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Biological and Forensic Sciences (with foundation year) at Coventry University - UCAS

Coventry University

Degree level: Undergraduate

Biological and Forensic Sciences (with foundation year)

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from our Coventry University campus. This course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in biological and forensic sciences. The foundation year seeks to develop your core understanding within the sciences, including biology, chemistry and physiology, in addition to developing our academic and communication skills further. Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons) degree within Coventry University’s School of Life Sciences. The degree aims to blend the study of human biology with the techniques used in forensic laboratories, including analysis of blood, fibres, particulates, fingerprints, drugs, documents, DNA, fire/explosives residue and other trace evidence. You will be taught key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling, reporting and broader scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics. Our experienced staff aim to adopt a ‘Crime Scene to Court’ approach to their teaching, which should help you to understand forensic science, in particular the need to methodically collect samples, analyse them and present the results to the standard required by the courts. Key benefits of the degree

  • 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 students can confidently walk into a graduate job knowing that they have already used the same equipment used in hospital, commercial, police and research laboratories
  • 3D printing lab where students can learn to design and 3D-print their own creations
  • Regular expert guest lectures from professionals in their field, who provide insight into the numerous employability options available (subject to availability)
  • Opportunities to study international cold cases and take a global approach to their studies with collaborative online projects and the possibility of international field trips.
See our website for further details.

Modules

Foundation Year includes: Introduction to Health and Disease Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology Introduction to Cell Biology Foundation of Chemistry 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 Genetics, Heredity and Evolution Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules Cell Communication, Structure, and Function The Microbial World Applied Techniques in Biology 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 Microorganisms in Human Health and Disease Human Genetic Diversity Forensic Science and Evidence Analysis The Immune System in Health and Disease Neurophysiology 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 more information, please go to the fees and funding section. 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. 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. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

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 The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology
  • Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

How to apply

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:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We’re here to help you achieve your study goals. If your qualifications or expected levels of grades differ from those outlined above, chat with our admissions team and between us we will explore the possibilities open to you. We accept a range of qualifications and our study experience is designed to give you options and support from the start. Contact us via our website to find out more.


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
70%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

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 £7950* Year 1
Northern Ireland £7950* Year 1
Scotland £7950* Year 1
Wales £7950* Year 1
Channel Islands £7950* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £7950* 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

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This is provisionally set at £9,250 for the 25/26 academic year. This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options. www.coventry.ac.uk/international-students-hub/international-pathways/
Biological and Forensic Sciences (with foundation year) at Coventry University - UCAS