Forensic Science 2019/20 Undergraduate Guide by University of Huddersfield

Undergraduate study

Forensic Science 2019/20

Our trophy cabinet The awards we’ve won don’t just make us feel proud. They give you an idea of what the University is like.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award Huddersfield is a TEF gold-rated institution delivering consistently outstanding teaching and learning of the highest quality found in the UK (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2017).

Global Teaching Excellence Award We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award. It recognised the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (HEA, 2017).

University of the Year The Times Higher Education named us as University of the Year in November 2013. They liked our “bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives.”

Queen’s Anniversary Prize The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a big thing in UK Higher Education. We were delighted to earn one for our role in expanding global boundaries of new music.

A Four Star University QS Stars has given us four stars. That means we are “highly international, demonstrating excellence in both teaching and research with an excellent environment for students and staff.”

Athena Swan We’re serious about gender equality. We want an equal number of men and women on our science and engineering courses, for instance. Our commitment was recognised in 2015 with the Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

Find out more about our awards at hud.ac.uk/about/our-awards

What’s inside Study with us

4–5 Our courses

Meet us

Apply to us

Hear why Anna finds skeletons interesting

Open Days

Miranda’s student journey so far

6–10

12–13

Welcome to Forensic Science Welcome to Forensic Science here at the University of Huddersfield. We foster a dynamic and innovative teaching and research environment within the School of Applied Sciences. We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching and our tutors care about what you achieve. In fact, we are the UK’s only University where 100% of permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.* We’re also a TEF Gold rated university and the winner of the first Global Teaching Excellence Award.** You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the many aspects of the mutually complementary areas of forensic and analytical science,

including gaining hands-on experience using analytical instrumentation in our scanning electron microscopy suite, forensic genetics, forensic entomology and archaeology labs. Our courses are professionally accredited, which provides you with industry-wide recognition regarding the quality of your qualification. Our main goal is to enthuse you about your subject and provide you with the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to enable you to enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career after you graduate. Dr Karl Hemming Course Leader

*Permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching; research degrees applies to those on contracts of more than half-time. **Higher Education Academy 2017.

Want to delve into the kind of problem-solving science that provides evidence for the courts and legal system? Pave the way for a career in the fascinating field of forensic science with one of our accredited degrees.

Study with us

I chose to study my course as it covers the laboratory techniques used in the field of forensic science and also because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Miranda Blackburn, Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons)

Check this out! 100% In the subject area of Forensic and Archaeological Science we scored 100% for student satisfaction.***

Accreditation All our undergraduate Forensic Science courses are accredited by either the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences or the Royal Society of Chemistry.

A dedicated crime scene suite. Outdoor crime scenes. The chance to gain hands-on experience in modern laboratories using instruments such as scanning electron microscopy. Our courses give you the opportunity to delve into the exciting world of forensic science. Whose is that second fingerprint? What did the victim have under their fingernails? As a forensic scientist you’ll be applying science to help answer questions of interest to a court of law when considering criminal cases. You’ve got to be a great all-rounder to succeed. That’s why we start you off with a thorough grounding in all the fundamental sciences. We focus on both real-world forensic and industry analytical science. At the end of the course you won’t just know your stuff, employers should know you know it too. The career opportunities are hugely exciting. Reporting Officer, Crime Scene Examiner, Forensic Technician or Toxicology Analyst are just a few of the many roles you could go into, as well as opportunities in niche sectors like forensic anthropology or bloodstain pattern analysis. To make sure you’re career ready, our teaching is all about real life applications. We’ll also give you

100% The UK’s only University where all our permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.*

the chance to get out into the real world so you can gain some invaluable experience as you go. Throughout the course you’ll be encouraged to gain hands on experience in a wide range of experimental techniques and instrumentation. You’ll also have the chance to develop your problem solving skills through things like analysis of crime scenes. In your third year, you can choose to do a work placement, either in the UK or abroad. And with the Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience MSci degree, it’s compulsory. You could find yourself working with a research group or in industry to learn by experience. To give you an idea of just what’s possible, previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Analytical Scientist, Designated Examiner and Research Associate in organisations including BP, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) and Minerva Scientific.** * Permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching; research degrees applies to those on contracts of more than half-time. **LinkedIn. *** National Student Survey 2017.

Graduates employed from these subjects

87– 90%*

Key information: UCAS code: F1F4 Duration: 3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBC** at A Level inc. a min. grade C in Chemistry. DMM at BTEC in Applied Science. Alternatively a BTEC Health and Social Care/ Medicinal Science is acceptable but must be accompanied by an A Level in Chemistry at a min. grade C. 112 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications inc. a min. grade C in Chemistry at A Level. If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0), see page 10.

