Course summary
This course provides postgraduate education in Forensic Science with a further specialisation in DNA/Body fluids; which is the main discipline of Forensic Biology. Forensic Science involves the use of scientific techniques and principles to address questions of interest to a court of law. This course aims to provide you with an overview of forensic science in general, following the crime scene to court model. This includes a series of crime scene exercises in our crime scene facilities, covering strategies for crime scene examination and an exploration of techniques associated with crime scene examination.
Modules
The modules are: Crime Scene Science Awareness Forensic Science Awareness Quality and Presentation of Evidence Forensic Casework Practice Advanced Forensic Skills Forensic Research Project Forensic Taphonomy You will also receive a comprehensive overview of most of the forensic science disciplines through the forensic biology and forensic chemistry module. You will also explore quality, which is an increasingly fundamental issue within forensic science industry; as well as the presentation of evidence and preparations for defending your evidence in a court of law. The course then moves onto more specialised modules including forensic genetics and body fluid examination. Forensic genetics covers biochemistry and molecular biology as pertaining to forensics, STR analysis, including interpretation of DNA profiling results. In addition you will explore body fluid examination. This course is comprised of two thirds taught component and one third research project component. The course is designed to train you in the scientific methodology relating to forensic biology and extend your interest and knowledge in all areas of the subject. The taught part of the course consists of four general forensic science modules (covering fundamental and basic principles of forensic science). The research project requires 50 days of laboratory work and takes place during the summer term. The course is designed to train you in the scientific methodology relating to forensic biology and extend your interest and knowledge in all areas of the subject. The taught part of the course consists of four general forensic science modules (covering fundamental and basic principles of forensic science). The research project requires 50 days of laboratory work and takes place during the summer term.
Assessment method
Considerable emphasis is placed on independent learning. You will be taught through regular lectures, tutorials and workshops and practical laboratory classes. Additional learning materials are provided on the University’s VLE. There is an Academic Skills Tutor within the School of Applied Sciences who can help with report writing, revision and examination technique, numeracy skills, etc. Assessment will include assignments, problem solving exercises, laboratory skills and written examinations. The research project is assessed by written report and oral presentation. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course. Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks - unless the submission was made toward the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feed back on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this course are normally: * A minimum of a lower second class honours degree in any science related subject or equivalent is required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent will be considered acceptable.
Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our 'Where are you from?' information pages.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £7900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £7900 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18700 | Year 1 |
| International | £18700 | Year 1 |
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
Tuition fees for UK students will cover the cost of your study at the University. For more information about funding, fees and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see our Fees and Finance - https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-and-finance/
Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).
If you are an EU or international student coming to study at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details of tuition fees and support available - https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/
Please email the Student Finance Office ([email protected]) or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.
Provider information
University of Huddersfield
Queensgate
Huddersfield
HD1 3DH