Programme Specification for Forensic Science (Single and Combined Honours) BSc (Hons)
|
Final award |
BSc (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
Cert HE, Dip HE, BSc |
|
UCAS code |
F410 |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Biosciences |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
September 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
This programme offers excellent employment prospects and accreditation of UEL’s Forensic provision by the Forensic Science Society is currently being progressed.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For students entering with AS/A2 qualification, the minimum requirement is 240 points at A2 level with a preferred minimum of 100 A2 points in Biology or Chemistry.
We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.
Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience.
Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.
If you want to study Forensic Science but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme in Applied Biology (feeds in at Level 1).
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certified Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required with a minimum of 5.5 in all components. International qualification will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Forensic Science?
Essentially Forensic Science is the application of science to criminal and civil law enforcement, so the forensic scientist uses a range of scientific techniques to provide admissible evidence in a court of law.
Forensic Science at UEL
- The programme at UEL aims to provide students with a broad background to a large number of scientific techniques used by forensic scientists and also an introduction to aspects of law relevant to businesses in the UK.
- Offers extensive laboratory training through all years of the programme, trains students in attention to detail and professional quality standards as required by employers in associated sectors.
- This course attracts students who are passionate about contributing to crime reduction in society and communities.
- Shares a common first year with other Bioscience degrees at UEL, leaving you an option to transfer at the end of the first year.
Programme structure
- Most students follow a 3-year full-time degree pathway. Part-time route, 4 year sandwich placement and combined honours are also available.
- Level 1 is essentially a foundation year, designed to cement and extend areas of study which should already be at least partly familiar to students. In two Skills modules students will develop the study skills, numeracy and IT skills required in any modern degree programme together with the more specialist background knowledge in areas such as essential chemistry, cell biology and statistics, which are required by a Forensic Scientist. A module on legal methods and skills provides an introduction to the relevant aspects of law.
- Level 2 modules include: Biological Evidence, Research Methods, Introductory Toxicology, Molecular Biology, Diagnostic and Forensic Genetics plus Criminal Law.
- The third year of study may be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement.
- The final year (Level 3) includes modules: Forensic/Drug analysis, Forensic pathology, Applied Toxicology and Evidence.
- In your final year, you also conduct an individual research project involving original work with academic staff who publish in international scientific journals. UEL has high impact forensic research topics, such as anti-terrorism, forensic computing and drug abuse. Lab-based projects span fingerprinting science, ink analysis, DNA profiling, infectious disease diagnostics and environmental toxicology.
Learning environment
Lecturers include professional scientists, practising lawyers, police detectives and other court-going consultants. The School has a fully equipped Forensic Research Laboratory, which has an international reputation for analysis of complex mixtures. You will work alongside MSc and PhD students on projects of use to forensic practitioners and businesses that value attention to detail.
Learning is encouraged through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based practicals, external visits, distance learning, web- based learning etc. Each module has 5 to 6 hours contact per week, and may need up to 10 hours further individual study per week on each module.
Success at university depends on developing your ability to study independently using library resources, Computer-assisted learning (CAL), handouts and web-based study activities. The first year has a Skills module in each semester. These help you make the major shift to independent learning needed at university, compared to schools and FE colleges, and also help to develop those transferable skills so important in working life.
Assessment
Students are assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules 50% of the module mark is derived from coursework during the semester (this can take a variety of forms including laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations etc.) and 50% from unseen written theory examination at the end of the semester. Some modules also include laboratory practical exams.
- Level 1 (Year 1) modules introduce you to the standards and types of assessment used at university. Some have theory exams staged at intervals through the semester. Although they do not contribute to your final Honours grade, you are expected to achieve at least 40% in all Level 1 modules.
- Your final Honours grade uses marks from Level 2 and Level 3 modules only. Your Level 1 modules prepare you to do your best in these later years. You are assessed on your laboratory skills and quality of documentation in a Mock Court scenario.
- If a module is not passed at the first opportunity, marks from later opportunities are not capped.
Work experience/placement opportunities
- Students who hold an excellent academic record may be considered for a year placement working in a laboratory. This could be in a forensic lab, hospital, research institution or in a medical, industrial or food company. Placements are available nationwide, sometimes abroad and are competitive.
