BSc(Hons) Forensic Science: University of the West of England

Introduction

Forensic science - one of the most fascinating areas of applied science - is the use of scientific procedures to produce evidence in a court of law. This degree, designed in consultation with forensic scientists and related professionals, will cover in depth the major scientific disciplines involved in the investigation of crime.

Three main areas are studied; biological sciences especially DNA analysis and the action of drugs on the body, chemical analysis using all major techniques for the examination of inanimate objects, and specific forensic science topics such as fingerprinting, document examination and crime scene procedures. The interpretation of scientific results is a vital part of forensic science and this will be important throughout the course, and there is a module in the second year dealing specifically with legal aspects of forensic evidence.

Careers

Graduates will be well equipped for a career in forensic science with opportunities in government as well as independent laboratories and police scientific support units. It must be emphasised that competition is great for such positions and each individual will have to apply and be considered on merit. However the nature of this degree is such that graduates will be equally well equipped for other careers which depend upon scientific problem solving and in particular the areas of genetic research and all aspects of analytical chemistry from the monitoring of pollution to pharmaceutical analysis.

Admissions and International Recruitment

Admissions and International Recruitment deals with enquiries and applications for all full-time undergraduate programmes. Contact by

• telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
• fax: +44 (0)117 32 82810
• e-mail: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
• letter: Admissions and International Recruitment, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK