Forensic Science with foundation year

Program Overview

The Forensic Science BSc (Hons) degree at London Metropolitan University provides a comprehensive foundation in scientific and investigative techniques for a career in forensic science. Through a four-year program, including a built-in foundation year, students develop an interdisciplinary approach, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of forensic science principles. The program covers topics such as biochemistry, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and criminalistics, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Forensic Science (including foundation year) - BSc (Hons) degree at London Metropolitan University:

This program focuses on the application of scientific and investigative techniques required for a career in forensic science. The four-year course incorporates a built-in foundation year (Year 0) designed to help you enter higher education if you lack the traditional qualifications required for an undergraduate course. Upon graduation, you'll receive the same title and award as students completing the standard three-year course. This course aims to equip you with:

• Interdisciplinary approach to forensic science.
• Skills to examine problems of a biological or chemical nature within forensic science context.
• Scientific techniques to analyze evidence.
• Biology: Origin of life, evolution, cell structures, cell types & functions, organ systems, human anatomy & physiology, cell division, mendelian genetics & inheritance.
• Chemistry: Concepts in fundamental chemistry including periodic table, atomic properties, chemical bonds, reactions, nomenclature, numeracy, logical argument, research skills, abstract model utilization.
• Foundation Year Project (Biosciences): Researching a topic in the field, reporting findings, acquiring subject-specific knowledge & relevant skills.
• Scientific Studies: Mathematical concepts & applications, laboratory techniques, numeracy, data analysis.

Year 1 Modules

• Anatomy & Physiology 1, 2: Human anatomy, physiology, pathology & immunology, focusing on body structures, functions, disease processes & immune responses.
• Biochemistry: Properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in function.
• Cell Biology: Cell structures, types & functions, activities & relationship to cell components & cellular activities as a whole.
• Fundamentals of Molecular Biology: Organization, expression & replication of genetic information in prokaryotes & eukaryotes, principles of Mendelian inheritance, gene mutation consequences, introduction to gene analysis & manipulation techniques.
• General Chemistry: Concepts of naming & drawing chemical formulae, organic bonding, types of isomerism, moles, reaction processes, states of matter, interactions between particles & regular tests.
• General Microbiology: Classification & structure of microorganisms & their impact on human society, laboratory skills in safe & cooperative work environment.
• Professional Studies: Transferable skills development for studying & future careers, guidance on University regulations & progression, introduction to learning resources & support facilities, introduction to safe & ethical contemporary laboratory practices & basic lab procedures, study skills development including writing laboratory records, scientific reports & essays, introduction to the field, associated professional bodies & employment opportunities.

Year 2 Modules

• Criminalistics I, II: Introduction to forensic science disciplines, crime scene processing, British legal system in forensic investigations, communication & technical skills for forensic scientists, distinguishing between specific areas of criminalistics through case studies & practical work.
• Human Immunity: Physiological, cellular & molecular fundamentals of human immunology, innate & acquired immune defenses, genetic variation & immune defense, immune responses & involvement in various pathological conditions.
• Metabolism: Understanding key principles & illustrating these principles through studying major metabolic pathways, consideration of how metabolism interacts with the nutritional environment.
• Methods of Bioanalytical Analysis: Overview of commonly encountered bioanalytical analytical analysis methods & practical experience.
• Microbiology: Key metabolic pathways in eukaryotes & prokaryotes, how these pathways satisfy energy requirements & influence microbial growth & development, intrinsic & extrinsic factors regulating microbial growth & development.
• Spectroscopic Methods: Developing problem solving & report writing skills in qualitative analytical chemistry, identifying analytical substrates based on combined analytical results from various sources.

Year 3 Modules

• Advanced Bioanalytical Science: Understanding advanced bioanalytical techniques, determining suitable analytical techniques for specific sample types, reinforcing & building on analysis skills, problem solving, interpreting advanced data & solving defined problems, gaining practical experience with selected analytical techniques.
• Biochemical Pathology: Expanding understanding of disease, modulation of pathological processes through disease & poisonings treatment, principles & practices of biochemical pathology, expanding human biotransformations (metabolis