ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY COURSE DETAILS

BSc/BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

* Conditions may apply

• UCAS Code: F410
• No. Places: 30
• Duration: 4 Years
• Study Options: FT (Part time study over a longer period is also available)

• School: School of Pharmacy&Life Sciences
• Site: ST ANDREWS STREET
• Contact: RGU Student Admissions (Tel: 01224 262728)

• Course Structure:
  

  Forensic Scientists use their scientific skills and experience to find the evidence that will assist in the investigative phase of a police enquiry and that will stand up in a court of law. There are two courses in the Forensic Science Programme at RGU, each with the same entry requirements.

  The courses have been developed in close consultation with practising Police Forensic Scientists, ensuring that they are in line with current practice. The courses consist of a variety of core topics including chemistry, analytical science, biology and law, which lead to detailed application in the following areas: scene of crime examination, recovery of evidence, analysis of trace evidence including hair, paint, fibres and glass, substances of abuse, forensic toxicology, questioned documents, DNA profiling, criminal law and evidence, criminology, forensic biology, firearms, arson and explosions.

  An important feature of the courses is the emphasis on practical experience, particularly laboratory work and crime scene investigation. You will benefit from well-equipped laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments and equipment including a dedicated Forensic Examination Suite containing specialist microscopes, a large Forensic Analysis Laboratory, a DNA Profiling Facility and a Courtroom where students practice their expert witness skills.

  Forensic Science is the main course for students wishing to follow a career in the field of forensic science. It contains a large amount of practical work in the areas of crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and the investigative process. Optional modules in general chemistry are available for students wishing to broaden their career options in the area of the chemical sciences, including teaching. The course places particular emphasis on innovative problem solving to further enhance career prospects.   

• Placement:
  

  Students may undertake an optional paid 12 month placement in a scientific laboratory after year 3. Unpaid summer placements in forensic laboratories are sometimes available.

• Career Opportunities:
  

  The Forensic Science course is designed primarily for those students wishing to pursue a career in a Forensic Science Laboratory or as a Scene of Crime Officer. The course covers in-depth aspects of analytical science and biotechnology for which employment prospects are consistently good. Career opportunities for graduates include Scottish Police Forensic Science Laboratories, the Forensic Science Service,
  forensic consultancy, police graduate entry, customs and excise, fire investigation, laboratory analysis, health and safety, postgraduate study
  in chemistry (including teaching), postgraduate study in specialist forensic
  disciplines, and research degrees.      

  Alternatively, upon graduation, some students opt for careers in industry (including pharmaceutical, oil and biotechnology) for which employment prospects are particularly good.         

• Other Info:
  

  For more about the course go to: Forensic Science

  International students can find out more about RGU at www.rgu.ac.uk/international

  For more about student finance, go to: Student Finance