Faculty of Educa
tion, He
alth and Sci
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nces
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
BSc Forensic Science
CONTENTS
SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION ... 1
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS ... 7
SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES ... 8
SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE ... 10
SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY ... 12
SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS ... 13
SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE ... 14
SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES ... 14
SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS ... 14
SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION Programme Title
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science
Award title and interim awards
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science
Interim Awards
Certificate of Higher Education in Forensic Science Diploma of Higher Education in Forensic Science
Mode of Study
The degree may be studied full-time, part-time with a September start.
Programme start date and period of validation
September 2012 for an indefinite period
Awarding Institution
University of Derby
Faculty Managing the Programme
Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences
Institution(s) Delivering the Programme/Joint Honours Subject
University of Derby
Relevant external subject benchmark statement(s)
QAA Benchmark Statements
The QAA benchmarks for Biosciences, Chemistry and Criminology were used here to guide the design of the new Forensic Science degree. (The QAA benchmarks for Forensic Science are currently in preparation, but was not available for consultation) The development team have paid a great deal of attention to these documents and much of our discussion has been conducted to ensure that this revalidated programme satisfies both the spirit and the curricula requirements indicated within them. This has required that each benchmark statement has to be considered in detail and closely informed the programme rationale. The programme contains a combination of biological and chemical sciences and these are used as benchmarks in absence of bespoke Forensic Science benchmarks.
This detail is sectionalised below.
Relevant Biological Sciences Bench Marks
Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of biological science and its analytical techniques.
At Level 4 you are introduced to the broad nature and fundamental aspects and concepts of
forensic science, (Introduction to Forensic Science and Introduction to CSI).This includes
introduction into the biological background of Forensic Science. Your biological knowledge is
developed particularly in Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology.
At level 5 you build on the knowledge and develop more critical analytical consideration of
the information, in the modules For example, following the biologically based pathway in The
Cell and Forensic Anthropology and Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics.
At Level 6 the core biological knowledge and understanding is developed through Current
Issues in Forensic Science specific interests are followed and provide an increasing focus
within different subject specialisms, such as the use of insects in crime investigation and the
application of this knowledge in an appropriate context in Applied Entomology and
bioinformatics in the Human Genome
Discuss and explain principles and concepts underlying the techniques used in biological science.
At level 4 basic biological principles and concepts are introduced to you, which are
associated with simple forensic investigation and analysis (primarily in Introduction to
Forensic Science), description of populations and processes (Genetics), and the structure
and function of biological molecules (e.g. Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology). At
level 5 your understanding of biological principles underlying forensic science is developed,
for example in Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics. Additionally you are expected to apply
your understanding of biologically based forensic science techniques and methods to new
areas of study, for example Forensic Anthropology. Further biologically based skills
concerned with the use and interpretation of evidence and there use within the context of
Forensic Investigation are developed through the core forensic modules Current Issues in
Forensic Science and Professional Practice.
Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing Biological Evidence and Information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their selection and use.
Practical skills are a fundamental part of your Forensic Science degree and are associated with interpretation and critical analysis of any data. Biological based skills are developed and assessed in several modules and there is a biological component to prerequisite modules at each level that particularly focus on this aspect of Forensic Science. At level 4 the integration
of fundamental biology occurs within the module Molecular and Cellular Biology and
Genetics, while essential statistical knowledge is integrated across the prescribed modules,
together with an appreciation of health and safety issues. In the Level 5 core modules Trace
Evidence and Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics, the significance of experimental design is
explored particularly linking it with the ability to analyze resulting data. Interpretative skills are
developed along with the use of higher level statistical approaches in Trace Evidence,
Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics, together with consideration of the interpretation
processes in Current Issues in Forensic Science. In these modules specific forensic based
assessment examples are used with you on this programme, including a review of cold case
examples. At level 6 the Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences double
module provides you with the opportunity to develop and use skills of interpretation and analysis on a specific research-based project. You are required to select a suitable Forensic
Science based topic for this project, but you can select an overtly biological theme, such as insects related to the process of decay. Tutorials integrated into the formal Personal Tutorial System at Level 4 introduce such topics as finding information, academic writing styles, Presentation design and delivery. At Level 5 poster design, employability and personal development are highlighted whereas at Level 6, tutorial time focuses on career planning and personal progress on the programme.
