University of Bradford:
Undergraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Life Sciences
Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences
Programme titles:
Forensic Science
Forensic Science with Industrial Placement
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final and interim awards:
BSc (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualification Level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education [ Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications Level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education [ Framework for
Higher Education Qualifications Level 4]
Programme titles:
Forensic Science
Forensic Science with Industrial Placement
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Duration:
B.Sc. (3 yr, full-time and 4 yr, sandwich)
UCAS code:
3 yr BSc [F410 BSc/FSc]; 4 yr BSc [F411
BSc/FSc4]
Subject benchmark
statement:
Chemistry (2007)
FHEQ Levels
4, 5 and 6
Date produced:
Original – March 2003
Last updated :
January 2014
Introduction
The Division of Chemical and Forensic Sciences in the School of Life Sciences is a
UK pioneer in the development of education and training in the forensic sciences in
undergraduate programmes. Our programmes have acquired a strong national and
international reputation and they derive benefit from the successes of contributing
departments including the Department of Archaeological Sciences.
Forensic investigation draws on virtually every branch of science including all the
discipline of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, and those derived from
them, such as medicine, computing, engineering and archaeology. The discipline
also encompasses subjects which are better defined within the humanities and arts
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including for example psychology, ethics and law, and a great many vocational
subjects such as profiling, photography, nursing and reconstruction. By far the
greatest requirement of the professional forensic and police scientific sectors in
addressing crimes against property (volume crime) are skills in the chemical
sciences and crimes against a person (serious crime) are skills in the biosciences.
The Bradford programme in Forensic Science has been designed to deliver
education and training in the essential core chemistry and forensic sciences to meet
these requirements, especially the former, to integrate forensic investigation within
each year of the programme, to deliver a wide range of transferable skills, many of
which are embedded within the scientific programme as well as being acquired
through modules in professional development, and to provide you with opportunities
and focus on topics of particular interest in your final year of study. Degrees based
on the chemical sciences prepare graduates for a wide range of careers including
those in the professional chemical and forensic sectors because of their broad basis
and application.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A1
provide you with a comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding
of aspects of Chemistry and Forensic Investigation and Interpretation, and
enable you to apply these to forensic examination and analysis;
A2
provide you with a supportive and structured environment in which you are
encouraged to develop the independent study skills required for lifelong
learning;
A3
develop your abilities for both team-working and autonomous learning,
through directed study, through dissertative and practical forensic
investigation and project work, and prepare you for life-long learning;
A4
provide you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate critical thinking
and interpretative skills through independent investigation of a forensic topic
and the underlying sciences;
A5
enable you to develop skills in a range of analytical techniques essential in
chemical and forensic investigation;
A6
provide you with the opportunity to enhance your learning and professional
and scientific skills by applying your knowledge and understanding in
employment through a sandwich placement year;
A7
provide you with opportunities to develop a wide range of transferable skills of
value in chemical and non-chemical employment, and to prepare you for
careers to meet the needs of the professional forensic and police sector
employers;
A8
provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to proceed to further
studies in specialised areas of forensic investigation or multi-disciplinary areas
involving the chemical sciences, and to provide you with the opportunity to
study at Masters level (FHEQ level 7).
