Overview
You can learn the science of solving a crime with a Biological and Forensic Sciences degree taught in our new Alison Gingell Building.
This exciting course blends the study of human biology with the rigorous techniques used in forensic laboratories, including analysis of blood, fibres, fingerprints, drugs, documents, DNA and fire/explosives residue. Ideal if you are fascinated by the scientific investigation of crime. In the Human Biology element of the course a broad range of subjects are covered, including microbiology, molecular biology, medical genetics, cancer biology, physiology and cell biology’
Our experienced staff adopt a ‘Crime Scene to Court’ approach to their teaching, which really helps you to understand forensics, in particular the need to methodically collect samples, analyse them and present the results to the standard required by the courts.
We’re incredibly proud of the course’s excellent student satisfaction ratings – 92% overall and 98% for the quality of teaching. You’ll gain hands-on experience of a range of techniques in biology and forensic science in modern, well-equipped laboratories. You can also engage in multiple placement opportunities and the chance to conduct research alongside our experienced staff or the many professional organisations we have links with – such as Leicester Royal Infirmary, Key Forensic Services Ltd, Nemaura Pharmaceuticals Ltd and West Midlands Police.
100% overall satisfaction - National Student Survey 2018
See the facilities we have in our brand new Alison Gingell Building.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. For courses due to start in September 2020, in light of Covid-19, we are currently preparing for courses to be delivered in a variety of forms, subject to Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority will be staff and student safety.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Royal Society of Biology
Students are eligible to become Associate Members of the Royal Society of Biology.
Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS)
Student Membership of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) is provided free-of-charge for all final year students.
Our Facilities
What our students say...
Coventry University is the place where interactive learning and practice combine together to give you the best student experience. The excellent facilities and the amazing tutors provides the best teaching environment and you really feel part of the Coventry University team. My experience here has helped me to achieve my best, developing my skills and knowledge in a large number of fields.
Course information
If you are interested in working in the fields of human biology or its application to forensic science, this course will prepare you to design, implement and evaluate appropriate investigative techniques. It has been purposefully designed to give you a thorough understanding of both modern human biology topics as well as forensic science. You will cover key study and research skills in the areas of forensic science, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology and human physiology.
This is a varied, applied course, which recognises the multidisciplinary approach that is needed in modern sciences. Throughout your degree, you will study the details of forensic science, the legal system and investigative practice, demonstrating a capability to maintain auditable records of your investigations.
100%
of students agreed the course is intellectually stimulating
Course Specification
Download PDF (259kb)
Modules
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.
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
If you are fascinated with human biology and the scientific investigation of crime, our degree will enable you to learn all about human physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology/genetics, microbiology and the various disciplines within Forensic science.
You’ll be based in our new Alison Gingell Building Building, which provides an outstanding learning and research environment, which features a video-linked ‘crime scene’ house, outstanding analytical laboratory facilities and the largest Class II containment teaching laboratory in Europe, specifically designed to accommodate microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry and forensic science.
You’ll be taught by our experienced staff, many of whom bring professional or research expertise to their teaching. Mr Dan Matthews was an Operational Forensic Scientist and expert witness for many years with Key Forensics Services Ltd. His work spans many fields including particulates, fire debris and accelerants, body fluids and DNA. He has been commended by the Metropolitan Police for his work on high profile cases.
Coventry has an excellent reputation for evidence-based scientific research; our faculty possess expertise and have published in biochemistry, cell biology, genomic and molecular biology, microbiology, pharmacology and physiology. In your final year, you have the opportunity to collaborate on a research project, which in the past has led to students winning prizes at the Forensic Institute Research Network (FIRN) Midlands regional conference, attend the international Forensic Research and Teaching (FORREST) conference and publish articles in academic journals.
Throughout your studies, you will find that the course is underpinned with practical experience. Laboratory sessions will help to develop the practical skills needed for a career in a variety of biology and forensic roles. You will learn 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.
You’ll have the opportunity to apply to undertake short and long-term placements. Previously students have worked on revolutionary technologies for Cambridge Scientific Solutions, such as the removal of biofilm formations which foul beer lines in pubs, or the formulation of drug products for transdermal patch applications for Nemaura Pharmaceuticals.
In your final year, we tackle a simulated investigation to solve a ‘real-world’ problem, which involves the production of an expert witness statement and culminates in the presentation of evidence in a mock courtroom scenario. You could find yourself being called upon to establish whether the glass found on a suspect’s jumper indicates that he was implicated in smashing a window at an alleged burglary scene or whether blood found on the broken window matches the DNA profile of the suspect’s blood. Other scenarios include an assessment of whether the paint found on a suspect’s keys matches the paint from a damaged vehicle and an assessment of the significance of this match.
- Free student membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Science for final year students.
- Former guest speakers have included: Derek Forrest OBE, Interpol’s lead on Disaster Victim Identification; a former student now working as a DNA analyst and a forensic scientist with many years’ experience of presenting evidence in court.
- Based in new £37 million state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building Building provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring largest Class II containment teaching lab in Europe; state-of-the-art analytical chemistry laboratory; video linked ‘crime-scene’ house.
- Hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory technique techniques such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing, cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection and bacterial growth in our modern, well-equipped laboratories.
- Support applying for short and long-term placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire. Past students have taken secondary school students on field trips to the science museum in London and developed forensic science teaching resources.
- Many of our staff professionally recognised as accredited Biomedical Scientists by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS); Chartered Chemists by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Chartered Biologists by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and are professional members of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS).
- Strong network of professional agencies and potential employers and excellent research links with Key Forensic Services Ltd and LGC Forensics Ltd, whose practising forensic scientists provide guest lectures and workshops to help students prepare themselves for the real-world experience of forensic science, as well as specific topics for final year research projects.
