FORENSIC SCIENCE. Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes. 1st for Forensic Science in the UK. School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

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1 FORENSIC SCIENCE Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes School of Chemical and Physical Sciences st for Forensic Science in the UK It s the Keele Difference.

2 TOP 4% 2 FORENSIC SCIENCE of the world s universities Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Contents Welcome 3 Why Study Forensic Science at Keele? 6 Degree Programmes 9 Degree Content 10 BSc Forensic Science (Single Honours) 10 MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation 12 CSFS Accreditation 13 BSc Forensic Science and Criminology (Single Honours) 14 BSc Combined Honours (Forensic Science and another subject) 16 What is it like to study forensic science at Keele? 18 Teaching and Support 19 Careers 20 MSc Analytical Science for Industry 21 What some of our graduates say 22

3 FORENSIC SCIENCE 3 Welcome Welcome to Forensic Science at Keele University. This brochure is intended to tell you more about the undergraduate degree programmes we offer and what it is like to study Forensic Science at Keele. But don t just take our word for it. Find out also what some of our graduates feel about their Keele experience, read what career choices they have made and how their Forensic Science degree from Keele has prepared them for life after university. Forensic Science is often defined as the application of science to the work of the courts of law. In many people s minds this leads to a focus on crime scene investigation which, though a very important part of the forensic process, does not fully provide a true picture of what the forensic scientist actually does and what knowledge and skills you need to be a professional forensic scientist. The forensic discipline embraces a wide range of scientific topics, many of which are based on analytical science the science of measurement, characterising materials, usually at the molecular level, and determining what is in a sample and how much of various components are there. Such scientific investigations are applied to physical evidence - that is materials found at crime scenes or associated with potentially illegal activities; examples include explosives residues, drugs, inks, glass fragments, fire accelerants, paints, fibres and hairs. In practice this means using microscopy, chromatography, spectroscopy and related specialist techniques which are also fundamental to some laboratory work in chemistry, biology and geology, to examine forensic materials. Forensic science also includes the science of pattern matching as applied to fingerprints, shoe-marks, tool-marks and tyre-marks as well as a range of other specialist areas of study which are relevant to forensic investigation such as pathology, anthropology, blood-spatter analysis, ballistics, geosciences and digital sciences. So what makes forensic science distinctive and why is a degree in forensic science different to studying other sciences? Firstly, forensic science is a broadly-based discipline incorporating many aspects of the core sciences so if you enjoy working across several areas of science then forensic science may be for you. Secondly, it is problem-based where the problem is explaining the physical evidence, and so the scientist has to be able to devise and apply methods of experimental investigation and analysis appropriate to each individual situation. Thirdly, the forensic scientist needs to understand the context of the case in order to properly interpret the experimental results and communicate their meaning to the court. This also implies that the forensic scientist must be able to explain their scientific work in a clear and understandable way to non-scientists such as those working in the court. These generic attributes of the forensic scientist are also strongly relevant to the analytical scientist working in business and industry where the problems relate to commercial products, their development, production and quality control; for example, in the environmental, pharmaceutical or chemical products sectors. For this reason studying a forensic science degree with a strong emphasis on analytical science will prepare you well for a wide range of science-based careers outside of the forensic business sector, as well as within it. Dr David Thompson Programme Director, Forensic Science

4 4 FORENSIC SCIENCE WHY EELE? The Forensic Science programme key features 1ST for Forensic Science in the UK 2018 AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPLIED SCIENCE COURSE with a strong emphasis on analytical science and skills development EXTENSIVE AND WIDE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 93% student satisfaction with course National Student Survey 2016

5 FORENSIC SCIENCE 5 FLEXIBILITY TO CHOOSE Single Honours, Combined Honours or Major in Forensic Science for year 3 STUDY FOR A 4 YEAR INTEGRATED MASTERS in Forensic and Analytical Investigation ACCREDITED BY THE CHARTERED SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCES OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY ABROAD for one semester or one year

6 6 FORENSIC SCIENCE Why Study Forensic Science at Keele? Forensic science is the application of science within a legal context and forensic scientists are key to the criminal justice system in investigating and helping to prosecute crimes.

