Biological and Forensic Sciences, BSc (Hons)

Modules

Year OneIn your first year, you will join a vibrant community of students studying bioscience-related courses in biomedical science, human biosciences and pharmacology. The common first year ensures that you have a firm understanding of core areas of modern biosciences, from the cellular and molecular level through to whole body anatomy and physiology. These subjects are underpinned by relevant aspects of chemistry, maths and data analysis.The topics are taught in an integrated manner to ensure that the links between disciplines such as biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology are evident. You will also have the opportunity to start to apply your knowledge to collecting and analysing evidence from a crime scene, in the Applied Techniques in Biology module. You are supported with the aim of becoming a confident, competent and safe laboratory scientist. ModulesHuman physiology: Homeostasis and HealthGenetics, Heredity and EvolutionStructure, Function and Analysis of BiomoleculesCell Communication, Structure, and Function The Microbial WorldApplied Techniques in BiologyYear TwoIn year two, you will build on your knowledge of biology in areas such as genetics, microbiology, neurophysiology and human health and disease. You will study forensic aspects including crime scene evaluation, collection, preservation and analysis of evidence linked to legal aspects of criminal cases. You will continue to extend your skills and competencies, including effective communication to diverse audiences, in both scientific and non-scientific arenas. Individual professional development activities enable you to identify strategies and approaches to enhance your own capabilities and to build your professional profile.ModulesFundamentals of Forensic ScienceMicroorganisms in Human Health and DiseaseHuman Genetic DiversityForensic Science and Evidence AnalysisThe Immune System in Health and DiseaseNeurophysiologyPlacement YearOur sandwich degree option allows a full year work placement, which can be taken abroad, or you can undertake a study year abroad*. Previous students in our department have been successful in securing places to study in Spain, France, Canada and the US.If you choose to do a work placement year*, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final YearThe final year will build on the knowledge of biological and forensic sciences. You will further develop research skills and will undertake a research project which will be designed and reported with the support of an academic supervisor, providing a capstone experience to the course. Studying international cold cases will allow you to take a global approach to your studies with collaborative online projects (subject to availability) and the possibility of international field trips*. You will also study the application of cutting-edge forensic techniques to real-life cold cases and test your presentation skills reporting forensic evidence in a mock courtroom. We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

Assessment method

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.Assessment methods include:TestsEssaysGroup workPresentationsReportsProjectsCourseworkIndividual AssignmentsLaboratory competency testsPortfoliosMock court room oral testimonyPostersCritical reviewsReflectionsCase study-based approaches with scenarios based on real world issuesThe Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Professional bodies

• Royal Society of Biology
• Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences