits Human Genetic Diversity - 20 credits Forensic Science and Evidence Analysis - 20 credits The Immune System in Health and Disease - 20 credits Neurophysiology - 20 credits Placement Year Our sandwich degree option allows a full year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study year abroad. Previous students in our department have been successful in securing places to study in Spain, France, Canada and the US. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final Year The final year will build on the knowledge of biological and forensic sciences. You will further develop research skills and will undertake a research project which will be designed and reported with the support of an academic supervisor, providing a capstone experience to the course. Studying international cold cases will allow you to take a global approach to your studies with collaborative online projects (subject to availability) and the possibility of international field trips. You will also study the application of cutting-edge forensic techniques to real-life cold cases and test your presentation skills reporting forensic evidence in a mock courtroom. Modules Infectious Disease: Present and Future Challenges - 20 credits Forensic Futures: Contemporary and Global Issues - 20 credits Research Design - 20 credits Crime Scene to Courtroom - 20 credits Genomics, Disease and Personalised Therapy - 20 credits Independent Project - 20 credits We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Assessment method
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include:
- Tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Individual Assignments
- Laboratory competency tests
- Portfolios
- Mock court room oral testimony
- Posters
- Critical reviews
- Reflections
- Case study-based approaches with scenarios based on real world issues
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Royal Society of Biology
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher - CCCCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
All applications are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, experience, reference and your motivation to study the course. The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that total the equivalent of three A2 Levels. This may include subject specific requirements where necessary. If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day to discover more about the course and studying at Coventry University.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB