BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year option)

Whether it’s working on criminal investigations to analyse crime scenes and identify victims, working in the field of endangered species to identify illegal trading, or investigating diseases, Forensic Biologists are in growing demand

UCAS Code:
F3B7
Institution:
B50
Delivery:
Full time according to Funding Council definitions

Apply now
Visit us:
Visit us
Call us:
Contact us
Request a prospectus:
Request a prospectus

With foundation year: F3B8

Why study BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology at BU?

Taught by leading academics, experienced practitioners and a range of professional guest lecturers, you will develop a comprehensive grounding in forensic biology.
Take part in invaluable lab and fieldwork experience, including mock crime scenes and disasters and live-fire exercises in your final year
Use sophisticated lab and field equipment to collect and analyse biological evidence, write detailed logs and reports, and even collaborate with staff on current forensic research projects
Pick from subject modules that suit your own interests, passions, and career goals in your second and final year
Gain valuable work experience on your placement if you choose to take one and improve your chances of gaining employment after you graduate.
100% of graduates felt academic staff on this course were good at explaining things.

Find out more about the content of this course.

Foundation year: We have a foundation year option for UK students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the scientific skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree.

Course accreditation

Accreditation by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an indicator of quality as well as showing continual improvement to develop graduate employees.

See what it's like to study on this course

Image description — Forensic Biology Course Migration 1

Next start date:

September 2022, September 2023

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

3 years full-time with an optional short placement or 4 years with a minimum 30-week placement. Foundation year: 4 years full-time with a 5-week placement or 5 years with a 30-week minimum placement.

Accreditations:

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Foundation year: 48-72 UCAS tariff points. For more information check out our full entry requirements .

International entry requirements:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the components or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.

Course details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed by coursework culminating in your final year research project, and you will also undertake group work and written exams. The assessment methods for each unit can be found in the programme specification for your course.

Download the programme specification (pdf 1.7mb)Download the foundation year programme specification (pdf 338kb)

Foundation year

Core units

Academic Study Skills: You will gain the fundamental academic and research skills required for degree level study. The unit will introduce you to a broad grounding in literature searching, literature review, data collection, methodological approach, data analysis and interpretation and ethical practice. It will also support you to begin to develop a critical and analytical approach to your work and identify areas for personal development.

Introduction to Biology: Biology is the study of life and hence knowledge of plant and animal cell biology is fundamental to understanding wider concepts in biology. This unit also introduces key themes in human, environmental and ecological sciences to provide a sound underpinning in knowledge for future studies.

Introduction to Psychology: This unit is designed to prepare you for advanced coursework in psychology. You will complete the unit with a good understanding of the various areas of psychology and how they seek to explain behaviour.

Mathematics in Science: You will build your confidence in mathematics, in order to perform calculations on a range of scientific data from biology, chemistry and psychology and to be able to represent the findings in an appropriate format, including graphs. In order to carry this out it is essential to be able to convert the data between systems of units and to understand how to present very large and very small numbers in standard form. Basic statistical analysis of tabulated data will be carried out to introduce the concept of confidence limits and familiarisation of statistical testing.

Foundation Year Project: You will carry out a research task on scientific topics chosen by the unit leader which you will be able to conduct a scientific investigation on. You will devise your own investigation and produce a literature review as a final scientific report.

Year 1

Core units

Forensic Research Skills: This unit provides you with the skills to conduct the independent research needed for this course. These skills involve finding and evaluating academic literature, formulating scientific arguments and discussion, writing and presenting these ideas as essays, opinions and research papers. To facilitate discussion and questions, much of the unit will be taught in tutorial sessions, which also allows you to get to know the teaching team.
Cell Biology: Cells are the basic unit of life and hence knowledge of cell biology is fundamental to understanding wider concepts in biology. This unit introduces key themes in cell biology to provide a sound underpinning knowledge of cells and the way they function. The unit will equip you with an understanding of cell structure, function, control, basic molecular biology, the interaction of cells with viruses and the basic experimental techniques used to investigate cells.
Chemistry: You will be provided with an understanding of some aspects and processes within fundamental chemistry and analytical chemistry and develop your laboratory skills. The unit will predominately be delivered through lectures and practical laboratory sessions. The laboratory sessions will enable reinforcement of the theoretical concepts by dealing with experimentally generated data and will allow for one-to-one and small group discussions.
Diversity of Life: Gain an understanding of the origin and diversity of life on earth, how the environment and selection have shaped the patterns of distribution of plants, animals and micro-organisms since life first originated some 3.5 billion years ago, and how it is increasingly being influenced by humans. You will have insights into the basis for classifying organisms and in dealing with the relationships among major groups, and examine the organisation and structure of major groups of living (and some fossil) organisms (microbes, protists, higher plants, invertebrates and vertebrates). You will cover aspects of body size and life history strategies.
Human Anatomy & Physiology: Giving you an overview of the structure and function of the human body, you will be introduced to the principal concepts underlying pathophysiological processes that disturb health. Key biological and physiological practical techniques relevant to measuring human health and disease are covered, together with the skills you will need for the analysis and presentation of the resulting data.
Introduction to Forensic Investigation: This unit will provide you with a deeper appreciation of the legal aspects, command structure and operational procedures of UK forensic investigations and provide a deeper insight into a range of forensic sciences available. It will provide you with the theoretical understanding to enhance practical experience in the recovery of physical evidence.

Year 2

Core units

Forensic Biology: Building on the introduction to this subject provided in Introduction to Forensic Investigation, you will apply different basic biological techniques employed in forensic investigations and develop your knowledge of diatom, pollen, fungi, vertebrate and invertebrate evidence and also of biological casework and its importance in forensic investigations. Topics may also include human tissue evidence, post-mortem estimation (entomology) and the biological contamination of food and wildlife crimes. You will also learn how to write appropriately structured scientific reports.
Biochemistry: Developing your core knowledge from the first year units in biology and chemistry, you will gain an appreciation of systems biology through the introduction of metabolism interconnectivity, and an overview of macromolecules and their metabolism. Topics will include the structure and function of DNA and enzyme structure and kinetics.
Crime Scene: This unit aims to provide details on the legal aspects, command structure and operational procedures of UK scene of crime investigations and provide an introduction to a range of forensic sciences. It will also provide practical experience in the recovery of evidence from potential scenes of crime.
Forensic Law & Practice: You will critically consider the criminal justice system in England and Wales and engage with the central issues common to any major criminal justice system. You will be equipped with a greater knowledge of criminal procedure including a comprehensive coverage of the entire criminal process from police investigation through to trial process to appeals and rectifications of miscarriages of justice.
Forensic Science: The basic scientific and analytical principals underlying the practice of forensic science will be explored in this unit. You will be introduced to a range of basic case types and to the analytical techniques commonly employed in forensic casework.

Option units

Semester 2 (choose one)

Advanced Cell Biology: Building on the fundamental principles from year 1, you will examine the operation of cells, and the control, development and modification of cells in multicellular organisms. You will also discover more about stem cell technologies and therapeutic applications, cancer development and cell culture techniques.
Case Studies in Forensic Science: Discover how forensic science has developed and impacted on the investigation of crime and Criminal Justice System by studying and discussing a selection of cases from the published literature and trial transcripts. You will learn about the process of case investigation in modern policing; how a lawyer/barrister prepares a case for court and understand the role and responsibilities of the forensic expert and the impact that may have on a legal investigation.
Evolutionary Biology: In this broad overview of the factors of species evolution, you will be introduced to selection forces, heredity and Mendelian genetics. You will discuss issues such as adaptation, natural selection and population genetics principles, and apply your critical understanding to issues such as conservation biology.
Introduction to Toxicology: The basic principles of toxicology will be explored in this unit, designed to offer foundation knowledge for those intending to study toxicology at higher levels or for those intending to study subjects peripheral to toxicology or where a basic understanding of toxicology will be relevant.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Optional placement year

Final year

Core units

Advanced Forensic Science: You will enhance your knowledge and critical thinking skills associated with the scientific and analytical principals underlying the practice of forensic science in this unit. You will gain in depth knowledge of key areas of forensic science.
Advanced Topics in Genetics: You will consider how this modern discipline underpins all aspects of biology. You will be actively involved in discussions about the ethical issues of genetics as well as introduce bioinformatics analysis of data. We will consider the role of pharmacogenomics, epigenetics, endophenotypes and optogenetics plays in current research outputs as well as the classical model D. melanogaster now has in fundamental biology.
Independent Research Project: The Independent Research Project provides you with an opportunity to gain experience of research in a topic of your choice relevant to your degree and to demonstrate your ability to report that research. Such experience is considered essential for those students interested in pursuing academic and/or professional research at a higher level of responsibility and achievement.