The use of Biological Science and its fundamental principles in society.
Your appreciation of the ethical and social implications associated with the biological aspects of Forensic Science is essential. Consequently, understanding, appreciation and analysis of such issues are progressively developed during the programme. At level 4 for example you
will take part in a ‘genethics’ tutorial associated with the assessment of Genetics. In the
prescribed Level 5 module, Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics, the significance of ethics in
experimental process and design are discussed. Specific ethical issues associated with
human remains are considered in Forensic Anthropology. At level 6 the modules prescribed
modules Current Issues in Forensic Science and Professional Practice contextualize the
ethical concerns of current forensic practice and how forensic science impacts our society.
Optional modules such as Toxicology of Drugs of Abuse, Medical Forensics and The Human
Genome include consideration of the ethical issues associated with these areas and how
they influence our society
Relevant Chemistry Bench Marks
Demonstrate skills required for the conduct of documented laboratory procedures involved in synthetic and analytical work, in relation to both inorganic and organic systems.
At level 4 the module Introduction to Forensic Chemistry allows you to become familiar with
structures and properties of different chemical materials and the safe manipulation and
handling of these in a laboratory situation. At level 5 your skills and knowledge of this area of
chemistry (in a forensic context) is further developed with the prescribed module Forensic Analysis where physical samples such as glass and paint are examined and considered. If
you choose the Chemistry based pathway, can also select the optional module Analytical
Chemistry which explores the techniques and equipment an investigative Forensic Chemist
employs. Chemical aspects of practical forensic science are also included in the module
Trace Evidence. At level 6 developments in the practical application of chemistry to
contempory issues in Forensic Science are considered in the modules Current Issues in
Forensic Science. The optional Level 6 module Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse considers
the complex relationship between Forensic Chemistry and illicit poisons and Drugs.
Display skills in the monitoring, by observation and measurement, of chemical properties, events or changes, and the systematic and reliable recording and documentation.
Introduction to Forensic Chemistry at level 4 allows you to learn how to carry out and record
safe reliable experiments in a laboratory setting. This is further enhanced at level 5 by the
addition of instrument based analysis in Analytical Chemistry. At level 6 it is overtly put into a
practical forensic focus in the module Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse. If you are particularly
interested in chemistry and are following the chemistry pathway you could undertake a
chemistry focussed Independent Studies For Biological And Forensic Sciences project during
Relevant Criminology Bench Marks
An understanding of the key concepts and theoretical approaches that have developed and are developing in relation to crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance.
Understanding and awareness of the concepts of criminology, criminology theory and the causes of criminality are introduced at Level 4 in the prescribed module Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice in Forensic Science. Aspects are subsequently taken forward in the level 5 module Crime Scene to Court and you will be made aware of relevant current aspects
of these issues at level 6 in Current Issues in Forensic Science
An understanding of the social and historical development of punishment including courts and hearings for adults and young people; the governance and values of the relevant institutions; the theory and practice of sentencing; prison and community based penalties; and the place of human rights in these processes.
The structure of the British Judicial System, the courts, the appeal processes and nature of a
criminal trial are introduced in the Level 4 prescribed module Law, Criminology and Criminal
Justice in Forensic Science. The structure of the court is experienced directly at Level 4
when you are required and reflect on a criminal trial. The knowledge of the trial and court
room procedure is then developed at Level 5 in Crime Scene to Court where you engage in a
mock trial and at Level 6 in Professional Practice where you participate in a full pre-trial and criminal trial scenario.
