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This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

Awarding Institution

University of Huddersfield

Final Award

BSc(Hons) Bachelor of Science with Honours

Teaching Institution

University of Huddersfield

School

School of Applied Sciences

Department

Department of Physical & Life Sciences

Subject Benchmark Statement

Forensic Science (including Master's) (2022)

Date of Programme Specification Approval

2025-02-27

Version Number

2024.02

Educational Aims of the Course

Forensic science, the use of scientific techniques in criminal investigations, has advanced dramatically since Sherlock Holmes first enthralled those who read of his deductive skills. The first forensic science laboratory was set up in the USA by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1923 and in the UK by the … For more content click the Read More button below.   The forensic scientist needs to have a thorough understanding of the scientific principles behind the techniques used and how these may be applied. In addition, they also need the ability to identify the evidential material that is most likely to allow the particular "case" to be solved, the analytical methodology which will allow the appropriate measurements to be made and the ability to assess the significance of the results obtained. Finally, the forensic scientist must be able to present these results to a non-scientific audience under the stressful conditions that obtain in a court of law.   The analyses carried out in a forensic science laboratory are wide ranging. They include DNA profiling of blood and semen, often in cases of murder, rape and other serious assaults, the analysis of drugs, in murder, overdose and illicit manufacture cases, the analysis of glass, paint and plastics in burglary and hit-and-run cases, and the analysis of accelerants in arson cases.   The limited amount of evidential material available, together with the interfering substances with which it is usually combined, presents challenges to the analytical scientist beyond those normally found in the application of techniques available to them.   Most forensic scientists have entered the profession with a particular specialism. This course provides training in Analytical Chemistry, a highly relevant specialism for a forensic scientist and one that broadens the possible employment opportunities on graduation. More than half of all scientists are Chemists and around half of the advertised jobs for Chemists in recent years have been in Analytical Science. This is a vital area with Analytical Chemists in industry monitoring product quality, raw materials and effluent. In hospitals, as Clinical Chemists, they monitor the health of patients by analysing samples of blood or urine. Public Analysts, working on behalf of local government, check the food we eat and the air we breathe. Analytical Chemists also test for toxic substances in the work place, pollutants in the environment, and levels of drug abuse.   Forensic Science refers to the use of scientific techniques in the investigation of criminal cases. It embraces disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, Entomology, Anthropology, Medicine, Dentistry, Psychology and Psychiatry.   Workers in Forensic Science are usually specialists in one area of science, who happen to be working in a forensic environment. The specialist emphasis of this course is Analytical Science, an area where there are considerable job opportunities in addition to those in Forensic Science. The science is presented in the context of Forensic Analysis but this approach is relevant to many other areas of Analysis. This course encompasses much of the fundamental science, particularly Chemistry but also Biology, which underpin the Analytical Science and includes other areas of Forensic Investigation and the Collection and Presentation of Evidence.   The Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences has staff expertise in a broad cross-section of the sciences required from DNA profiling to analytical toxicology and a BSc (Hons) degree has been offered since 2000. The MSci, introduced in 2004, is an enhanced degree which provides additional breadth of study and is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in Research and Development within Forensic or Analytical Science. Much of the research activity in the department is relevant to the analytical sciences which are applied in forensic analysis. The main aims of the programme are to:   (1) instil a sense of enthusiasm for forensic science in students; (2) provide a knowledge in key areas of forensic science; (3) provide a relevant knowledge in the main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical and analytical); (4) provide training in the safe and competent use of laboratory equipment; (5) develop in students an ability to apply their chemical and forensic knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in forensic and analytical science; (6) develop, through an education in forensic and analytical science, a range of transferable skills, including mathematical and IT skills, of value in scientific and other areas of employment; (7) prepare students for a career as a research scientist.

Course Offering(s)

Sandwich Year Out

Sandwich Year Out - September

Full Time

Full Time - September

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
instil a sense of enthusiasm for forensic science in students
2.
provide a knowledge in key areas of forensic science
3.
provide a relevant knowledge in the main branches of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical and analytical)
4.
provide training in the safe and competent use of laboratory equipment
5.
develop in students an ability to apply their chemical and forensic knowledge and skills to the solution of theoretical and practical problems in forensic and analytical science
6.
develop, through an education in forensic and analytical science, a range of transferable skills, including mathematical and IT skills, of value in scientific and other areas of employment
7.
prepare students for a career as a research scientist
8.
have a basic knowledge of forensic science
9.
have a basic knowledge of chemistry
10.
have a basic understanding of the mathematical principles and computing skills related to their application in forensic and analytical science
11.
will have a deeper knowledge and understanding of certain aspects of forensic science
12.
have a deeper knowledge and understanding of certain aspects of chemistry
13.
be aware of the most recent developments in forensic and analytical science
14.
have acquired sufficient knowledge and personal awareness to be able to make an informed choice of future career
15.
demonstrate knowledge of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories in the areas mentioned above
16.
apply their knowledge to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature
17.
evaluate, interpret and generate forensic and chemical information and data
18.
recognise and implement good measurement science and practice
19.
present scientific results and conclusions clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a variety of audiences
20.
use computers for data processing and retrieving forensic and chemical information
21.
recognise and analyse novel problems and plan strategies for their solution
22.
handle chemicals and carry out standard laboratory synthetic procedures safely
23.
operate standard chemical and forensic instrumentation
24.
monitor chemical properties, events or changes by the observation, measurement and systematic and reliable recording thereof
25.
interpret experimental results in terms of their significance and underlying theory
26.
carry out risk assessments on experimental procedures
27.
plan, design and execute practical investigations from the problem recognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of the results
28.
interpersonal skills
29.
numeracy and computational skills
30.
verbal and written communication skills
31.
time management and organisational skills
32.
information retrieval skills, including on-line searches
33.
study skills for continuing personal development

