Bournemouth University - BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year option)

Bournemouth University

BSc (Hons) Forensic Biology (with Foundation Year option)

Forensic Biologists are in high demand, whether they are working on criminal investigations to analyze crime scenes and identify victims, working in the field of endangered species to identify illegal trading, or investigating diseases. You will gain a thorough understanding of forensic biology while being taught by leading academics, experienced practitioners, and a variety of professional guest lecturers.
In your final year, gain invaluable lab and fieldwork experience, such as mock crime scenes and disasters, as well as live-fire exercises.
Collect and analyze biological evidence using sophisticated lab and field equipment, write detailed logs and reports, and even collaborate with staff on current forensic research projects.
In your second and final years, select subject modules that reflect your own interests, passions, and career goals.

Foundation year: For UK students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course, we offer a foundation year. This additional year of study will provide you with a solid foundation in the scientific skills required for this course and boost your confidence, knowledge, and skills for future studies. You will progress to the full degree after successfully completing the foundation year.

Course accreditation

Accreditation by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences provides an indicator of quality as well as showing continual improvement to develop graduate employees. 


Entry Requirements

  • 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM.

  • Foundation year:

     48-72 UCAS tariff points.

  • If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the compone

    nts or equivalent.

Career Prospects

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work in the field of forensics, which can include biological, conservation, criminal, and healthcare settings, among others. You'll gain a wealth of practical experience in labs and through fieldwork, which will give you an advantage when it comes time to look for work.

The positions our graduates have gone into include:

  • Collision Investigator
  • Biological Scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Junior Forensic Examiner
  • Lab Technician
  • Teacher.

Course Details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

Foundation Year

Core units
Academic Study Skills
Introduction to Biology
Introduction to Psychology
Mathematics in Science
Foundation Year Project

Year 1

Core units:
Exploring and Understanding Science
Cell Biology
Chemistry
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Introduction to Forensic Investigation

Year 2

Core units:
Forensic Biology
Biochemistry
Crime Scene
Forensic Law & Practice
Forensic Science
Option units
Semester 2 (choose one)
Advanced Cell Biology
Geospatial Science
Introduction to Toxicology

Final Year

Core units:
Advanced Forensic Science
Forensic Laboratory Skills
Advanced Topics in Genetics
Advanced Forensic Biology
Forensic Research Project
Option units choose one per semester:
Environmental Forensics
Forensic Toxicology
Advanced Topics in Genetics

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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