- Your experience can be written up to pass a Work Experience module that will appear on your degree transcript. You also have the opportunity to take a work-based learning module which can contribute to your final degree classification.
Project work
- Project work is an essential component of an Honours degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.
- One third of your final year is spent on an individual research project. This will contribute over 20% to your total Honours mark.
- Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision, using appropriate analytical techniques to generate and interpret new data.
- Laboratory based projects are encouraged but library based research projects may also be undertaken.
Added value
- Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
- Access to an impressive Global Forensic Alumni network.
- Sound practical as well as academic training.
- The optional sandwich year working in a laboratory will add value to your job prospects at the end of the programme.
- Effective careers advice and support available.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Making a contribution to crime reduction in society and communities in the UK and overseas.
- Developing your knowledge of Law and Biology as applied to Forensic Science.
- Studying practical methods relevant to Forensic Science.
- Understanding how current procedures in Forensic Science depend on study at many levels: humans, cells, other organisms and Law.
- Improving your scientific skills of logical argument and analysis.
If you enjoy...
- Following current high profile forensic investigations in quality papers such as the Times and The Guardian.
- Reading or hearing about research and/ or medicine.
- The challenge of increasing not just your knowledge of facts, but also your understanding of how science may contribute to solving crimes and the criminal justice system.
- Conducting scientific procedures and experiments in laboratories and IT labs with precision.
- Working in groups in laboratories using standard and new techniques to solve problems.
- Being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions.
If you want...
- The chance of reviewing your degree programme at the end of the first year and possibly changing to Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Immunology, and other Biosciences degrees.
- The option of a year's work experience in a laboratory away from the University.
- To be able to spend up to one third of your final year on your own individual research project at the university (usually developing laboratory skills, but IT, survey or library projects also negotiable).
Your future career
The programme will enable you to pursue careers in forensic science and related occupations, such as scientific support for the police, consumer protection/trading standards, financial services, health and safety agencies, public health, diagnostics, environmental monitoring and control, accident investigation and quality assurance in the manufacturing industries including food and pharmaceutical. It can also be utilised by those students who have less specific career aspirations but who wish to study a rigorous scientific programme. One rapidly growing field of work is in auditing and in the insurance industry providing the technical support in claims assessment.
How we support you
The School of Health, Sport and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.
- In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
- Module leaders and Programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
- The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
- Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
Support for students on a University level includes:
Bonus factors
- A small and friendly campus.
- A School with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
- Good connections with employers.
- A 5 minute walk from Westfield Stratford City shopping complex
- Close proximity to the Olympic Park
- Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London.
- Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- acquire a sound understanding of the theory and practice of the sciences underlying forensic practice.
- critically evaluate the concepts, techniques and applications of forensic science
- develop the practical and transferable skills necessary for a career in forensic science, auditing and related areas.
- develop responsibility for independent learning.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- All students gain a broad overview of the biology field at level one. Thereafter you will acquire more detailed specialist knowledge in your chosen areas.
- The programme aims to provide a background to a large number of the scientific techniques used in forensic investigations.
- Students will acquire an understanding of the laboratory procedures and techniques used, which will allow the rapid acquisition of more specialist skills later in their career.
- An awareness of the wider implications of scientific research on society as a whole.
- Excellent academic performance enables our students to compete for places on the most highly competitive postgraduate programmes in the UK.
Thinking skills
- The ability to comprehend, analyse and criticise published information in biology and chemistry.
- The ability to formulate hypotheses with the minimum of assistance.
- The ability to use integrated approaches to problem solving.
Subject-Based Practical skills
- The ability to carry out literature searches effectively to find information on a specific topic.
- The ability to select and utilise appropriate computer software and databases.
- The ability to select and apply a range of practical skills relevant to your chosen areas of biology.
- The ability to design and carry out experimental work.
- The ability to analyse data from your own and other people's experiments and to interpret them in the light of published work.
- The ability to effectively communicate your work in court to scientists and the general public.
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Awareness of the range of employability opportunities that a degree in Forensic Science provides access to.
- The development of your own style of independent learning.
