Forensic and Medical Sciences (with placement year) BSc (Hons) at University of Bradford

Overview

This course develops skills in core biomedical, chemical and forensic sciences, helping you become a skilled forensic practitioner.

The emphasis is on biosciences, and then shifts towards disease processes and forensic investigation of physical evidence types.

In addition to the pursuit of core sciences, you will study forensic investigation in anthropology and topics relating to archaeology - including the degradation of human remains and physical materials - which will develop your skills in forensic interpretation. The final year develops your professional skills through a forensic research dissertation.

The course prepares you for a wide range of careers, including those in the professional medical and forensic sectors because of its broad basis and application.

Learning and assessment

We focus on student-centred approaches to learning, and you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning in order to develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continuing professional development.

The course is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies and directed study. Directed study will include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed web-based materials, report writing and other assignments such as individual project/dissertation work.

Assessment methods include:

• laboratory reports
• portfolios
• expert witness statements
• case and witness reports
• mock court exercise (oral cross examination)
• essays, worksheets, critiques, group-work, poster and oral presentations
• research designs
• reflective journals
• examinations (essays, short answers, MCQ).

Career prospects

There are wide-ranging career opportunities, including the health service, the forensic science or police scientific support laboratories, the Health and Safety Executive, and the public analysts’ laboratories, as well as opportunities in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, drink and electronics industries. The scientific skills, knowledge and methods you will acquire during the course can also be a useful basis for a career in teaching; technical and scientific writing; drug registration, patenting or monitoring; and medical publishing or other information services.