Option units

Semester 1 (choose one)

Environmental Forensics: Issues in Environmental Forensics range from pollution investigations to wildlife crime at local, national and international levels. You will learn to select appropriate analytical and forensic techniques used in an environmental crime investigation and understand both the legal and cultural issues faced when investigating wildlife crimes nationally, internationally and trans-frontier. You will need an awareness of the organisations involved in investigation and prosecution, so there will be presentations from appropriate organisations and the opportunity to take part in practical activities.
Forensic Toxicology: This unit aims to provide you with a knowledge and understanding of the complex issues involved with the analysis of common drugs and poisons in human tissues and the ways in which they exert their effects on the body and influence behaviour.
Pathophysiology: The detailed study of the molecular bases of a number of important clinical states will be a major component of the unit. We aim to develop your knowledge and understanding of the principal biological mechanisms involved in a range of pathological processes, inherited, malignant, infectious and degenerative diseases including cancer, inherited disease, heart disease, diabetes, infectious diseases, immunological conditions and organ-specific disorders. The transmission of infections, the role of the scientist in control and prevention of disease will be discussed, together with the social and political issues raised by such measures such as vaccination, hygiene and sanitation.

Semester 2 (choose one):

Biomolecules: By the end of this science based unit you will be conversant with the concepts and approaches of holism compared with reductionism in modern biological sciences. It will review the principles of biology and modern biotechnologies from molecular levels to systems biology, such as DNA analysis, DNA profiling, functional genomics, gene expression and cDNA microarray, proteomics and protein interactions, epigenetics, bioinformatics, recombinant DNA, and biotechnology.
Forensic Entomology: This unit builds on the introduction to this subject provided in Introduction to Forensic Investigation. Topics may include an introduction to insect biology, an overview of insect taxonomy, the decomposition of human tissue, post mortem interval assessment, the use of invertebrates for forensic investigation and entomotoxicology.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

Contact hours

The hours below give an indication of how you can expect to spend your time during each year of this course. You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practical sessions.

Your independent learning could include reading books and journal articles, working on group projects, preparing presentations, conducting library research and writing your assignments. On this coruse, you will benefit from a variety of teaching methods including laboratory based practicals, lectures and fieldwork.

In your third year you will have the opportunity to solve real world biological problems by observation and recoding of biological science activity in both the field and lab which will be heavily independently based.

Year 1 – 24% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities

Learning and teaching: 276 hours (estimated)
Independent learning: 924 hours (estimated)

Year 2 – 31% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities

Learning and teaching: 372 hours (estimated)
Independent learning: 828 hours (estimated)

Year 3 – 19% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities

Learning and teaching: 228 hours (estimated)
Independent learning: 972 hours (estimated)

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry.

If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

Placements

At BU, we recognise that placements are extremely valuable and can give you a head start when it comes to your future career; therefore we now offer every new student the opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of their course.

You can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placements All you need to know about placements

How placements benefit you

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider.

Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Coordinator.

They’ll help you plan your placement so make sure you get the right experience for you. That includes offering help and support if you need to move to another part of the UK – and even another country – to get the most out of your time.

We’ve also built close industry links over the years – so our network of employers that are keen to work with placement students is always growing. Or if you’d prefer to arrange your placement independently, we can offer advice on how to do that too.

Entry requirements

This course requires 104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. We are happy to consider a combination of qualifications and grades to meet the overall tariff, for example A-levels A*CC, ABC, BBB or BCC, BTECs DDM or DMM. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to UCAS tariff points.

If you do not meet these requirements, you may want to consider our foundation year, a one-year course that will prepare you for degree-level study.

Calculate your UCAS tariff points

2022 and 2023 entry
Numeracy and literacy requirements (e.g. GCSEs)	GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework. See all of the equivalencies.
A-level and AS levels	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two A-levels.
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate – Skills Challenge Certificate	We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Access to HE Diploma	102–118 UCAS tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.
BTEC National	Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points) Diploma: Distinction, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points) Foundation Diploma/ 90-credit Diploma:* We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff Extended Certificate/ Subsidiary Diploma: This qualification is accepted as part of the overall tariff.
Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two principal subjects.
Cambridge Technical	Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points) Diploma: Distinction, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points) Subsidiary Diploma:* We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff Introductory Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Extended Project Qualification	We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
International Baccalaureate Certificates	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Higher Level certificates.
International Baccalaureate (Diploma)	An overall score of 28–31 points.
Scottish Highers	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of four Scottish Highers.
Scottish Advanced Highers	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers.
T Levels	Merit (120 UCAS tariff points).

Foundation year entry requirements

Numeracy and literacy requirements	There are no GCSE requirements. The foundation year will cover these skills in preparation for degree study.
For September 2022 and September 2023 entry	48–72 UCAS tariff points.

International entry requirements

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.	Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2022 and September 2023 entry: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70% Italian Esame di Stato with 60-70%. Grade depends on the course Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 or 7. Grade depends on the course We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU. Options include: Foundation Certificate in Science English language requirements If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally: For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. View further information about our English language requirements. If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course. Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2022 and September 2023 entry:

Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course
Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course
All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70%
Italian Esame di Stato with 60-70%. Grade depends on the course
Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 or 7. Grade depends on the course

We offer a number of preparatory programmes through Bournemouth University International College. These courses offer you progression from High School in your home country to a Bachelor’s degree at BU.