Scene of crime outfit, laboratory coat and safety spectacles provided for use.
Our main study themes are:
- Human Biology: Biology related to human beings, covering the disciplines of human: physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, immunology and oncology.
- Forensic Science: Crime scene protocols for recovery, physical, biological and chemical techniques for analysis, statistical interpretation and legal aspects governing presentation of evidence for the criminal justice system.
- Laboratory Competence: Generic and specialised skills in experimental biology, including experimentation and measurements on humans, anti-contamination and audit trail procedures, safety (eg. key laboratory skills and competencies, good laboratory practice) and ethical considerations.
- Research Methods: Critical analysis, reflection, information searching and experimental design in the biological sciences. Data collection, analysis and presentation
This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field.
You will be required to present work based on your experiences during the sandwich year. Previous students have spent a year working as Forensic Intelligence Operators for Maryland Police in the USA.
We offer a range of practical classes, where you will undertake measurements made on human subjects, such as electrocardiograph measurements on fellow students, identification of genetic markers for predisposition to smoking or sleep patterns and identification of your own DNA profile. These deliver a logical acquisition and development of laboratory skills.
Progression through the Professional Skills modules develops knowledge and skills including scientific communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, information retrieval, IT, data processing and presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development through these modules.
Throughout the course, you will receive insight from the latest research and input from current practitioners. Recent sessions have included Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), interpretation of mixed DNA profiles and continuity and traceability in the forensic DNA lab.
Teaching methods include:<br> lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, workshops, textbooks, module webs, journals (hard copies and electronic) within theory and laboratory-based modules.
Meet our staff
Dan Matthews
Dan Matthews was an Operational Forensic Scientist and expert witness for many years with Key Forensics Services Ltd. His work spans many fields including particulates, fire debris and accelerants, body fluids and DNA. He has been commended by the Metropolitan Police for his work on high profile cases. He is a well respected authority within his field in the UK and Europe playing a role in developing best practices manuals, sharing knowledge and an integral member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
Read full profileThis course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include court room assessment, coursework, tests, essays, practical or project work, formal examinations, presentations and posters and group work.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the theoretical, analytical and practical aspects and clinical applications of human physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics, forensic science and analytical science.
- Be proficient in a range of molecular, cell, tissue, physiological, microbiological and forensic laboratory and investigation techniques
- Develop appropriate investigative and scientific protocols to address real-world problems involving human biology and forensic investigations.
- Work safely in the laboratory, undertaking advanced laboratory-based investigations based on competence in techniques for physiological measurement, pharmacological assays, analytical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular physiology, microbiology and forensic processes.
- Operate, lead and collaborate in a team in order to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
- Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of scientific data produced.
In a typical teaching week, you will have up to 18 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 6 hours of workshops/online tutorials each week.
- Medium group teaching: 6 hours of workshops or seminars each week
- Large group teaching: 6 hours of lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 18 hours of self-directed study each week eg. revising.
Our sandwich degree option allows a full year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study year abroad. A number of students in our department have been successful in securing places to study in Spain, France, Canada and the US.
The Biological and Forensic Sciences course attracts many international students, particularly from Romania, Poland, Switzerland and the Middle East, providing a diverse learning experience. This enhances the discussion of issues such as genetic inheritance, criminal justice and biomedical interventions and provides all students with a global perspective of developments in both human biology and forensic science.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
Coventry University is the place where interactive learning and practice combine together to give you the best student experience. The excellent facilities and the amazing tutors provides the best teaching environment and you really feel part of the Coventry University team. My experience here has helped me to achieve my best, developing my skills and knowledge in a large number of fields.
Entry Requirements
What our students say...
Coventry University is the place where interactive learning and practice combine together to give you the best student experience. The excellent facilities and the amazing tutors provides the best teaching environment and you really feel part of the Coventry University team. My experience here has helped me to achieve my best, developing my skills and knowledge in a large number of fields.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.Fees for this course also currently include:
- Student membership of the Forensic Society for third year students
- Costs of any mandatory UK day visits
- Laboratory coat and safety spectacles provided for use
- Free copy of SPSS statistics software
- Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children
EU Student Fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say...
Coventry University is the place where interactive learning and practice combine together to give you the best student experience. The excellent facilities and the amazing tutors provides the best teaching environment and you really feel part of the Coventry University team. My experience here has helped me to achieve my best, developing my skills and knowledge in a large number of fields.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
This degree provides students to take up roles in private sector forensic laboratory service providers or as police Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs), although further training would be required, in the form of the CSI Learning Programme at the College of Policing, Harperley Hall. Alternatively, you could pursue roles in fraud, customs and excise or as private investigators.
The biological modules ensure that you can also access non-forensic careers, including pharmaceutical or food quality testing laboratories, medical and laboratory equipment sales and in more general scientific writing and/or teaching professions. This is an important element of our course design, since employment opportunities in forensics are limited and students need to be well prepared for a wide range of employment options.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates of this course have secured laboratory positions with forensic providers in both Government and private sector organisations, while others have secured posts in biology labs with companies such as The Binding Site and Severn Trent Water.
Graduates not wishing to work in laboratory based occupations have previously secured posts in scientific equipment and medical sales, where they can apply their scientific training to real-world problem solving. A number have also gone on to work in managerial positions where their numeracy and analytical skills have been of benefit, for example, as a workflow planning manager for a building supplies company in Cambridgeshire or team leader of the DNA reference samples team of Key Forensic Services Ltd.
What our students say...
Coventry University is the place where interactive learning and practice combine together to give you the best student experience. The excellent facilities and the amazing tutors provides the best teaching environment and you really feel part of the Coventry University team. My experience here has helped me to achieve my best, developing my skills and knowledge in a large number of fields.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
