If you are fascinated with human biology and the scientific investigation of crime, our degree will enable you to learn all about human physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology/genetics, microbiology and the various disciplines within Forensic science.

You’ll be based in our new Alison Gingell Building Building, which provides an outstanding learning and research environment, which features a video-linked ‘crime scene’ house, outstanding analytical laboratory facilities and the largest Class II containment teaching laboratory in Europe, specifically designed to accommodate microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry and forensic science.

You’ll be taught by our experienced staff, many of whom bring professional or research expertise to their teaching. Mr Dan Matthews was an Operational Forensic Scientist and expert witness for many years with Key Forensics Services Ltd. His work spans many fields including particulates, fire debris and accelerants, body fluids and DNA. He has been commended by the Metropolitan Police for his work on high profile cases.

Coventry has an excellent reputation for evidence-based scientific research; our faculty possess expertise and have published in biochemistry, cell biology, genomic and molecular biology, microbiology, pharmacology and physiology. In your final year, you have the opportunity to collaborate on a research project, which in the past has led to students winning prizes at the Forensic Institute Research Network (FIRN) Midlands regional conference, attend the International Forensic Research and Teaching (FORREST) conference and publish articles in academic journals.

Throughout your studies, you will find that the course is underpinned with practical experience. Laboratory sessions will help to develop the practical skills needed for a career in a variety of biology and forensic roles. You will learn key experimental techniques and develop essential experimental, data handling, reporting and broader scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics.

You’ll have the opportunity to apply to undertake short and long-term placements. Previously students have worked on revolutionary technologies for Cambridge Scientific Solutions, such as the removal of biofilm formations which foul beer lines in pubs, or the formulation of drug products for transdermal patch applications for Nemaura Pharmaceuticals.

In your final year, we tackle a simulated investigation to solve a ‘real-world’ problem, which involves the production of an expert witness statement and culminates in the presentation of evidence in a mock courtroom scenario.

**Key Course Benefits**
* Free student membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Science for final year students.

* Former guest speakers have included: Derek Forrest OBE, Interpol’s lead on Disaster Victim Identification; a former student now working as a DNA analyst and a forensic scientist with many years’ experience of presenting evidence in court.

* Hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory technique techniques such as gene amplification.

* Support applying for short and long-term placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire.

* Based in new £37 million state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building Building provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring largest Class II containment teaching lab in Europe; state-of-the-art analytical chemistry laboratory; video linked ‘crime-scene’ house.

* Many of our staff professionally recognised as accredited Biomedical Scientists by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

* Strong network of professional agencies and potential employers and excellent research links with Key Forensic Services Ltd and LGC Forensics Ltd.