BSc in Analytical Chemistry & Forensic Science (Full Time)  BSc in Analytical Chemistry & Forensic Science (Full Time) Coventry University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1564390739coventry.jpg

• Year one

Overview

In your first year, you will learn about fundamental principles, theory and practice within chemistry and forensic science. We teach modules that cover a thorough grounding in law and statistics, which are considered vital elements to the modern forensic scientist, demonstrating a capability to maintain auditable records of your investigations.

Subjects include principles of molecular science, principles of analysis, chromatography, atomic spectrometry, molecular spectrometry, sample collection and preparation, forensic science, biochemistry and genetics.

Modules

• Biology for Chemists

• Chemical Sciences

• Introduction to Analysis

• Essential Forensic Science

• Skills for Forensic Sciences 1

• Skills for Forensic Sciences 2

• Year two

Overview

The second year includes the mandatory analytical chemistry, biomolecular analysis and forensic science topics. Analytical chemistry topics covered concentrate on instrumental analysis and separation and its application in industry.

We offer an extensive laboratory programme where you will gain hands-on experience in the use of key industrially recognised techniques in the areas of separation and modern spectroscopy, including GCMS, HPLC, FT-IR, AAS and ICP-AES. This will provide you with key laboratory skills that analytical chemistry and forensic employers require for graduate jobs.

Modules

• Biomolecular Analysis

• Analytical Science in Industry

• Principles of Analytical Techniques

• Principles of Forensic Science

• Contemporary skills for Forensic Sciences

• Research skills for Forensic Sciences

• Placement year

Overview

After your second year, you can choose to apply for an optional sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement.

Past students have worked on project teams within Covance where they helped manage projects with teams on different continents, or worked at Nicholls Colton analysing environmental samples for the construction industry. We also have success in the forensic arena, with students working placements at the Maryland State forensic labs in America, and closer to home with LGC Forensics.

Modules

Optional Enhancement Year

• Post Placement Perspectives
• Study Abroad 
• Professional Training (placement)

• Final year

Overview

The final year continues with mandatory subject areas of advanced analytical chemistry covering topics suitable for future research or industrial work. For the forensic science element, you will apply your knowledge by tackling a simulated investigation to solve a ‘real-world’ problem, which involves the production of an expert witness statement. This exercise culminates in the presentation of evidence in a mock courtroom scenario where you will justify your conclusion.

The key point of this aspect is to include the many different types of evidence, including DNA, fingerprint or fibres, to review them within the context of different crime types such as murder, sex offences or volume crime. 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.

You will be required to undertake a project or research-based problem, which has led to past students winning prizes at the Forensic Institute Research Network (FIRN) Midlands regional conference and attended the international Forensic Research and Teaching (FORREST) conference.

Modules

• Independent Project in Analytical Chem and Forensic Science

• Research Design for Analytical Chem and Forensic Science

• Forensic Identification

• Instrumentation and Advanced Techniques

• Case Studies in Analysis

• Advanced Forensic Science