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 the food industry. The foundation year seeks to develop your core understanding within the sciences, including biology, chemistry and physiology, in addition to developing your academic and communication skills further. Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Food Science BSc (Hons) degree within Coventry University’s School of Life Sciences. The degree provides students with a foundation in chemical and biological sciences coupled with forensic science requirements such as crime scene evaluation, collection and preservation of evidence, and legal aspects. Through a ‘crime scene to court’ approach, students will be guided through essential concepts such as crime scene evaluation and preservation through to analysis, interpretation, and presentation of collected evidence. Key benefits of the degree
- Authentic applications using expert knowledge of practitioners in the fields of biology, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science and forensic investigation who bring research and practical experiences into the classroom
- A ‘Crime Scene to Court’ design that guides students from initially securing a scene through to analysing materials and presenting evidence in a court of law
- Opportunities to examine complex scenes in internal, external and international contexts exploring the use of 3D modelling, photography, and anthropology as methods of gathering forensic data.
- Students will be able to assess simulated crime scenes in our crime scene houses, and other settings, and will then examine evidence in our biological and analytical laboratories applying relevant analytical and evaluation techniques
Modules
The foundation year seeks to develop your core understanding within the sciences, including biology, chemistry and physiology, in addition to a module introducing you to health and disease. Year One Year one introduces you to the basic scientific principles and practices of chemical and biological analysis. Forensic science theory is introduced as well as criminal law and the role of individuals and crime scene specialists, where you will develop skills in team working, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. Forensic protocols in crime scene examination and collection, preservation and subsequent analysis of both human and physical evidence is explored. You will be supported to become confident, competent, and safe in laboratory and crime scene environments as well as develop your writing, numerical, research and presentation skills in preparation for your subsequent years. Year Two In year two, you will build on your knowledge of forensic science, covering topics such as forensic genetics, analysis of trace, marks and impressions found within complex indoor and outdoor crime scenes. You will use more complex methods of evidence evaluation such as 3D modelling, virtual reality environments and digital photography. To complete your studies you will further explore areas such as toxicology and the examination of drugs, forensic ecology and taphonomy studies. Placement Year On successful completion of years one and two, you may elect to apply for either a one-year work experience placement, or a year of study abroad. These opportunities offer highly valued opportunities to enhance learning and help gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation. Students taking this option will take an additional year to complete their degree. Work experience placements are competitive and successful acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Our Talent Team offer support for students in the application process. You should note that some work placements may require additional health and professional suitability checks including DBS and enhanced DBS criminal record checks. If you are unable to meet the health and suitability requirements, then the choice of placement opportunities will be restricted*. 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 partner 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 your knowledge gained from years one and two by exploring the role of forensic science on a global and international scale. Current and future techniques will be considered in relation to a variety of industries to allow you wider opportunities for career development. You will further develop research skills by undertaking a research project and will also produce a prosecution file culminating in a mock trial thus providing a capstone experience to the course in a crime scene to court module. 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 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.
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:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 72 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
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.
English language requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Mathematics and two Sciences.
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 | £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
Provider information
CU Coventry
8 Mile Lane
Coventry
CV1 2TU