* Percentage of graduates from these subject areas at Huddersfield who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated). ** The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of your Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.

Chemistry with Forensic Science BSc(Hons)

Perhaps you’ve always wondered what it would be like to get involved in a real crime-scene investigation. Or maybe you’re intrigued by how science can be applied to support the legal system. On this course, accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, you’ll get the chance to see chemistry in action and build a broad range of skills that’ll stand you in good stead for a science-sector career.

Building on the solid foundations you’ll get from your chemistry and forensics modules, we’ll also give you the chance to spend a year in industry or research in Year 3. Not only is a placement year a golden opportunity to put your knowledge into practice, it could also help give that all important boost to your employability when you graduate.

A key part of your time on the Chemistry with Forensic Science BSc(Hons) will be spent getting hands-on experience. We know employers are looking for graduates to hit the ground running when they start work, that’s why we’ve designed the course as much as possible around practical experiments. In our modern labs, you’ll get to grips with a whole range of instruments with the aim of becoming skilled in chemical and forensic analysis. Techniques you could have the chance to try out include spot tests for blood, drugs and firearm residues, identifying glass and paint fragments and examining microscopic hairs and fibres.

Amber Roll graduated from Chemistry with Forensic Science BSc(Hons) in 2016 and is now studying Forensic and Analytical Science MSc at the University of Huddersfield “I always enjoyed the lab sessions where we got hands on experience using techniques and machines that we studied in our lectures. The trip where we got to watch autopsies and visit different areas of the forensic process was a massive highlight of my university experience.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from this course

90%* Key information: UCAS code: F181 Duration: 3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year Entry requirements: BBC** at A Level inc. a min. grade C in Chemistry. DMM at BTEC in Applied Science. Alternatively a BTEC Health and Social Care/ Medicinal Science is acceptable but must be accompanied by an A Level in Chemistry at a min. grade C. 112 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications inc. a min. grade C in Chemistry at A Level. If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0), see page 10. * Percentage of graduates from this course who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated). ** The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of your Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. *** Places are available each year to those who are successful in the application process. If successful you would need to cover the entire costs, including travel and subsistence, of your 48 week placement, which may vary depending on the location and nature of the placement.

Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons)

If you choose to study for a Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons) with us you’ll get the benefit of career-focused teaching and a course that combines forensic science with the complementary area of analytical science, so you can equip yourself with knowledge and skills in the largest area of employment for graduates with chemical sciencerelated degrees. During the course, you’ll be able to focus not only on the theory that could set you up for a wide choice of careers, but also on gaining the practical skills that are so sought-after across a range of industries. You’ll get to grips with a wide spectrum of topics in lectures, problem-based tutorials, lab classes and purpose-built crime-scene facilities. We’ll also support you in getting experience of how things work in the real world of the profession through mock criminal court hearings and organised outdoor crime scenes. And if you’d like to extend your hands-on understanding, you can opt to complete a placement in Year 3. Through our transatlantic placement programme you could have the option to spend this year abroad doing a research project in the forensic science department of an American university.***

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and you’ll be supported by academic staff who are experienced practitioners in forensic science. Career prospects for graduates cover a broad range of fields from Scene Of Crime Officers (SOCO), Forensic Toxicologists and Bloodstain Pattern Analysts, to working in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals or analytical service laboratories and beyond. Wherever you’d like your career to take you, this course is set up to put you on the right path. Graduates from this course have gone on to work for organisations such as BP, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) and Minerva Scientific.† †

LinkedIn.

Accreditation This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Aysha Khatana, Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons), placement with LGC “I really enjoyed venturing out of my comfort zone and exploring different areas of chemistry. I improved my communication skills and I learnt to perform experiments from start to finish like preparing samples or setting up a method on an instrument.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from these subjects

87– 90%* Key information: UCAS code: 68F6 Duration: 4 years inc. placement year

Entry requirements: BBB** at A Level inc. a min. grade B in Chemistry. DDM at BTEC in Applied Science. Alternatively a BTEC Health and Social Care/ Medicinal Science is acceptable but must be accompanied by an A Level in Chemistry at a min. grade B. 120 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications inc. a min. grade B in Chemistry at A Level. If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0), see page 10. * Percentage of graduates from these subjects at Huddersfield who go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15 and 2015/16 aggregated). ** The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of your Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course. *** Places are available each year to those who are successful in the application process. If successful you would need to cover the entire costs, including travel and subsistence, of your 48 week placement, which may vary depending on the location and nature of the placement.