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Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the BSc programme you should be able to:
LO1
Integrate and appraise, the core concepts and principles of Chemistry
(including Organic, Analytical and Physical Chemistry), and Forensic
Investigation and Interpretation (including Crime Scene Examination,
Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence and Interpretation and
Presentation of Forensic Evidence) and apply them to forensic examination
and analysis
LO2
Adopt effective time-management, organisational, and interpersonal skills
relating to the ability to interact with other people, and to engage in team
working
LO3
Identify and assess errors and their sources, and formulate strategies to
minimise them in practical investigation
LO4
Critically evaluate, manipulate and interpret qualitative and quantitative
scientific data, quantify experimental uncertainty and explain its effects
LO5
Plan, coordinate and carry out forensic search, recovery, comparison,
analysis and interpretation with due regard to the issues of contamination,
health and safety, continuity, quality assurance and professional practices and
procedures, and to explain the scientific principles underpinning forensic
investigation to a lay audience
LO6
Carry out appropriate statistical evaluation and interpretation of data; critically
analyse scientific data and interpret context-based information
LO7
Analyse new data and situations using a range of techniques appropriate to
the subject
LO8
Take responsibility for and criticise your own work
LO9
Plan and undertake independent practical investigation of an unfamiliar nature
with due regard to personal, and laboratory safety in handling toxic,
carcinogenic and bio-hazardous materials, in maintaining integrity of sample
and in addressing issues of contamination and quality assurance; design and
implement research strategies for practical biomedical and/or forensic
investigation and analysis
LO10 Present scientific information and sustain arguments clearly and correctly, in
writing and orally, to a range of audiences
LO11 Present and defend expert testimony, in writing through expert witness
statements and orally in evidence-in-chief and under cross-examination
LO12 Critically review forensic casework or techniques both through dissertative
and practical study
LO13 Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of scientific and forensic
evidence, using it to support conclusions/recommendations, and review the
reliability, validity and significance of evidence
LO14 Identify and define complex problems and apply appropriate knowledge and
skills to their solution
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LO15 Integrate data and concepts for a given purpose and formulate solutions to
problems, which recognise the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
LO16 Apply numerical and computational skills to the investigation and solution of
familiar and unfamiliar problems
LO17 Optionally, apply anthropological principles to forensic investigation
LO18 Depending on the optional units studied, appraise, evaluate and where
appropriate demonstrate advanced skills in specialised areas of Chemistry,
Forensic Science and Law
On successful completion of the placement you should be able to:
LO19 Apply your knowledge and skills in the work environment
LO20 Develop new knowledge and skills in relevant areas of work
LO21 Communicate results and techniques both in reports and orally to laboratory
and senior managers
LO22 Demonstrate effective time-management skills and motivation in working to
deadlines both independently and with others
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Curriculum
Code
Module Title
L
S
C
Hons
Ord
Stage 1
CT-1003D
Fundamentals of Chemical Bonding, Structure & Reactivity
4
1
20
core
core
CT-1005D
4
1
20
core
core
CT-6006L
Laboratory
Reactivity Practice and Professional Skills 1
Matter & Energy
4
1+2
20
core
core
CT-1009L
Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation
4
1+2
20
core
core
CT-6005M Functional Groups and Transformation
4
2
10
core
core
CT-6008T
4
2
30
core
core
Experimental Applications: Characterisation
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Level 4 and have achieved learning outcomes
1-2 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.
Stage 2
CT-3014M Synthesis and Design
5
1
10
core
option
CT-2019D
Laboratory Practice and Professional Skills 3
5
1
20
core
core
CT-2015L
Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical evidence
5
1+2
20
core
core
MAN1051L English Legal Systems 1 and 2
4
1+2
20
core
option
CT-3015L
Supramolecular Chemistry and Modern Materials
5
1+2
20
core
option
CT-2020D
Laboratory Skills and Professional Practice 4
5
2
20
core
core
CT-6007M Toxicology
5
2
10
option option
CT-2018M States of Matter
5
2
10
option option
Placement
CT7001P
Industrial Placement
Elective Electiv
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 and 5 and have achieved learning e
outcomes 1-8 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.
Stage 3
CT-3506T
Experimental Applications: Strategies in Synthetic
Chemistry*
Experimental Applications: Chemical Computation and
Prediction*
option A Option A
A
option A option
A
A
6
1
30
6
1
30
CT-3028M Advanced Analytical Spectroscopy
6
1
10
CT-3011M Organometallic Chemistry
6
1
10
option option
AR-5304M Forensic Anthropology
6
1
10
option option
AR-3505M Biometrics and Human Identification
6
1
10
option option
CT-3507T
core
option
CT-3039L
Interpretation and Presentation of Forensic Evidence
for Forensic Science
6
1+2
20
CT-3041L
Analysis of Controlled Substances
6
1+2
20
CT-3504T
Research Project
6
2
30
CT-3007M Biological Organic Chemistry
6
2
10
option option
AR-8135M Introduction to Forensic Taphonomy
6
2
10
option option
AR-6108M Introduction to the Chemistry of Human Remains
6
2
10
option option
LIF4002M
Elemental Analysis
7
2
10
option option
LIF4006M
Mass Spectrometry
7
2
10
option option
LIF4001M
Electron Microscopy
7
2
10
option option
LIF4010M
Thermal Analysis
7
2
10
option option
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core
core
option option
core
core
5
Student can choose only 20 level 7 credits in Stage 3
* Students may only choose one option A
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 to 6 and have achieved
learning outcomes 1-18 are eligible for the award of BSc (Hons) Forensic Science.