- The ability to communicate ideas and experiments to others and to debate relevant scientific and /or ethical issues.
- IT skills and attention to detail under quality standards.
- Communication skills.
- Team work.
- Time management.
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 4 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February.
A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
- University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single, major, joint and minor routes for this programme
| LEVEL | UEL MODULE CODE | TITLE | SKILS MODULES (Insert Y where required) | CREDITS | STATUS SINGLE | STATUS MAJOR | STATUS JOINT | STATUS MINOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
BS1005 |
Professional Practice |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
1 |
BS1001 |
Cell Biology |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
BS1041 |
Human Physiology |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
1 |
BS1006 |
Essential Chemistry |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
1 |
BS1002 |
Cellular Processes |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option |
|
|
1 |
LA1100 |
Legal Methods and Skills |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
BS2013 |
Biological Evidence |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
2 |
BS2002 |
Molecular Biology & Genetics |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
|
2 |
BS2062 |
Diagnostics & Forensic Genetics |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
Option |
|
2 |
BS2060 |
Research Methods |
Y |
20 |
Core |
Core |
Option* |
|
|
2 |
BS2018 |
Introduction to Toxicology |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Core |
Option |
|
2 |
LA2300 |
Criminal Law |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
|
BS2099 |
Work Based Learning |
|
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
BS3013 |
Forensic Analysis |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
BS3014 |
Forensic Pathology |
|
20 |
Core |
Core |
Core |
Core |
|
3 |
BS3034 |
Applied Toxicology |
|
20 |
Core |
Option |
Option |
|
|
3 |
LA3310 |
Evidence |
|
20 |
Core |
|
|
|
|
3 |
BS3063 |
Independent Research Project (double module) |
Y |
40 |
Option* (core if single module not taken) |
Option* (core if single module not taken) |
Option* (core if single module not taken) |
|
|
3 |
BS3064/5 |
Independing Research Project (single module) |
Y |
20 |
Option* (core if double module not taken) |
Option* (core if double module not taken) |
|
|
*students majoring in Forensic Science must take one of the level 3 project modules
*Joint students taking the project module must study Research Methods
The Skills Modules listed in the Joint Route are Core, unless the equivalent Skills Modules are taken in your other combined subject.
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Practicals
- Reading
- Internet, UELPlus and CAL
Thinking skills are developed through
- Computer aided learning
- Presentations
- Preparing for tutorials and seminars/workshops
- Completing coursework assignments (including data analysis essays, presentations etc)
- Independent reading
Practical skills are developed through
- Laboratory Practical and/or fieldwork
- Computer simulations and use of IT
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Managing time
- Presenting ideas and arguments in a structured manner - written and oral communication
- Problem solving
- Team work
Assessment
A wide variety of assessment methods are used including
- Written examinations
- Practical reports
- Essays
- Data analysis
- Poster presentations
- Oral presentations
- Portfolios
- Final year research project and dissertation
- MCQ tests
- Database searches
- Library exercises
Knowledge and Thinking Skills are assessed by
- Evidence of reading and comprehension of the topics covered in the module being assessed. This will be particularly apparent in essay work and examinations.
- Ability to describe, explain and discuss various aspects of the programme material in the context of class tutorials, group work, presentations and other pieces of assessed coursework for the module.
- In the final year particularly, thinking skills will be assessed by the ability to take information presented in any module out of its original context and to utilise this information in the construction of arguments, comparisons, hypotheses etc as required to address the specific assessments in each module.
Practical skills are assessed by
- The ability to carry out laboratory practical work effectively, within the timeframe allocated.
- The ability to interpret and report on work carried out in the laboratory.
- The ability to complete assignments using appropriate resources.
- Evidence of logical planning and management of time in the preparation of materials for assessment.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- The ability to work to strict deadlines
- The ability to select and utilise appropriate problem solving skills
- Demonstration of effective oral and written communication skills
- Evidence of interpersonal skills such as teamwork and /or team leadership
- Evidence of general numeracy skills
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site
- The student handbook
- Module study guides http://www.uel.ac.uk/hab/
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- School web pages http://www.uel.ac.uk/hsb/
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