Course Structure

Foundation Level

Intermediate Level

Sandwich Year Out

Honours Level

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Modules are delivered over two terms with normally two hours formal contact per week per module. Practical sessions are normally 3 or 4 hours.  A variety of teaching methods are used, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and directed reading. Unilearn is widely used for the provision of supporting material. Individual … For more content click the Read More button below.   Most modules are assessed through work (during the year) and a formal unseen examination in the third term. Work is made up mainly from laboratory reports, problem solving assignments and short tests, including MCQs, as well as a small number of essays, oral and poster presentations. Formative tests are widely used, especially in the first year. A summary of assessment is given in appendix 2.  A schedule is given to all students at the start of the academic year.

Support for Students and their Learning

All students are assigned a personal tutor. For each individual within the chemistry suite there is a year tutor who often fulfills many of the roles of the personal tutor and is more often the main point of contact for students. The role of the year tutor/personal tutor in supporting students is seen as of primary importance. Students are encouraged to see their year tutor or personal tutor about any problems they have which do or may affect their ability to study and learn. The tutor will keep track of any serious on-going issues, but respects student confidentiality.  Students may see other staff about an issue if they feel more comfortable doing so. Students are encouraged to see academic tutors if they have difficulty understanding material or with work.

 

Students are also supported in their study and learning through the following activities and services:

- Induction week

- Student Handbook

- Access to Unilearn virtual learning environment via the student portal

- Library

- School of Applied Sciences Resource Centre which provides a range of services including short-term loans, printing and photocopying, stationery, help with computing problems and informal advice

- Specialised computing laboratories and chemical/forensic science laboratories

- Student e-mail and open personal access to teaching staff including the Head of Division and the Course Leader

- Access to student counsellors at the University of Huddersfield and at the Student Village

- Access to Student Services, which provides assistance and guidance with learning difficulties

- Access to the School of Applied Sciences’ Learning Support Assistant

- Access to the Students' Union Academic Affairs Officer

 

Students are supported during Year 3 by a Visiting Tutor if they are based away from campus. Students will also be encouraged to maintain contact with their module tutors (by phone or e-mail, or in person if appropriate) to discuss the modules they are undertaking during Year 3. Guidance is provided in order to enable students to secure a Year 3 position. Staff provide guidance in the preparation of CVs, letters of application and interview techniques. Students apply for advertised posts or set up a suitable position through their own contacts.

Criteria for Admission

The admissions process will be in conjunction with other courses of the chemical sciences suite.  Entry qualifications will normally be in accordance with those detailed in the School of Applied Sciences Scheme Document.

 

Normally candidates will be at least 18 years of age by 31st December of the year of entry.

 

For full-time and Sandwich courses, it is desirable that candidates have GCE/GCSE Grade C or above in English and Mathematics and an approved science subject.

 

For entry to the undergraduate degree candidates normally will have:

 

- Passes in 5 subjects at GCE/VCE/AVCE/GCSE including 12 units of study from 3, 6 and 12 unit awards with at least one 6 unit award in Chemistry or a 12 unit award in Science, or

- A BTEC Certificate/Diploma in science, or

- Successfully completed the University of Huddersfield Science Extended Degree, or

- Advanced, level 3, GNVQ or NVQ at an appropriate level, or

- Other qualifications deemed by the School to be acceptable.

 

Mature students, without formal qualifications may apply for admission through the School Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning panel. 

 

Entry to different stages is possible for all courses.  At least 120 of the total credits for an award must be obtained through study at the University.  Each course has identified requirements for entry at different points and stages. Accreditation is approved by the SAVP in accordance with the procedures outlined in the School of Applied Sciences Undergraduate Scheme Document.

Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning

Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards

Module and Course evaluations (student evaluations and staff report)

Annual course evaluation report prepared by the Course Leader and considered by Course Committee and School Annual Evaluation Committee

Peer observation of teaching

External Examiners' reports

Employers' reports for Year 3 students based in Industry.

 

Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards

Student panel

Course Committee

School of Applied Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee

School of Applied Sciences Annual Evaluation Committee

University Teaching and Learning Committee

Course Assessment Board - meets in June and July to consider marks, progression and awards.

 

Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience

Student panel and student representation on Course Committee

Student evaluation of modules.

 

Staff development priorities include:

Staff Annual Appraisal and institutional staff development

Updating professional developments

Regular course meetings and annual review and planning for subsequent academic year.

Please note

University awards are regulated by the Regulations for Awards (Taught Courses) on the University website.

Quick links to the Regulations for Taught Students, procedures and forms can be accessed on the University website.

Indicators of Quality and Standards

Reports of validation panels

Annual course reviews

External examiners’ reports

Qualifications and experience of staff

Report on University Review of Chemical Sciences 2003 and June 2009