Options include:

Foundation Certificate in Science

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course. Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

Other useful information

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

Your application

This course will be suited to students with:

An understanding of what archaeology and forensic sciences are
Enthusiasm for applying science to solve problems both in the study of the past and the present
An interest in both laboratory and field sciences
Good written and oral communication skills, and the ability to think analytically
An interest in archaeology, and forensic science (e.g. by attending an excavation, visiting museums, entering science competitions, school project work, or relevant volunteer work).

How to apply

What we’re looking for

The study and practice of forensic biology involves a variety of skills, including those used in the field, in the laboratory, and based on wide reading so applicants should be happy learning to work in all these areas.

Applicants will have strong analytical problem-solving and communication skills, both written and oral, as forensic biology involves working well as an individual and also as part of a multi-disciplinary team. We seek students with enquiring minds who are comfortable using science, technology and creative thought to apply in their studies and would encourage applicants who are interested in exploring new ideas and concepts and applying knowledge across disciplines.

Selection methods

How we assess your application

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

AccessBU gives you the chance to tell us more about you and your life experiences if you haven’t had the same educational opportunities as other applicants. If you are eligible for AccessBU, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS Tariff Points below the published tariff.

Our offer making process

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

Supporting your study

These courses have compulsory elements involving working with dangerous substances in laboratory conditions and/or undertaking field trips in less accessible environments. Students must complete a health and safety risk assessment taking part in these activities, for their safety and that of others. As part of that assessment students provide information about any conditions or disabilities that might affect their ability to undertake these activities fully or safely.

If you have such a condition or disability, please let us know as soon as possible. You can contact our Additional Learning Support (ALS) service about this before or after making an application. We will then work with you to identify any support or adjustments you would need. Our ALS team works with the Faculty to seek to put in place reasonable adjustments and health and safety plans.

Exceptionally, it may not be possible to arrange for a student to access these courses without either over-riding their core standards or competencies or creating unacceptable risks to health and safety. If that is the case we will help you explore alternative course choices.

Careers

This is a new course and it has been designed to give you all the experience you need to enter the field of forensics, which can include biological, conservation, criminal and healthcare settings, among others. You'll gain a wealth of practical experience in labs and through fieldwork that will give you an edge when you begin searching for work.

Although we don't have any graduates from this course yet, students who have completed one of our other forensics degrees have performed well once they leave BU.

Potential job roles

Industries worked in

Further study

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be. You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course, including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team
Loan of lab coats and safety glasses.

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds.
Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses
Accommodation and living costs. Please visit our website for more information.
Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately
Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. Information about funding your placement year can be found on our website.
Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study
SportBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

Repeat units

The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme

The RTS wants the television industry to reflect the exciting, diverse, and talented voices of the Britain of today, and that starts by changing the industry from the inside out. The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme is officially open for submissions. Applications will be accepted until the 15th of July 2022.

Bursaries are awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree in the subject of Journalism, VFX, Television Production, Humanities and Social Sciences, and STEM-related courses. The RTS runs three pioneering schemes – the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary, and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship. What is important is an evident interest in pursuing a career in television, film, or related media industries.

The Bursary provides free RTS membership; industry mentoring; access to the latest events and lectures; and numerous networking opportunities. We also support our Scholars financially, awarding £1000 per academic year of study.

For more information about the bursary, how to apply and eligibility criteria, please see the RTS website.

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that staff can change.

Dr Richard Paul, Programme Leader- Associate Professor in Bioanalytical Chemistry

Richard Paul is a bioanalytical chemist with a particular interest in biomarker research for forensic and medical application. Richard is Chief Investigator on a multidisciplinary research project on cancer metabolomics. In collaboration with Dorset County Hospital and Poole Hospital the project aims to show proof of concept in a novel study for the early identification of skin cancer.

Richard also leads a project commissioned by the Prison Officers Association to investigate the issue of NPS abuse in UK prisons. NPS are new narcotic or psychotropic drugs (not controlled by the UN drug conventions) many of which pose serious health risks.

View Dr Richard Paul's staff profile

Paul Kneller – Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science

Paul Kneller has interests in environmental management and environmental applications of forensic techniques, the health and safety and environmental impacts of industrial and commercial activities. For some time Paul has been involved with the public understanding of science particularly the claims of consumer products.

