Biological and Forensic Sciences, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

This course integrates the study of biology and the living world with forensic science to address legal investigations through scientific analysis. It offers a broad perspective that appeals to employers, equipping graduates with skills to tackle challenges like infectious diseases, new treatments, and crime scene evidence analysis. The program aims to foster critical thinking for problem-solving in biological and forensic sciences, deepen understanding of cellular and molecular health, disease, and criminal justice processes, and provide diverse experiential learning in community and international contexts.Key benefits include teaching by multidisciplinary experts, hands-on training in advanced facilities, opportunities for 3D printing, guest lectures, and global projects, with strong graduate prospects. The curriculum spans foundational biosciences in the first year, advanced topics in forensics and health in the second, optional placement abroad, and final-year research on real-world issues, assessed through tests, essays, presentations, and projects. It is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, ensuring industry recognition.

Year one In 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. Modules Human physiology: Homeostasis and Health - 20 credits Genetics, Heredity and Evolution - 20 credits Structure, Function and Analysis of Biomolecules - 20 credits Cell Communication, Structure, and Function - 20 credits The Microbial World - 20 credits Applied Techniques in Biology - 20 credits Year Two In 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. Modules Fundamentals of Forensic Science - 20 credits Microorganisms in Human Health and Disease - 20 credits Human Genetic Diversity - 20 credits Forensic Science and Evidence Analysis - 20 credits The Immune System in Health and Disease - 20 credits Neurophysiology - 20 credits Placement Year Our 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 further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. 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 Year The 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. Modules Infectious Disease: Present and Future Challenges - 20 credits Forensic Futures: Contemporary and Global Issues - 20 credits Research Design - 20 credits Crime Scene to Courtroom - 20 credits Genomics, Disease and Personalised Therapy - 20 credits Independent Project - 20 credits 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.