BSc (Hons) Forensic Science Bachelor's degree at Wrexham University

Strong laboratory skills are essential in forensic science. This module introduces you to key techniques in chemical and biological analysis, focusing on safe laboratory practices, contamination avoidance, and quality control. You will learn how to use laboratory equipment, perform qualitative and quantitative tests, and record experimental data accurately. Practical sessions will develop your ability to analyse chemical compounds, identify unknown substances, and extract DNA. Through laboratory

Biological evidence plays a crucial role in forensic investigations. This module explores cell structure, biochemical reactions, and genetic analysis, focusing on forensic applications. You will study DNA structure, gene expression, and biochemical techniques used in forensic science, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and protein assays. Practical sessions will help you develop skills in microscopy, DNA extraction, and molecular analysis. You will also learn how biological evidence is preserved,

Chemistry is a key component of forensic science, helping to identify and analyse chemical substances found at crime scenes. This module covers fundamental chemistry principles, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, and quantitative analysis. You will explore organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry while learning how forensic scientists apply these concepts to toxicology, drug identification, and materials analysis. Hands-on practical sessions will help you develop essent

Forensic science relies on accurate data interpretation and statistical analysis. This module introduces you to mathematical concepts, probability, and statistical methods used in forensic investigations. You will learn how to analyse forensic data, interpret graphs, calculate probabilities, and conduct statistical tests. The module also covers scientific notation, algebra, and regression analysis, giving you the skills to handle numerical forensic evidence effectively. Practical exercises will

Crime scenes are the starting point of forensic investigations, and this module teaches you how to locate, collect, and document physical evidence. You will gain hands-on experience in crime scene processing, forensic photography, evidence recovery, and contamination prevention. Practical sessions will introduce you to fingerprint collection, trace evidence recovery, and footwear impression analysis. You will also learn how to document crime scenes using sketches, notes, and digital records, ens

Understanding the criminal justice system is essential for forensic scientists. This module explores legal frameworks, police procedures, and the role of forensic evidence in court. You will study the structure of the legal system, courtroom procedures, and suspect management, learning how forensic evidence is used to support criminal investigations. The module also covers arrest and detention laws, suspect rights, and evidence admissibility. You will analyse case studies to understand how foren

Handling forensic evidence correctly is crucial to any investigation. In this module, you will learn how to preserve, analyse, and record forensic evidence while following strict quality management procedures. You will explore industry standards such as ISO 17025, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory techniques used to recover, test, and document biological, chemical, and physical trace evidence. The module also covers chain of custody procedures, contamination avoidance, and forensic docum

Forensic ecology examines how environmental evidence, such as soil, pollen, and insects, can assist in criminal investigations. You will learn how to identify and analyse ecological evidence, linking it to crime scenes or timelines of events. This module introduces forensic botany, entomology, and limnology, with practical exercises in evidence collection, analysis, and interpretation. You will also follow a simulated case from crime scene to court, developing skills in forensic reporting and ec

Understanding human anatomy and pathology is essential for forensic investigations. This module introduces key anatomical structures, types of injuries, and post-mortem examination techniques. You will explore different causes and manners of death, such as homicide, accidental death, and suicide, learning how forensic pathologists determine trauma patterns and time of death. Practical sessions will focus on identifying injuries, tissue examination, and forensic photography.

Chemical analysis is fundamental to forensic investigations. This module introduces chromatographic, spectroscopic, and electrophoretic techniques used to analyse trace materials such as drugs, explosives, and fibres. You will explore how analytical methods are applied in arson investigations, toxicology, and controlled substance identification. Through practical workshops, you will develop quantitative analysis and data interpretation skills, preparing you for forensic laboratory work.

This module prepares you for your final-year research project by developing essential academic and scientific research skills. You will learn how to formulate research questions, design experiments, collect and analyse data, and apply ethical considerations. The module also introduces risk assessment, project management, and research proposal writing, ensuring you are equipped to carry out independent forensic research.

Taphonomy is the study of how human remains decompose in different environments. You will explore decomposition processes, preservation conditions, and post-mortem interval estimation. Using Wales' only decomposition research facility, you will conduct hands-on analysis of decomposition patterns, burial environments, and scavenger activity. The module also covers forensic dating techniques and ethical considerations in human decomposition research.

In this independent research module, you will apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout your degree to investigate a forensic science topic of your choice. You will develop a research question or hypothesis, design and conduct experiments, and critically evaluate data. This module also includes statistical analysis, literature review, and academic writing. You will present your findings in a dissertation and an academic poster, preparing you for future research or professional forensic ro

This module explores the chemistry, classification, and analysis of drugs and poisons in forensic and bioscience contexts. You will examine how drugs are administered, metabolised, and detected in biological samples, using toxicological screening techniques. You will also critically assess sampling methods, forensic case studies, and the role of toxicologists in legal investigations. Practical exercises will include chemical and biological analysis of controlled substances.

Using real and historical forensic cases, you will analyse the reliability and validity of forensic evidence. This module focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving, examining how forensic techniques have evolved and their impact on criminal justice. You will review major incidents such as murder, terrorism, and mass fatalities, exploring forensic breakthroughs and challenges like the CSI effect and miscarriages of justice.

Assessment: Assessments include a podcast-style case analysis and an annotated bibliography

This module introduces techniques for locating, excavating, and analysing human remains and buried evidence. You will learn about forensic excavation, stratigraphy, geophysics, and surveying methods. Ethical considerations and legal frameworks in mass grave recovery and human rights investigations will also be explored. Practical sessions will involve crime scene searches and simulated forensic digs, preparing you for real-world forensic recovery work.

In this module, you will gain practical experience in forensic testimony. You will learn about expert witness responsibilities, admissibility of evidence, and forensic regulations. You will write an expert witness report and defend your findings in a mock courtroom cross-examination. The module also covers Bayesian statistics, forensic report writing, and Welsh language requirements in legal proceedings.