‘Generic’ Bench Marks which are related to those in Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Criminology
The applicability of Forensic Science to the careers to which students will be progressing.
The Personal Development Planning (PDP) strategy encourages you to consider how to plan for your future careers the inclusion of biological and chemistry aspects broaden your career
options. Taking the optional Vocational Module provides you with an important opportunity to
gain real experience of working with an subject appropriate organization which can improve you future career prospects. PDP provides opportunities to review career choices of your predecessors, construct their own profile, develop a strategy for attaining appropriate goals and possibly participate in a subject specific ‘Careers Fair’. An education in Forensic Sciences allows a wide choice of subject and non-subject related careers. This will support you in gaining employment either in research (MSc and PhD), teaching, environmental consultancy, medical laboratory services, as well as the more obvious law enforcement and policing opportunities. Previous graduates are encouraged to return as guest lecturers, discussing their research in specific modules and giving a real life perspective on their chosen career path.
Intellectual Skills
Essential intellectual skills are inculcated thought out your modules in Forensic Science, developing in support of and along side your subject specific knowledge. At Level 4 you develop the ability to produce original work using information obtained from standard sources, synthesising and summarising information. Many of the basic principles underlying
such skills are overtly discussed with the students in the formal tutorials at Level 4.At Level 5
you apply your understanding to new areas of study, while being aware of associated ethical considerations in Forensic Sciences. Level 6 modules refine your abilities to analyse, evaluate and apply information from a diversity of sources to a range of problem-solving situations. The growth of these skills are combined with the development of an ability to explain the rationale and methodologies appropriate to Forensic Sciences, conceptualise and
theorise within the context of the subject area and construct cogent arguments using a range of relevant information. Such intellectual activities are always within an awareness of the ethical considerations within the study of Forensic Science. The development of intellectual
skills while expected in specialist modules is particularly explored in the modules, Current
Issues in Forensic Science, Professional Practice and Independent Studies for Biological and
Forensic Sciences. Practical Skills
Forensic Science is essentially a practical subject, and the progressive development of the safe use of such skills is a central element of the programme, with the majority of modules at each level having a significant practical component. The significance of practical skills is highlighted by the integration of practical skills in most modules at level 4, which introduces you to fundamental practical laboratory and scene based skills in Forensic Science and also approaches to the interpretation and analysis of resulting data. At Level 4 you develop skills in scientific observation, the collection and analysis of evidence and production of
appropriate records in Introduction to Forensic Science and Introduction to CSI. At Level 5
you gain a further appreciation and development of practical skills associated with general
areas of Forensic Science in the modules Trace Evidence and Crime Scene to Court. You
learn concepts of experimental planning, the effective use of information systems in a broad range of contexts and the interpretation of primary and secondary information At Level 6 you continue to gain an appreciation of, and develop practical skills associated with specialist
areas of Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science in modules such as Current Issues in
Forensic Science and Medical Forensics and Applied Entomology. The module Independent
Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences provides the opportunity to engage with a
research-based project and pull together the many practical skills experienced by planning, initiating, and practical realisation of an independent study.
Numeracy, Communication and Information Technology Skills
Forensic Science is a numeric science whose practitioners need significant skills in communication and information technology and indeed are included in all modules in the subject. The fundamental aspects of these skills at Level 4 are integrated into prescribed
modules and supplemented by formal tutorials. At Level 5, the development of these skills is
particularly focused in the core module Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics and Trace
Evidence, but is enhanced in a subject specific way in the other prescribed Forensic
modules. Skills such as solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer
based techniques are covered in the module Trace Evidence. At level 6, more specialised
aspects of these skills are inculcated in all the modules in Forensic Science, but particularly
in the core module Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences.
Interpersonal/Teamwork Skills
Your interpersonal/teamwork skills are developed at each level of your programme. At all levels you are expected to work together in both the laboratory and field and participate in tutorial groups. At levels 4, 5 and 6 you are required to participate in crime scene exercises which allow skills such as leadership and team working to be developed . There are further opportunities for group work during focused practical sessions in the prescribed Forensic modules on areas such as blood pattern analysis or ballistics.