Students who have achieved the regulatory credit points at Levels 4 to 6, have undertaken
placement study and have achieved learning outcomes 1-22 are eligible for the award of
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science with Industrial Placement.
Students who have not met the credit requirements for an Honours degree but have
achieved the regulatory credit requirements for the award of an Ordinary degree and have
met learning outcomes 1-18 (or 1-22 for the degree with Industrial Placement study) as
above are eligible for the award of an Ordinary degree in Forensic Science
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and
review procedures.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
As you progress through the programme you will be exposed to a variety of teaching
methods designed to develop the learning outcomes and to cater for different
preferences for learning.
Acquisition of learning outcomes LO1, 3-6, 9-12 and 17-18 is through lectures,
practical laboratory enquiry, coursework, case reports, workshops, small-group
tutorials and directed private study. Directed private study will involve you in a
variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks and
specified source literature, directed Web-based materials, report writing and other
assignments. In addition individual project/dissertation work will help you develop
learning outcomes LO5 and LO9. The acquisition of outcomes LO7 and 13-15 will
be primarily through laboratory work, coursework assignments, workshops and
individual project/dissertation work.
Key skills are embedded throughout the curriculum with most modules developing at
least one of the skills specified in learning outcomes LO2, 8 and 16.
A range of methods of assessment is used, appropriate for assessing the learning
outcomes and to cater for different preferences.
Subject knowledge and
understanding is assessed through a combination of written examinations including
the use of constructed-response questions requiring for example essays and short
answers, answers to numerical questions, and selected-response questions
including multiple-choice type.
Coursework reports, case-analysis, case
presentations, and project/dissertation work are also used to assess your subject
knowledge and understanding but together with problem-solving exercises are also
used to assess core academic skills.
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Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are
available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact
the programme leader before you apply.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 260
UCAS points (equivalent to BBC) with at least 100 points in Chemistry. However,
applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on
entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic
qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form
you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity
to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss “the Bradford experience” with current
students.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available
on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University
email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.
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Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
Each student in the Division is allocated to a personal tutor, but in practice all
members of staff operate an open door policy, so there will always be someone to
talk to about academic matters or personal issues. The Division also provides
additional support through 1) year tutors who will guide you on your choice of module
options for final year studies, 2) a placements tutor who will guide you in choosing an
appropriate placement and coordinate your activities whilst away from the university
and 3) the student-staff liaison committee through which students have a direct voice
to influence academic and wider issues.
Support in the Division is enhanced by a strong university infrastructure, including
the Disabilities Office and the Careers Service, Counsellors in the Students’ Union,
and by 24-hour access to university computing and library facilities.
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services
(based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues
such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students
can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within
the curriculum.
Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their
commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
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mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship
programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of
their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal
Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service.
All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early
stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web
site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find
out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
The specific provision on this programme is through the professional skills
embedded in the practical modules, with particular focus on CV writing, skills
profiling and interview skills.
Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice
For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time
at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree
discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to
help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can
discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether
these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact
the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Learning and Teaching
Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an
integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our
degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and
engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop
in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on
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developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative,
real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning
technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement,
but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing
level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you
developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life
beyond university.
Ecoversity:
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Sustainable development presents major challenges to society which need to be
embraced by the School of Life Sciences. The University is committed to providing
education for sustainable development within all its programmes.
In line with this the School of Life Sciences seeks to provide opportunities for
students and staff to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for
sustainable development practices.
The School will ensure that curricula reflect the integration of practice through
personal and social understanding of responsible and ethical behaviour (attitudes
and values) aligned with that of ‘responsible science’ and where appropriate
‘responsible professionalism’. This will be achieved through
evidence based
approaches.
In line with the Institutional ethos of ESD, the School will also provide opportunities
for dialogue and sharing of information about successes. Where appropriate areas
for development will be identified and shared. Core to this is the recognition of
accountability for the responsible use of sound science, the sustainable use of
resource and the achievement of social justice.
The principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility are embedded into
the chemistry curriculum at Bradford in order to equip graduates for future practise in
the chemical sciences. The principles of green chemistry are embedded in the
practical modules and student will apply a metric to assess the environmental impact
of practicals.
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
The Admissions Office
School of Life Sciences
The University of Bradford
© University of Bradford
10
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
Richmond Building
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 235692
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/lifesci/index.php
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
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