Course summary

Build a strong foundation in chemical and biological sciences while developing key forensic investigation skills—from crime scene analysis and evidence preservation to understanding legal procedures. Forensic science plays a vital role in the criminal justice system, where forensic scientists collaborate in teams to manage crime scenes, analyse evidence and deliver expert witness testimony in court.

• Through a crime-scene-to-court approach, you will be guided through essential concepts such as crime scene evaluation and preservation through to analysis, interpretation and presentation of collected evidence.

• Gain a keen theoretical and practical understanding of how science underpins the analysis of forensic materials and how this must withstand legal challenges.

• Consider a range of forensic evidence types such as toxicology, DNA, anthropology, and particulates such as glass, fire and explosive residues.

• Authentic application using expert knowledge of practitioners in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, forensic science and forensic investigation who bring research and practical experience into the classroom (staff subject to change).

• A crime-scene-to-court design that guides you from initially securing a scene through to analysing materials and presenting evidence in a court of law. This allows you to understand the entire forensic science process, as well as the responsibilities of the people involved.

• Opportunities to examine complex scenes in internal, external and international contexts exploring the use of 3D modelling, digital forensics, virtual reality analysis, photography and anthropology as methods of gathering forensic data.

• Attain real world skills in our industry-standard facilities, including crime scene houses, a 'Super-lab,' moot court room and an outdoor decomposition facility.

• Gain in-demand skills and expertise to become a sought-after forensic scientist, opening doors to careers such as crime scene investigator, fingerprint examiner, law enforcement and research. Explore opportunities in wider scientific fields like environmental and food analysis and pharmaceutical science.