Forensic and Analytical Science MSci

Our Forensic and Analytical Science MSci course offers you the opportunity to get a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of forensic science while developing in-depth knowledge of analytical science – the basis of forensic chemistry. Where this course differs from our BSc(Hons) is that in the third year of the MSci you get one year’s research experience.

No matter what career path you’ve set your sights on, this course is designed to help you develop practical and problem-solving skills you need. In our specialised labs and crime-scene facilities, you’ll be able to get to grips with the tools and processes used in real-life investigations and our simulated scenarios will challenge you to apply your know-how on the spot.

This focused time spent in a university or research institute could be the perfect opportunity for you to put the theory you’ve learned to the test in the real world. It could also help boost your employability and open up all sorts of career opportunities beyond graduation. Through our transatlantic placement programme you could have the option to spend this year abroad doing a research project in the forensic science department of an American university.***

The range of roles in forensic science is vast – from Forensic Pathologists, Forensic Examiners and DNA Analysts to specialists such as Forensic Anthropologists, Bloodstain Pattern and Clothing Damage Analysts. Graduates from courses in the Forensic Science subject area have gone on to work in organisations such as Key Forensic Services Ltd and West Yorkshire Analytical Services.† †

LinkedIn.

Accreditation This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Olivia Smith graduated from Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons) in 2016 and is now an Analyst at Covance Laboratories “My final year project gave me responsibility to run my own investigation into a forensic topic that interested me, which was DNA. The planning and preparation as well as the subsequent thesis write up all provided me with skills and experience that I can now apply to the workplace.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Graduates employed from these subjects

87– 90%* Key information: UCAS code: FF41 Duration: 4 years inc. placement year

Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience MSci

Our Forensic and Analytical Science with Industrial Experience MSci course offers you the opportunity to get a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of forensic science while developing in-depth knowledge of analytical science – the basis of forensic chemistry. Analytical science is also widely used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals and analytical service laboratories, so this course could help open up a whole range of career opportunities to you. Where this course differs from our BSc(Hons) is that in the third year of this MSci you’ll do a placement year in an industry setting. This focused time spent in an industrial laboratory could be the ideal option for you if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd on graduation. Through our transatlantic placement programme you could have the option to spend this year abroad doing a research project in the forensic science department of an American university.***

As well as getting the chance to develop your practical and problemsolving skills while on placement, we’ve designed the course to be as hands-on as possible throughout. In our specialised labs and crimescene facilities, you’ll be able to get to grips with the tools and processes used in real-life investigations and our simulated scenarios will challenge you to apply your know-how on the spot. Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by academics and experienced practitioners in forensic science and the course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates from this course have gone on to work for organisations such as West Yorkshire Police, Unilever and Eurofins.† †

LinkedIn.

Accreditation This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Nguyen Phuong Nguyen, Forensic and Analytical Science MSci, placement with Forensic Medicine Centre, Vietnam “Having had the experience of working on this placement, I have begun to see the level of commitment and responsibility needed when engaging in multi-disciplinary practice. Specifically, when working with the dead and the law; in the care of speaking for the dead and providing the truth for their family.”

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Key information: UCAS code: BCF0 Duration: Full-time (Year 0 of a 4/5 year degree including placement year) Entry requirements: CCE at A Level

Science Extended Degree

leading to a BSc(Hons) degree

MMP at BTEC. This does not need to be in a technical or Science subject. 80 UCAS points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications. As part of the selection process applicants are normally required to complete an aptitude test and interview.

* Progression onto Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons) is also dependent on achieving a minimum pass mark of 60% in the Foundation Maths module. Progression onto Chemical Engineering MEng is also dependent on achieving a minimum pass mark of 60% in the Foundation Maths module, plus an overall pass mark of at least 70%.

