Biological and Forensic Science BSc (Hons) at Coventry University

You can learn the science of solving a crime with a Biological and Forensic Sciences degree taught in our new Alison Gingell Building.
This exciting course blends the study of human biology with the rigorous techniques used in forensic laboratories, including analysis of blood, fibres, fingerprints, drugs, documents, DNA and fire/explosives residue. Ideal if you are fascinated by the scientific investigation of crime.

Our experienced staff adopt a ‘Crime Scene to Court’ approach to their teaching, which really helps you to understand forensics, in particular the need to methodically collect samples, analyse them and present the results to the standard required by the courts.

We’re incredibly proud of the course’s excellent student satisfaction ratings – 92% overall and 98% for the quality of teaching. You’ll gain hands-on experience of a range of techniques in biology and forensic science in modern, well-equipped laboratories. You can also engage in multiple placement opportunities and the chance to conduct research alongside our experienced staff or the many professional organisations we have links with – such as Leicester Royal Infirmary, Key Forensic Services Ltd, Nemaura Pharmaceuticals Ltd and West Midlands Police.

100% overall satisfaction - National Student Survey 2018

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

If you are interested in working in the fields of human bioscience or its application to forensic science, this course will prepare you to design, implement and evaluate appropriate investigative techniques. It has been purposefully designed to give you a thorough understanding of both modern human bioscience topics and their application to forensic science. You will cover key study and research skills in the areas of forensic science, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology and human physiology.

Many areas of human bioscience, such as the development of new antimicrobials or the manipulation of stem cells to treat inherited conditions, require graduates with good theoretical and practical knowledge alongside the skills to control, implement and evaluate these new developments. This is a varied, applied course, which recognises the multidisciplinary approach that is needed in modern sciences. Throughout your degree, you will study the details of forensic science, the legal system and investigative practice, demonstrating a capability to maintain auditable records of your investigations.

Career prospects

This degree provides students to take up roles in private sector forensic laboratory service providers or as police Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs), although further training would be required, in the form of the CSI Learning Programme at the College of Policing, Harperley Hall. Alternatively, you could pursue roles in fraud, customs and excise or as private investigators.

The biological modules ensure that you can also access non-forensic careers, including pharmaceutical or food quality testing laboratories, medical and laboratory equipment sales and in more general scientific writing and/or teaching professions. This is an important element of our course design, since employment opportunities in forensics are limited and students need to be well prepared for a wide range of employment options.  

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University's Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of this course have secured laboratory positions with forensic providers in both Government and private sector organisations, while others have secured posts in biology labs with companies such as The Binding Site and Severn Trent Water.

Graduates not wishing to work in laboratory based occupations have previously secured posts in scientific equipment and medical sales, where they can apply their scientific training to real-world problem solving. A number have also gone on to work in managerial positions where their numeracy and analytical skills have been of benefit, for example, as a workflow planning manager for a building supplies company in Cambridgeshire or team leader of the DNA reference samples team of Key Forensic Services Ltd.