Biological and Forensic Sciences (with foundation year)

UCAS code: CFDF

Here's what Coventry University says about its Biological and Forensic Sciences (with foundation year) course.

Combine the rich and diverse study of biology and the living world with the forensic challenge of using scientific analysis to explain or solve legal cases.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus.

Foundation Year This year offers an introduction to the subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore key skills such as research methods, scientific fundamentals and promotion techniques.

Degree Embark on a journey of scientific discovery and stand out from the crowd with a combination of skills in biology and forensic science.

• Gain practical experience in DNA profiling, blood spatter analysis, fingerprinting and more, while developing your skills in bioinformatics and data analysis.

• Explore diverse topics from molecular biology to anthropology, with the opportunity to explore and develop your own specialism in a final year research project.

• Equip yourself with a broad perspective that employers value—develop expertise in a versatile skillset applicable to careers from laboratory-based research to crime scene investigation.

Why you should study this course Foundation Year Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study. Provides a grounding in key areas of biosciences.

Degree

• Biology meets forensic science: combine the latest advanced biological science with practical forensic techniques, gaining a unique combination of skills that sets you apart in the job market.

• Real world learning: from mock crime scene investigations to simulated courtroom presentations, actively participate in hands-on laboratory sessions, mastering essential techniques and analysing biological evidence.

• Industry-relevant facilities: explore realistic crime scene simulation both indoors in our purpose-built houses and outdoors.

• Develop your search-and-recovery skills in our decomposition facility, analyse DNA in our super-lab and practice your courtroom presentation techniques in our mock courtroom.

• Hone key transferable skills: develop your critical thinking, teamwork, communication and professionalism.

• Diverse career paths await: prepare for a wide range of careers from traditional forensic roles to opportunities in biological research and industry, scientific writing, teaching and more.

Our award-winning Green Superlab

• With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Foundation Year Modules

• Introduction to Health and Disease
• Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Cell Biology
• Foundation of Chemistry

Year One This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

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.

Year One Modules

• Introduction to Biomolecules and Biochemistry
• Cells to Systems
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Foundation of Forensic Science

Year Two In your second year, 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.

Year Two Modules

• The Gut Brain Axis: Microbes, Mood and Mind
• Human Genetic Diversity
• Crime Scene Examination
• Digital Forensic Science

Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial.

Final Year The final study year will build on your 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. 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.

Final Year Modules

• Crime Scene to Courtroom
• Research Project
• Cancer Genomics and Personalised Therapy
• Forensic Futures - Contemporary and Global Issues

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.

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

• practical class and project performance
• written practical reports
• project thesis
• oral presentations
• tutorial tasks.

This course is assessed using methods that vary by module. Assessment methods may include:

• tests
• essays
• group work
• presentations
• reports
• projects
• coursework
• individual assignments
• laboratory competency tests
• portfolios
• mock court room
• oral testimony
• posters
• critical reviews
• reflections
• case study-based approaches with scenarios based on real world issues.

The 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.