Following a COPUS grant, he has given talks to local groups on evaluating environmental claims for a number of years and is the academic supervisor for a KTP associate project based upon ISO 14000 in a local engineering company.

View Paul Kneller’s staff profile

Dr Poppy McLaughlin- Senior Lecturer in Forensic Analysis

Dr Poppy McLaughlin has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of toxicology and pharmacogenomics, who since 2010 has been a member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists. In 2013 Dr McLaughlin joined the United Kingdom & Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists.

View Dr Poppy McLaughlin's staff profile

Course changes

Changes for 2022 entry

Date	Changes to this course
29/03/2022	Where the change was made: L6 Independent Research Project. Change: The Independent Research Project unit has 12 contact hours. Previous text: Had been incorrectly stated previously as 40 hours.
01/10/2021	Where the change was made: Fees box. Change: Placement fee for September 2022 entry amended to £1,850. Previous text: £850.

Changes in 2020

Date	Changes to this course
07/01/2020	Where the change was made: Course details Change: Removal of first year unit 'AAFS Study Skills' and replaced with 'Forensic Research Skills'.

Changes in 2017

Date	Changes to this course
23/08/2018	Where the change was made: Entry requirements When the change takes effect: From September 2019 entry Change: Removal of required subjects Previous text: A Science or Mathematics subject
15/11/17	Where the change was made: Fees Change: After an annual review of the placement year tuition fee, a price increase in line with current inflation, equating to 3% has been introduced. Notes: £790
03/03/2017	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Moved Pathophysiology unit from semester 1 to semester 2. Moved Forensic Entomology unit from semester 2 to semester 1
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: Key facts and 2018 entry requirements Change: Entry requirements changed to 104 - 120 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent including 32 points in a required subject ( a Science subject or Mathematics). Notes: The entry requirements for this course are 104-120 tariff points from 3 A-levels.
06/09/2017	Where the change was made: 2018 entry requirements Change: 2018 GCSE entry requirements have changed to This course requires GCSE English and Mathematics grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications. Notes: This course requires a minimum of 4 GCSEs grades A* - C (or grade 4 or above in the newly reformed GCSE grading) including Maths and English or equivalent qualifications.

Changes in 2016

Date	Changes to this course
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: New option unit in Year 2: Biology for Forensic Sciences Notes: New option unit in Year 3: Forensic Entomology. See Course details above
08/01/2016	Where the change was made: Course details content Change: Removed option unit in Year 2 Notes: Bonobos, Bones & Bottlenecks: Lectures and lab work will introduce you to the basic principles of modern human variation, adaptation and the evolutionary forces that have influenced them. You will study the core concepts of heredity, adaptation and variation applied to humans and other primates. Attention is also given to all living primates and to the primate fossil record.

Date

Changes to this course

08/01/2016

Where the change was made: Course details content
Change: New option unit in Year 2: Biology for Forensic Sciences
Notes: New option unit in Year 3: Forensic Entomology. See Course details above

08/01/2016

Where the change was made: Course details content
Change: Removed option unit in Year 2
Notes: Bonobos, Bones & Bottlenecks: Lectures and lab work will introduce you to the basic principles of modern human variation, adaptation and the evolutionary forces that have influenced them. You will study the core concepts of heredity, adaptation and variation applied to humans and other primates. Attention is also given to all living primates and to the primate fossil record.

Statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats and BU institutional data unless otherwise stated.

BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year option)

Course search

Search form

Why study BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology at BU?

Course accreditation

See what it's like to study on this course

Key information

Next start date:

Location:

Duration:

Accreditations:

Required subjects:

Entry requirements:

International entry requirements:

Scholarships

Related courses

Get industry experience

Look at the yearly live fire exercise our Forensic students take part in

Forensic Science student Michael's placement at Hampshire Police

Focus your studies to achieve your goals

Read Carlyle's story about his time as a Forensic Science student

Chat with a student

Course details

How you will be assessed

Foundation year

Year 1

Year 2

Optional placement year

Final year

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

Programme specification

Placements

How placements benefit you

How long will your placement be?

What support will be available?

Entry requirements

Foundation year entry requirements

International entry requirements

English language requirements

Other useful information

Your application

What we’re looking for

Selection methods

How we assess your application

Our offer making process

Supporting your study

Careers

Potential job roles

Industries worked in

Further study

Costs and fees

No hidden extras

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Repeat units

The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme

Our staff

Dr Richard Paul, Programme Leader- Associate Professor in Bioanalytical Chemistry

Paul Kneller – Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science

Dr Poppy McLaughlin- Senior Lecturer in Forensic Analysis

Course changes

Changes for 2022 entry

Changes in 2020

Changes in 2017

Changes in 2016