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  • DeadlineStudy Details:

    MSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time

Course Description

Forensic biology is the application of biology to link a person(s), such as suspect or victim, to a location, an item or another person. It can be utilised to further investigations for both criminal and civil cases. Two of the most important factors to be constantly considered throughout the collection, processing, and analysis of evidence, are the maintenance of chain of custody as well as contamination prevention, especially considering the nature of the majority of biological evidence.

This MSc is highly practical by its very nature. There is a focus on the interpretational skills required to critically evaluate different forms of forensic evidence recovered from exhibits in the laboratory and at the crime scene, based on scenarios.

With particular focus on biological evidence types, such as DNA, blood and other body fluids, the MSc focuses on the decision making and practitioner opinion of the scientific evidence based on real life case scenarios.

Entry Requirements

A first or second class honours degree or equivalent in archaeology, forensic science or scientific discipline, or the professional equivalent. Students with other degrees who can show a knowledge of and interest in the scientific elements of the subject will also be considered.

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Fees

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more.

Programme Funding

Funding opportunities available, please visit website for details.

Student Destinations

The MSc in Forensic Biology offers the skills essential for those who are interested in a career as a practitioner within a forensic laboratory, with focus on the biological aspects of forensic casework.

You can also use your gained skills to progress into careers within other field of the criminal justice system such as working as scene of crime officers or other careers in a laboratory environment.

Module Details

Compulsory modules

All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

  • Introductory Studies
  • Investigation and Evidence Collection
  • Reasoning for Forensic Science
  • Analytical Techniques
  • Courtroom Skills
  • DNA
  • Body Fluids
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
  • Thesis Research Project

Elective modules

One of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course

  • Fires, Explosions and their Investigation
  • Trace Evidence
  • Forensic Archaeology: Mass Grave Excavation
  • Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology: Osteology
  • Practical Archaeological Excavation
  • Mass Fatality Incidents
  • Forensic Ecology
  • Fakes and Forgeries
  • Radiographic Investigations in Forensic Science
  • Trauma Weapon Effects
  • Introduction to Fire Investigation
  • Fire Engineering
  • Advanced Crime Scene Investigation
  • Digital Scene Forensics
  • Temporary Mortuary Operations
  • Forensic Imaging

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