Self-Management and Professional Development Skills
Various aspects of these skills are introduced to you and progressively developed throughout the programme. Fundamental aspects of these skills are introduced to you in the formal Tutorials. The student-centered approach at the University of Derby is considered to be part
of the students’ learning experience, and requires you to develop skills such as time management, organizational abilities and the ability to work independently.
Self-management skills are essential to the module Independent Studies for Biological and
Forensic Sciences, but the identification of, and working to targets is common to all Forensic
modules as an inherent part of the assessment. Career development skills are particularly addressed in the PDP strategy running throughout your programme.
Personal Development Planning and Skills Acquisition
A Personal Development Planning (PDP) strategy is designed to progressively encourage you to consider how to plan for your future careers and provides practical support from specialists in law enforcement and Forensic Science. PDP provides opportunities to review career choices construct your own skill/experience profile and enable development of a strategy for attaining your goals. A general education in Forensic Science allows a wide choice of subject and non-subject related careers. Previous graduates of your course have successfully gained diverse careers having entered not only Forensic Science related posts with companies such as LGC Forensics and Scientifics, but also research (MSc and PhD), teaching, environmental consultancy, health and safety, medical laboratory services, medical and general retailing, multimedia publishing and management to name but a few. We encourage our graduates to return as guest lecturers, discussing their research, employment and general experiences with current students giving invaluable personalised perspectives on career management.
External Accreditation/Recognition
The Forensic Science degree has gained accreditation from both the Forensic Science Society and Skillsmark.
JACS Code(s)
F410 Forensic Science
Programme specification last updated
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS Overview
The aim is to provide undergraduate-level study in Forensic Science, with a range of entry qualifications and backgrounds, that is progressive, has an academically demanding curriculum and is informed by professional benchmarks, research and scholarly activity.
Programme Aims
The programme allows an appreciation of the application of biological, chemical and legal principles and procedures in a framework where many of the processes are constrained and ordered by such notions as continuity and the burden of proof. Mock courtroom questioning will illustrate how these procedures can be challenged in a court of law.
Programme Aims (Summary)
1. Develop your interest, knowledge and understanding of Forensics.
2. To offer a specialist degree by providing a framework that allows both flexibility and
choice.
3. To provide you with accessible academic support, modern learning resources and
pastoral care that will enhance your academic development and self-confidence.
4. To employ a range of teaching and learning methods and assessment strategies to
meet the curricular needs, and foster a spirit of autonomous learning, independent thinking and critical enquiry.
5. To develop a range of both Forensic specific and transferable (key) skills and
knowledge, appropriate for independent study, further academic development and work. Provide trained individuals capable of communicating effectively and operating successfully in the forensic profession.
SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES
The programme learning outcomes for the BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science reflect the level 6 (Bachelor’s degrees with Honours) of the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ)
On successful completion of your programme you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of forensic analytical and practical techniques.
2. Show understanding of the scientific approach to knowledge/interpret information and quantitative data.
3. Discuss, explain and apply principles and concepts underlying techniques used in Forensics.
4. Exhibit a knowledge and understanding of the professional application of Forensics. 5. Explain the rationale and major methodologies of Forensics.
6. Theorise and hypothesise within the context of Forensics.
Intellectual Skills
1. Demonstrate in a forensic contextunderstanding of the scientific method application
to access and evaluate scientific material, answer questions, develop ideas through, hypothesis, experimentation and analysis.
2. Produce original work using information obtained from standard sources. 3. Have an understanding of ethical considerations in Forensics.
4. Analyse evaluate and apply information to a range of problems. 5. Conceptualise and theorise within the context of Forensics.
6. Understand and apply ethical considerations to a study within Forensics. 7. Construct cogent arguments using relevant information.