7 FORENSIC SCIENCE 7 1ST FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE COMPLETE UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2018 The Forensic Science degree programmes at Keele are designed to provide you with an outstanding understanding of forensic science whilst exposing you to a range of facilities and techniques you will find in a typical forensic laboratory. We provide a friendly teaching environment that allows you to develop your knowledge and skills under the guidance of forensic academics and practitioners. We provide a range of Forensic Science programmes to suit your interests and career aspirations. You will be taught in our dedicated forensic science laboratory and crime scene facilities. The laboratory contains a range of modern analytical instrumentation that is commonly used in commercial forensic laboratories. This will allow you to gain experience on the type of equipment you will be using in your future careers. Having a crime scene house allows us to provide context to our teaching and gives you experience in a typical environment encountered by a forensic scientist. The teaching environment within the school is very friendly and supportive. All academics in forensic science have an open door policy so you are able to seek help and advice when you need it. You will also be supported by a team of technical staff and demonstrators who are also key sources of help and advice, particularly in the laboratory. You will also be allocated a personal tutor when you arrive at Keele who will monitor your progress throughout your studies and is another source of help and advice. All of this helps explain why we have been voted as the number 1 provider of Forensic Science programmes in the UK for 2018 by the Complete University Guide.

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9 FORENSIC SCIENCE 9 Degree Programmes The Forensic Science degree programmes offered at Keele combine high quality, research-led, teaching with state of the art facilities to provide a solid start to your future career. Our modern laboratory facilities combined with industry standard equipment will help make that transition into industry or further study easier upon graduation. Studying Forensic Science gives you a wide range of career opportunities and as such we offer several different course options to enable you to tailor your studies to your interests or wider career plans. The single honours BSc Forensic Science and the MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation degree programmes allow you to study solely Forensic Science for either 3 or 4 years respectively. Following these routes you will study towards a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSci) qualification. Our combined honours programme allows you to study Forensic Science alongside another subject with the opportunity to focus on one of these subjects in the third year. Below is an overview of the Forensic Science programmes that we offer at Keele, you will find more information on these individual programmes on the subsequent pages of this booklet. BSc Forensic Science (Single Honours) This 3 year undergraduate programme will allow you to gain the full Forensic Science experience. In addition to our core forensic modules you will also study other areas of Forensic Science such as digital forensics and anthropology. Additionally, you will develop your professional skills such as presenting evidence as an expert witness. By studying this programme you will also be eligible to continue on to the MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation. MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation This 4 year integrated masters degree is designed to give you in-depth Forensic Science experience together with developing your skills as an active researcher. You will focus on developing experience with a broad range of analytical techniques related to forensic analysis and further develop your professional skills. In the final year you will spend 50% of your time undertaking an individual research project that will focus on a specific forensic problem. Entry to this programme can be obtained at the point of entry to the university or at year 2 providing you are studying either the single honours or major route in Forensic Science. BSc Forensic Science and Criminology (Single Honours) This 3 year undergraduate programme will allow you to gain a greater understanding of why crimes are committed and how we use science to investigate them. Choosing this route will allow you to gain a firm understanding of Forensic Science and Criminology and to understand how these two disciplines work together to solve crime. By following this degree programme you will be eligible to continue on to the MSci Forensic and Analytical investigation. BSc Combined Honours (Forensic Science and another subject) Keele is the only university to offer Forensic Science in a genuine combined honours combination with all three core sciences and the only university to offer Forensic Science and Physics. This 3 year undergraduate programme allows you to combine Forensic Science with up to 10 other subjects. The combined honours programme also allows you to major in one of your chosen subjects for your final year.

