Forensic Science (with Foundation Year) (Hons) Teesside University

Overview

Forensic science has an important role to play in modern society and can lead to an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career. The Forensic Science (with Foundation Year) (Hons) course  delivered at Teesside University reflects the skills required by the modern forensic and graduate scientist.

Key Facts

In addition to extensive skills development in the practice of current methods of scientific forensic analysis, grounding is also given in the investigative processes from recovering evidence through to presenting it in court. 

Taking criminal investigation as an example, fragments of glass, paint fragments, fibres, footwear marks or DNA extracted from body fluids can help provide evidence to link individuals with each other or with the scene of a crime. 

The challenge is deciding which samples to examine and how to obtain the best evidential value by analysing and interpreting them. In addition to learning the vital skills relevant to a forensic scientist, the course ensures that you can develop your understanding of key underpinning knowledge of subjects such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, toxicology and analytical chemistry.

Career opportunities

You gain broad scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many career opportunities.

Typical careers include:

• Forensic laboratory officer – recover, analyse and preserve critical forensic evidence to support complex investigations.

• Forensic examiner – take responsibility for the detailed examination and analysis of a range of exhibits, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of findings.

• DNA analyst – interpret and analyse DNA profiling results, supporting ongoing investigations.

• Fingerprint officer – process crime scene submissions, assess the quality of recovered fingerprints to determine suitability for identifying individuals and handle technical and legislative aspects, ensuring compliance with policies.

• Forensic firearms scientist – support the examination of firearms and ammunition and their handling and storage, ensuring compliance with standards.

• Forensic submissions coordinator – help provide vital evidence to support or refute allegations and clarify the facts around criminal events, and maximise resources to support the process.

• Scientific research – generate and contribute knowledge and innovation through writing research proposals to secure funding, executing experimental work and presenting its findings and developing new products or making and applying new discoveries.

• Laboratory scientist – prepare samples, conduct analytical tests and experiments, maintain lab equipment and record and analyse data for roles in research, development, quality control or production across fields like biotechnology or pharmaceutics.

• Management and senior administration – oversee the operations of facilities, ensuring quality, managing budgets, coordinating staff and implementing policies.