Practical and Subject – Specific Skills
1. Develop laboratory and scene-based practical skills associated with specialisms and to have gained an appreciation of safe practice in laboratory and crime scenes. 2. Make scientific observations, collect and analyse evidence, produce appropriate
records.
3. Use effectively an appropriate range of computer software. 4. Plan and perform investigations.
5. Interpret primary and secondary information and summarise relevant information. 6. Initiate, plan and carry out effectively an Independent Study.
Transferable Skills
1. Demonstrate enhanced key skills of numeracy, IT, oral and written communication through applications within Forensic Science and engaged in career planning. 2. Demonstrate an ability to organize/plan/execute and report substantial scientific
investigations conducted individually and as a group.
3. Retrieve and present information and data from a variety of sources . 4. Communicate professionally, clearly and effectively in a variety of media. 5. Develop an ability to evaluate personal skills and attributes.
SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Structure and Curriculum
Definition of Module Types Core modules
A core module serves a fundamental role in your Programme and thus Programme Award cannot be conferred unless the credits attached to all the core modules identified as leading to the Award have been achieved. A core module must be taken and passed.
Prescribed modules
A prescribed module is one which is designed to develop a significant area of the curriculum in your Programme and it is used to indicate the significance of a module in the context of the programme concerned. You will be directed to take all the modules designated prescribed but failure to achieve the credits in a prescribed module does not, in itself, prevent you from qualifying for an Award.
Optional modules
A programme specific optional module is one which is designed to give you a choice to develop command of a particular area of the curriculum that relates, directly, to the title of the award. Although identified as programme specific in the Award Template, such modules may have been validated in the context of a different award and adopted by your Programme.
Programme Structure
All the level 4 modules in the Forensic Science programme are prescribed so as to give you an appreciation of fundamental aspects of Forensic Science, criminology and related areas of biology and chemistry. As the programme Forensic Science with Criminology shares the same level 4 modules as this programme this allows you to delay your final degree selection i.e. Forensic Science or Forensic Science with Criminology. The structure of your level 4 programme also means that aspects of generic skills and PDP which is integrated into all modules also means you do not miss out on gaining important skills. This is also important to allow for a possible multipathway programme in the future, if appropriate.
At level 5 there are 4 prescribed modules which build your knowledge and understanding of Forensic Science, criminology and related areas of biology and chemistry, thus giving you forensic experience an important science basis. The optional modules allow you to either a
biological route i.e. by taking The Cell and/or Forensic Anthropology or a chemistry route by
taking Analytical Chemistry. Additionally there is the option to take the overtly forensics
module Forensic Imaging.
At level 6 the prescribed module Independent Study provides you with an opportunity to undertake research in to a specific aspect of Forensic Science which reflects your interests. The other two prescribed modules develop further your knowledge and understanding of modern forensic science along side generic and employability skills. The optional modules allow you to further develop, should you decide to a biological route i.e. by taking e.g.
Applied Entomology or a chemistry route by taking Toxicology and Drugs of Abuse to your
degree. There is also a ‘Vocational Module’ available at level 6 which allows you to link an appropriate employment opportunity into your degree programme, which helps significantly enhance your employability skills.
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
A Personal Development Planning (PDP) strategy is designed to progressively encourage you to consider how to plan for your future careers and provides practical support from specialists in appropriate Forensic or Police backgrounds. PDP provides opportunities to review career choices construct your own skill/experience profile and enable development of a strategy for attaining your goals. We facilitate a number of appropriate seminars during the term together with guest lecturers from the Forensic Industry, such as Crime scene
Managers, Forensic Specialists and Academics. The inclusion of a Vocational Module at
Level 6 provides you with the opportunity to gain experience of working in an organisation appropriate to your programme. We encourage our graduates to return as guest lecturers, discussing their research, employment and general experiences with current students giving invaluable personalised perspectives on career management.
