Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons)

Explore the intricate workings of the gastrointestinal system, highlighting its role not just in digestion but also as a crucial communication hub influencing overall human health and wellbeing. You will delve into the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, examining its complex neural control and regulation.

A significant focus will be placed on the gut microbiota, exploring its composition, functions and profound influence on the brain, behaviour and various physiological processes. The module will investigate the gut-brain axis, examining the bidirectional communication pathways between the gut and the central nervous system.

This module will also explore how imbalances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can contribute to a range of health issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and other systemic conditions, as well as the causes of dysbiosis, including the overuse of antibiotics, and critically analyse the portrayal of gut health and related topics in the media.

Compulsory

Human genetic variation explains much of our diversity, from looks to ancestry to disease risks. Society invests heavily in this research because it could greatly improve health.

This module covers genetic diversity, how we study it, the tech and databases used, and its impact on health. It also addresses challenges in making healthcare and research inclusive, ensuring new methods are effective and accessible to all.

Understanding genetic variation helps us learn about disease causes. It’s now clear that genetics affects all areas of healthcare, from prevention to treatment. Topics include how genes are expressed, DNA modifications and their effects on traits. Study methods for analysing genetic variation, epigenetics and disease causes. Ethical issues in genetic research and the use of model organisms will also be discussed.

Compulsory

This module introduces you to more complex crime scene scenarios and the specialised scene management they require. Deepen your understanding of forensic protocols by applying them to challenging environments like outdoor, underwater, fire and explosives scenes. Learn to conduct both planned and dynamic risk assessments, considering health and safety laws.

Explore how different evidence types are affected by environmental exposure over time and discover the best ways to collect and analyse these in biological and forensic labs to maintain their integrity. This hands-on experience shows how forensic approaches must adapt depending on the scene and crime, such as the different evidence collection order needed at open-air versus indoor scenes due to environmental effects.

In the lab⁴, develop skills in DNA profiling—including handling degraded and mixed samples—as well as analytical chemistry and microscopy for analysing soil, hair, and fibres. Strengthen your problem-solving abilities throughout and learn to adapt confidently to changing situations, always acting ethically, responsibly and with integrity.

Compulsory

Learn how digital investigations work within the UK legal system, focusing on how to find and recover digital evidence. Explore key areas such as different types of digital evidence, methods of forensic investigation, file systems (old and new), registry files, password recovery, data collection and how to examine computer systems using professional forensic tools.

Look at how 3D technologies are used in the criminal justice system, from investigating crime scenes to presenting evidence in court. Get hands-on experience, within the classroom, with techniques like 3D scanning, laser scanning and photogrammetry to create 3D models of evidence, crime scenes, and even bodies. Explore how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be used in forensic work, including practical exercises with a ‘virtual crime scene house’ or escape room-style case study.

Compulsory

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module builds on your previous learning, guiding you through the journey from crime scene to courtroom. Explore more complex cases, multiple types of offences (like homicides, sex offences and drug-related crimes) and use various evidence types. Teaching focuses on applying forensic techniques to real-world scenarios.

This module ends with a mock courtroom assessment, where you will present and defend a case report in front of others, just as a forensic expert would in court. This should give you valuable insight into the professional role of a forensic scientist and showcase your technical knowledge and communication skills.

Compulsory

During this module, you will undertake an independent research project within your discipline or area of interest. Engage in all stages of the research process, from project design and ethical approval to data collection, analysis and presentation. This module aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and advanced scientific communication skills, culminating in a conference-style poster presentation and defence of findings.

The module aims to:

• provide you with practical experience in designing and conducting an independent research project
• develop your ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data
• enhance your skills in scientific writing and presentation
• improve your ability to work independently and manage a research project effectively
• provide you with the opportunity to defend your research findings in a professional setting.

Compulsory

Imagine being able to get a faster, more precise disease diagnosis based on your unique characteristics, or to be given personalised treatments designed to be the most effective for you, with fewer, or no, side effects, or even to predict your risk of developing specific diseases and prevent them developing in the first place.

This is the idea behind personalised medicine, which holds out the possibility of transforming how we think about our healthcare, by understanding the role our unique genome plays in our health. Explore how increasing genomic knowledge has led to advances in medical treatment and therapies that may now be tailored to the unique molecular or genetic characteristics of individual patients. Consider the impact of genomic knowledge and advances in genomic analysis on the understanding of mechanisms of disease, in particular cancer, and the potential for development of these personalised therapies. .

Compulsory

Explore current and international issues and advanced developments in forensic research, analysis, ethics and legislation. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, a range of topics will be explored, ideas introduced and critiqued in depth with reference to current literature and research developments. Critically appraise real-life cold cases in the light of new developments and techniques in forensic science, to examine the previous limitations and what new investigative leads could be generated.

Appreciate the complexity of cases crossing international borders, in terms of differences in accreditation, standards of evidence and forensic procedures. Build upon the UK-specific learning from previous modules and extend this to international collaborations. Address issues of effective communication between different countries and cultures, and the skills required to operate effectively in these high-pressure professional settings. Consider the potential effects of cognitive bias on forensic science decision-making, through the examination of past miscarriages of justice. Debiasing strategies will also be investigated and evaluated. You will be supported to be mindful of global challenges, inequalities and opportunities, as well as being globally, culturally, socially and self-aware, and open to new ways of thinking. This module will encourage you to share knowledge and expertise, support and champion the needs and development of others, maintaining a socially conscious and sustainable outlook.

Compulsory