If you don’t have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to one of our science based degrees, you can apply to our Science Extended Degree. Getting stuck into the four main disciplines of biology, chemistry, maths and physics, you’ll have the chance to get a grounding in the scientific knowledge you’ll need no matter which route you eventually decide to take. But it’s not just about theory here. Our professional, dedicated and friendly staff are on hand to help reshape the way you learn, challenge you to rethink your own practices and equip you with the skills that will be the foundations for your further studies. Taught through lectures,

tutorials and laboratory practicals in our modern facilities, you’ll get the benefit of the staff’s expertise in both academia and industry. Optional drop-in sessions offer a great opportunity for you to strengthen your knowledge and make sure you’ve got a clear understanding of all the material as you go along. On successful completion of this year (you must pass all six modules), you’ll be able to start the first year of your degree in the subject areas of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,* Forensic Science or Pharmacy.**

** Progression onto Pharmacy MPharm is dependent on meeting stringent performance levels in the Science Extended Degree. You must pass all six modules with an overall pass mark of at least 70%. Plus at least 70% in the Chemistry in Action module and 70% on the maths element of the Foundation Maths module. You must also successfully undertake an interview with the Pharmacy admissions staff.

For detailed course and employability information, including full entry requirements, please visit courses.hud.ac.uk

Meet our staff

The skeleton can tell you so much

Dr Anna Williams Principal Enterprise Fellow in Forensic Science “When I was about seven I wanted to be a detective. I was given a book about detection and immediately started investigating my neighbourhood. Later, I discovered archaeology and anthropology, which is also about gleaning information from few clues. “I grew up in Southern Africa and came back to the UK when I was 16. When I studied archaeology and anthropology at undergraduate level at Oxford University, the part that interested me most was the evolution of humans and what you can tell from bones and fossils - physical anthropology. At that time forensic anthropology was just starting to be recognised in the UK. I then studied for a Master’s degree in this and found that the same sort of techniques could be applied to a criminal context. I learnt how information from the skeleton can tell you about the person’s life and how he or she died.

I really enjoy helping my students learn and begin to understand new concepts in forensic science. “After completing my PhD, I spent two years conducting post-doctoral research and seven years working as a Lecturer in Forensic Anthropology. I joined the University of Huddersfield in 2013 as Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science and am now Principal Enterprise Fellow in Forensic Science. “I really enjoy helping my students learn and begin to understand new concepts, such as how the skeleton can tell you so much, once you know what you’re looking for and how to interpret the features. It’s really rewarding to watch their learning journey and I enjoy the stage where they’re pointing out their findings to me.”

My student journey so far

Miranda Blackburn Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons)

“I live and grew up in West Yorkshire. I was in my teens when I first became interested in crime and how murders were solved. I found out that forensic science covered these areas and was keen to study it, even though science wasn’t my strong point at school. “I chose to study the Forensic and Analytical Science BSc(Hons) course here at Huddersfield for the forensic science element, as this covers the laboratory techniques used in the field of forensic science such as analysis of DNA, fingerprint and footwear analysis and examination of fibres. Plus, the course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and the University is a respectable one and close to home.

I was the first ever student to have a placement year with Yorkshire and the Humber Scientific Support Service.

“My most memorable event so far has been without a doubt my placement year with Yorkshire and the Humber Scientific Support Service. I worked in the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) department where I investigated real-life crime scenes and witnessed post-mortems. I also worked on a finger printing project looking at developing a new technique. It was a great opportunity for me to gain a real insight into the everyday lives of the crime scene investigators and forensic staff, and acquire relevant skills and experience. “I’d like to graduate with a first class honours degree and get a job in a forensic science department or scientific support unit, where I can work my way up through a variety of roles in forensic science. What’s surprised me most about coming to this University has been the level of support and recognition I’ve received through a number of awards, which is really motivational and makes me want to do better and achieve higher.”

To hear Miranda talk about her student journey visit hud.ac/profiles

We hope you’ve found all the information you need to inspire you to become a student here at Huddersfield. Now all you need to do is apply.

Apply to us UCAS If this is your first (undergraduate) degree and you want to study a full-time course, then you’ll apply via UCAS at ucas.com If you’re at a college or school right now, it’s probably already registered with UCAS. The best thing to do is ask your teacher or careers adviser to help with your application. Once you’ve applied we’ll keep in touch with you throughout the application process, so you’re up to speed with what’s going on.

When to apply If you want to start your course in September 2019, you can apply to UCAS any time from 1 September 2018 onwards. Please make sure UCAS receives your application by 15 January 2019. Course codes The UCAS website gives you codes for all courses but you’ll also find these with the course details in this brochure. Make sure you enter the right code on your application form. The institution code for Huddersfield is HUDDS H60.

Contact us Got a question? Get in touch with us. Tel. +44 (0)1484 473867 Email. forensics@hud.ac.uk @hudsas huddersfieldscience

Important Information This brochure is provided for information only and will not form part of your student contract. For full, up to date details on our courses, including when and how that information may change, visit our website at www.courses.hud.ac.uk

Open Days Everything starts now

2018

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