Program Overview

Forensic & Pharmaceutical Science – BSc

Course Overview

This unique interdisciplinary programme provides students with detailed knowledge and understanding of forensic, analytical, and pharmaceutical science. Students gain knowledge and critical skills in areas of crime scene investigation, forensic evidence examination, instrumental techniques, pharmaceutical technology, drug analysis, statistical analysis, quality assurance, molecular and immunobiology. Great emphasis is placed on the acquisition of hands-on analytical skills in these areas resulting in graduates that are highly sought after by employers.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Biology (Credits: 15)
  • This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles and concepts underlying how biological systems function.
• Chemistry (Credits: 15)
  • This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of modern chemistry.
• Crime Scene Investigation & Scientific Practice (Credits: 10)
  • This module introduces students to the principles of forensic and laboratory science.
• Introductory Physics Concepts (Credits: 10)
  • This algebra-based physics module is designed to introduce students to the concepts in fundamental physics.
• Science Mathematics (Credits: 10)
  • This mathematics module will provide students with the necessary mathematical skills, problem solving skills and computer application proficiency required by the analytical scientist.

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Credits: 5)
  • This module will provide an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills of microbiology pertaining to classification, culture and control of microorganisms in the pharmaceutical environment and products of pharmaceutical industries.
• Forensics: Analytical Techniques (Credits: 5)
  • This module introduces students to the different analytical techniques used in forensic investigations.
• Inorganic & Physical Chemistry I (Credits: 5)
  • This module builds upon learnings from Chemistry in Year 1 with a closer look at Inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry specifically.
• Instrumental Analysis I (Credits: 5)
  • Learners are given a grounding in spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and are introduced to instruments.
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science I (Credits: 5)
  • This module covers aspects of organic chemistry theory such as alkanes, stereochemistry and reactivity.
• Introduction to Statistics (Credits: 5)
  • This module introduces basic statistical concepts.

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Instrumental Analysis II (Credits: 5)
  • This module builds on the theory and skills developed in the Instrumental Analysis I module.
• Biochemistry (Credits: 5)
  • This module provides the learner with the basic concepts and theories of biochemistry and relevance to pharmaceutical, industrial and biotechnological associated sciences.
• Forensics: Biological & Physical Evidence (Credits: 5)
  • This module introduces students to the different types of evidence that may be encountered in forensic investigations.
• Inorganic & Physical Chemistry II (Credits: 5)
  • Building upon the Semester 1 module, this module will examine the groups of the periodic table in greater detail including group trends and usage of compounds.
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science II (Credits: 5)
  • This module develops further on aspects of organic chemistry theory such as functional group chemistry.
• Statistical Process Control (Credits: 5)
  • This module introduces students to important quality control concepts.

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Forensic Toxicology & Drug Analysis (Credits: 10)
  • This course provides an insight into the overlapping sciences of forensic and biochemical toxicology combined with drug analysis.
• Instrumental Analysis (Credits: 5)
  • This module builds on the chromatographic, spectrophotometric and electrochemical instruments and techniques developed in second year.
• Molecular & Immunobiology (Credits: 5)
  • This module will provide students with the theoretical knowledge in molecular biology and the practical skills in molecular techniques used in areas of diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals.
• Pharmaceutical Technology (Credits: 5)
  • This module follows on from Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science I and II with a further exploration of function group chemistry and application of theory in lab practicals.
• Quality Assurance (Credits: 5)
  • This module seeks to enhance the learners knowledge of working within regulated scientific environments with a focus on fundamental concepts of quality assurance.

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement (Credits: 30)
  • This module is an exciting opportunity for students to get paid placement with science companies in Ireland or internationally.

Career Opportunities

• Analytical Scientists
• Forensic Analysts
• Quality Assurance Specialists
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme may be eligible to progress to 4th year of the Level 8 honours degree in Forensic and Pharmaceutical Science at TUS.