BSc (Hons) Forensic Science at University of the West of Scotland

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree will prepare you for a career in the UK and international criminal justice systems, through recent advances in analytical sciences and genetics. You will develop expertise in crime scene examination and the scientific examination of recovered materials. This degree will prepare you for life as a forensic scientist capable of using the latest chemical and biological techniques to analyse materials such as drugs, toxicology samples, trace evidence, DNA and ignitable liquids.

Duration: 4 years full-time, 5 years full-time (sandwich), typically 6 years part-time, 4 years full-time, 5 years full-time (sandwich), typically 6 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time; part-time; sandwich/placement option  |  Intake: Paisley: September  |  Location: Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Forensic Science is the gathering and analysis of evidence that is impartial, expert and based on a solid scientific basis. Forensic evidence is regularly presented by the prosecution and defence lawyers during criminal trials in cour t s of law. Many convictions in serious criminal cases are based on forensic evidence including fingerprints, the presence of fibres and DNA evidence . Year 1: drug chemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy, biochemical tests, forensic anthropology, fingerprint development, CSI. Year 2: drug synthesis, infra-red spectroscopy of biodiesel, drug structure determination by NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography analysis of whisky, thin layer chromatography analysis of analgesics, spectroscopic quantification of drugs in urine and DNA analysis. Year 3: the study of arson (fires and explosions), fibre microscopy, electron microscopy of fire-arms discharge residue, DNA profiling, chemical and biochemical analysis, chromatographic analysis of toxicology samples, spectroscopic analysis of seized drugs.

Career pathways

Th e BSc (Hons) Forensic Science offer s an excellent foundation for a rewarding career in a support services function, with the following law enforcement and national security agencies: The transferable skills gained also make graduates attractive to many employers in other industries.

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