Program Overview

Forensic and Applied Biology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our Forensic and Applied Biology BSc course is ranked 18th out of all Forensic Science courses across the country. Accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, this course is the first undergraduate degree in the country to be accredited with them for the Forensic Archaeology Component Standard.

Key Features

• Excellent facilities including research labs, crime scene simulation house, geophysical equipment for detecting concealed burials and crime scene investigation kits
• Strong industry links with West Mercia and Warwickshire police, and the Severn Area Rescue Association
• Highly experienced staff with over 100 years combined experience in the field, giving you access to realistic scenes and real cases
• Graduates successfully compete for both biological and forensic careers

Joint 2nd for Student Satisfaction

Our Forensic and Applied Biology Course is Joint 2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Three Counties Medical School

The Three Counties Medical School opened in September 2023 and is now seeking applications from both UK and International graduates.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

• 96-104 UCAS tariff points MUST include A2 Biology and A2 another science, maths or statistics.
• 104 UCAS Tariff points MUST include A2 Biology.
• Other qualifications, such as BTEC in Applied Science or equivalent, and Access to Higher Education (with at least 15 credits of Biological Sciences gained), will also be considered.
• T Levels may be used to meet the entry tariff requirements for this course.

Other Information

• International Students – Making an Application: If you are applying as an EU or Non-EU student you are strongly advised to apply online through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Mature Students: We welcome applicants who hold alternative qualifications/experience and mature students who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from the course and show their potential to complete the course successfully.

Course Content

Year 1

• Mandatory:
  • Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introduction to Forensic Sciences
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences
• Optional:
  • Health and Disease
  • Option modules from the Centre for Academic English and Skills.

Year 2

• Mandatory:
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Medical Forensic Science
  • Forensic archaeology and anthropology
  • Project and Career Development
  • Molecular Genetics
• Optional:
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Work Experience
  • Option modules from the Centre for Academic English and Skills.

Year 3

• Mandatory:
  • Research Project
  • Interpretation, Evaluation and Reporting of Evidence
  • Law and Order
  • Forensic DNA Analysis
• Optional:
  • Pharmacology
  • Genomics and Bioinformatics
  • Parasitology
  • Biochemistry of Cancer
  • Extension Module
  • Organised Crime, Terrorism and Gangs
  • Sustainability in Public Health

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

• You are taught through a combination of lectures, practical work, field work, video presentations, group tutorials, discussions, directed reading, and formative assessments.
• The first year also includes study skills sessions.
• The course is very practical and offers you the opportunity to undertake an independent project in your third year.

Contact Time

• In a typical week you will have at least 12 contact hours of teaching.
• The precise contact hours will depend on the optional modules selected and in the final year you will normally have slightly less contact time in order to do more independent study.

Independent Self-Study

• In addition to the contact time, you are expected to undertake at least 24 hours of personal self-study per week.
• Typically, this will involve going over your lecture notes and reading around the topic in order to reinforce the content, completing online activities, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library and online, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations.

Teaching Staff

• You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.
• You will mainly be taught by senior academics, but visiting speakers with specialised expertise may deliver some sessions.

Assessment

• The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or 'formative' assignments.
• Each module has one or more formal or 'summative' assessments which are graded and count towards the overall module grade.

Careers

Employability

• This course provides you with the core biology skills and knowledge to make you suitable candidates for all the biological careers available to those students on the mainstream biology programmes as well as forensic areas.
• These include:
  • Research
  • Biological testing
  • Teacher training
  • Medical sales
  • Diagnostics testing
  • Crime scene investigation
  • Forensic biology / sciences
  • Civil services
  • The police force
  • Further study - Masters / PhD.

Fees and Funding

Full-time Tuition Fees

• UK and EU students: The Government has announced that it will increase tuition fees and maintenance loans by 3.1% from the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions.
• International students: The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2025/26 academic year is £16,700 per year.

Part-time Tuition Fees

• UK and EU students: The Government has announced that it will increase tuition fees and maintenance loans by 3.1% from the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions.
• International students: The standard tuition fee for part-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2025/26 academic year is £16,700 per year.

Additional Costs

• Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing and photocopying.
• The amounts vary between courses.
• If your course offers a placement opportunity, you may need to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Accommodation

• Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience.
• Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.
• We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls.
• With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Halls' at £131 per week to 'Ensuite Premium Halls' at £228 per week (2025/26 prices).