Summarising:
Year 1
Introduction to PDP, focus on developing subject-specific PDP skills Year 2
Specifically targeted PDP advice to Forensic Scientists
Visiting professionals in our Seminar Series and specific career advice
Development of your skills list by engagement with appropriate extracurricular activity Year 3
Career Advice for Forensic Scientists
Visiting professionals in our Seminar Series and specific career advice
Skills assessment leading to the development of you personal statement utilising your skills list
BSc Forensic Science
Molecular and Cellular Biology Introduction to Forensic Chemistry Introduction to Forensic Science Genetics Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice for Forensic
S i Introduction to CSI
Trace Evidence
Crime Scene to Court Forensic Analysis Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics Analytical Chemistry The Cell Forensic Anthropology Forensic Imaging Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences
Current Issues in Forensic Science
The Human Genome Toxicology and
Drugs of Abuse
Applied Entomology Professional Practice Medical Forensics Vocational Module Level Four Level Five Level Six Aut u m n Spr ing Aut u m n Spr ing Aut u m n Spr ing Prescribed Optional Core
SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods
Throughout all the three stages the key elements are usually introduced through formal taught sessions generally lectures by trained forensic scientists, but also by hands on practical sessions and practical investigations. The work is underpinned by science based modules from Biology and Chemistry. The correct scientific retrieval, preparation, analysis and identification of evidence is essential at all stages of the degree.
Visits to other facilities such as the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Training Centre and the Crime Scene House for mock scenes of crimes, the courts (Magistrate and Crown) and the Derby Royal Hospital mortuary enable students to contextualise the work.
At level 4 you learn basic forensic analysis techniques together with the construction of simple reports. Level 5 allows you to investigate to a greater depth, building on your level 4 learning with knowledge and understanding and presenting you statements in a controlled courtroom environment. At level 6 you are encouraged to critically analyse you work, using academic journals to enhance your learning and producing a industry level standard statement which is then cross examined in a formal courtroom setting by professional advocates.
You are made aware of the strengths and limitations of techniques currently used in Forensic Science and how they affect legal report writing. This is demonstrated by the examination and submission of different evidence types, together with the use of quality assurance procedures throughout the investigation process. Mock courtroom questioning demonstrates how these procedures can be challenged in a court of law.
Assessment
Assessments are progressive and a wide range of strategies are used to test and develop both your subject specific and transferable skills. Formative assessments are helpful to enhance your learning; i.e. assessments which are marked and you are given specific feedback to help you monitor and improve your progress and understanding of a topic. These are combined with structured tutorial sessions to ensure that there is complete understanding and confidence in the work. Such sessions may include group discussions, constructive analysis of statements or cold cases you may be graded, and involve qualitative feedback for the you focussing on both details of the content and your performance to
encourage and improve your attainment, but the grades given do not count towards your final
module grade, and are for indication only, however undertaking such assessments will potentially help you improve grades of other assessments.
Summative assessments are set, and these formally assess your understanding and skills. The grades granted in these Summative assessments contribute to your final module grade, and ultimately to your final degree outcome.
Coursework includes essays, experimental reports (based on both lab and crime scene work), case studies, reflective portfolios, posters and oral presentations.
In some modules group work is assessed. Formal time constrained examinations are included in most modules, but some rely on laboratory and crime scene based practical assignments. Assessments frequently involve skills such as word processing and the production of data bases and spreadsheets.
Computer-based assessments are used where appropriate, particularly at Level 4, in addition to the more traditional strategies such as time constrained written examinations and
presentations. At level 5 and 6 students are expected to present their findings in a mock court setting with cross examination by appropriate experts.
At Level 6 students are expected to be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the original work generated within their Independent Study by submission of a thesis and viva.
The proportion of examination based assessment reduces from typically 70% at level 4, to around 50% or less at Level 6, allowing you to demonstrate your skills and potential through more varied exercises and assignments at the higher level.
Assessments within modules are always informed by and closely linked to the learning outcomes. However, within these constraints there is flexibility with respect to the precise type of assessment chosen. This permits an opportunity to incorporate new developments in the subject area and also enables an appropriate response to cater for those students who have additional needs.
The requirements and marking criteria for assignments are always clearly explained to you in writing prior to commencement. Detailed, constructive feedback, which relates to the marking criteria, is given on all coursework assessments in order to facilitate your future development and understanding.
Students should be aware that we publish an “Assessment Timetable” which documents module by module when coursework will be issued, when it needs to be submitted, when to expect feedback for the entire teaching year.
This programme operates within the University’s Regulatory Framework and conforms with
its regulations on assessment”
You will be required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking your programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at
www.derby.ac.uk/research/ethics-and-governance
SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS Entry requirements
SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
Our approach to student support is proactive. We have a personal tutorial system, so as to try to resolve problems before they become too large. We recognise that life outside of the programme sometimes gets in the way of your studying and we will try to accommodate your needs where appropriate. The student should inform their personal tutor if they are starting to get into difficulties coping with the workload. Another role played by the Personal Tutorials is to cover some study skills issues. For some students, their last venture into studying may have been some time ago and they may feel that their skills are a little rusty. We can provide assistance with things like referencing, writing skills, and so on through the tutorial system. A
Learning Information Services Handbook is available from the Library at Kedleston Road.
In addition to our in-house tutorial system, the University offers a range of advisory services offering support to students. Most services are accessible via email if you would like to discuss personal or academic related matters in more detail. Students should familiarise themselves with the services and if they are experiencing any difficulties make sure that they speak to someone about it.
Each Faculty has a Student Liaison Officer who can provide information about how the University works and help you to find the most appropriate source of specialist advice.
SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES
Throughout your studies we will be introducing you to the idea of personal development planning (PDP). As part of this programme we will be illustrating the opportunities available to you in terms of further study, employment in your chosen field and how to enter the research field. Many of our students have gone on to rewarding and fulfilling careers, so we will encourage you to fully engage with these career planning opportunities. Previous graduates of your course have successfully gained diverse careers having entered not only Forensic Science and Law enforcement related posts, but also research (MSc and PhD), teaching, environmental consultancy, medical laboratory services, medical and general retailing, multimedia publishing and management.
SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS
As the Forensic Science programme was in part designed with future employment in mind, continuing contact with potential employers is an important part of our activities. Within your modules, practicing professionals are invited in to illustrate how careers develop in specific fields within both Forensic and related sciences. We offer an optional vocational module at level 6. This module provides an opportunity for the student to undertake a placement within a company, voluntary body or public establishment
We also have a Seminar Series in which practicing professionals illustrate their specialisms and employment journeys’. We are proud of our established links with the Derbyshire Constabulary, who provide input into lectures, placement opportunities and also with whom we jointly run the crime scene facility. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, who assist us in our fire scene examination provision, Scientifics, who provide studentships for our students, together with other Police and Forensic Services.
APPENDIX A: CURRICULUM MAP
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding Intellectual Skills Practical and Subject-Specific Skills Transferable Skills
MODULES LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LEVEL 4
(prescribed) Molecular and Cellular
Biology
Introduction to Forensic
Chemistry
Introduction to Forensic
Science
Genetics
Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice for
Forensic Science
Introduction
to CSI
Level 5 (prescribed)
Trace
Evidence
Forensic
Analysis
Crime Scene
to Court
Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics
Level 5 (options) Analytical
Chemistry
The Cell
Forensic
Anthropology
Forensic
Imaging
Level 6 (prescribed)
Current Issues in Forensic Science
Professional
Practice
Miscarriages
of Justice
Level 6 (options)
Medical
Forensics
Applied
Entomology
The Human
Genome
Toxicology and Drugs of
Abuse
Vocational
Module
Level 6 (core) Independent
Studies for Biological and Forensic
Sciences