10 10 FORENSIC SCIENCE Degree Content This section gives a brief indication of the content of each of the programmes listed earlier. BSc Forensic Science (Single Honours) Due to the ever changing nature of crime the forensic scientist needs to have a broad understanding of many areas of Forensic Science. Our BSc Forensic Science course is a three-year single honours programme that will provide you with an outstanding grounding in Forensic Science. Year 1 The aim of the first year is to bring all students, from a variety of different backgrounds, to the same level of understanding in core chemistry, practical laboratory skills and to introduce some of the core areas of forensic science. In the autumn semester you will study the two principles modules which will cover the core Chemistry required for the course and provide an introduction to Forensic Science. Alongside these you will also study the Understanding Crime and Cybercrime modules. The former of these will provide a context for crime from different perspectives and highlight different approaches used to measure crime. The Cybercrime module will provide you with an understanding of digital infrastructures, such as the internet, and how these are used to facilitate crime. This module will also introduce the techniques that are used to collect digital evidence. In the spring semester you will study two core forensic modules and there is elective space that gives you some choice in your studies. The two forensic modules in this semester are Forensic Analysis and Forensic Identification. The Forensic Analysis module focuses on the key spectroscopic techniques used by the forensic scientist in the analysis of chemical substances and the basic statistical methods needed for data analysis and interpretation of results. The Forensic Identification module is more biological in nature and includes the study of protein biology, DNA, genetic markers and an introduction into biological sample preparation and analysis. Year 2 In the second year the focus is to develop the core themes within the forensic discipline which are directly relevant to professional practice and related evidence types. In the autumn semester you will expand your understanding of chemical separation techniques and spectroscopic analysis such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in the Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis module. In the Forensic Anthropology module, you will discover how we investigate skeletal remains to determine the identity of an individual and their possible cause of death. You will also learn how we obtain and interpret DNA profiles from biological material in the Forensic Genetics module and how to investigate questioned documents in the Forensic Document Analysis module. In the spring semester you will study the chemistry of illicit drugs and their effect on the body as well as how these are identified in the Drugs of Abuse module. In the Criminalistic Methods module you will investigate marks and impressions left at the crime scene such as blood spatter patterns and fingerprints and how these are analysed and imaged for use as evidence. You will learn how we investigate the changes after death and how insects can be used to determine the possible cause and time of death in the Forensic Taphonomy module and how we can gather evidence from a range of digital devices in the Digital Forensics module. Year 3 In the third year you will study additional core areas of the subject as well as undertaking a year long team research project and an individual dissertation project. This year you will also undertake a crime scene to court project as part of the IEPE module that will allow you to gain experience of the entire forensic process from the collection of evidence at a crime scene to its presentation in court. In addition to this you will also study the pharmacology and toxicology of a range of different drugs and poisons in Forensic Toxicology and the chemistry of combustion applied to explosives and arson in Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson module. These modules are delivered in the autumn semester. In the spring semester you will study how geophysics is used to detect buried remains together with aspects of forensic archaeology in the Forensic Geosciences module. You will also learn how you analyse glass, paints and fibres along with forensic ballistics in the Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis module.

11 FORENSIC SCIENCE 11 Field courses As part of the BSc Forensic Science we aim to expose you to the cutting edge of forensic investigation to give you practical experience that you can take with you into your future career. One way of achieving this is through the use of field courses that are imbedded into the programme. As these are a compulsory part of the course the associated costs of attending are included in the course fees. An example of a field course that we have previously offered is a short human identification course at the Forensic Anthropology Centre at the University of Tennessee USA; this is colloquially known as the Body Farm. During this visit the students received lectures on forensic anthropology, osteology and taphonomy and had the chance to practice their skills using human skeletal remains. We aim to offer this opportunity to all students studying this programme in the future. Modules currently on offer for the BSc Forensic Science (Single Honours) Autumn Semester Spring Semester 1st Year Modules Forensic Science Principles Chemical Science Principles Understanding Crime Cybercrime Forensic Analysis Forensic Identification Two Elective Modules 2nd Year Modules Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis Forensic Genetics Forensic Document Analysis Forensic Anthropology Criminalistic Methods Drugs of Abuse Digital Forensics Forensic Taphonomy 3rd Year Modules Forensic Toxicology Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson Forensic Geoscience Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence (IEPE) Forensic Science Team Project Forensic Science Dissertation Note: Modules shown in bold are also taken by Combined Honours students

12 12 FORENSIC SCIENCE MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation This distinctive integrated masters degree brings together forensic investigation and forensic analysis with analytical investigation by chemical and physical techniques in the broader sense, to provide a coherent study programme of direct relevance to the work of a great many employers in science-based businesses. The MSci degree is structured around three years study of Forensic Science as a single honours programme, followed by an additional year studying solely Forensic Science and Analytical Investigation. The focus in year 4 of the MSci is on developing knowledge and skills in analytical science in the professional and forensic contexts, extending your literature review, research and science communication skills, and acquiring a thorough understanding of the context of crime scene management and investigation, amongst other factors, to the interpretation and evaluation of a wide variety of evidence types. In the autumn semester half your time is devoted to acquiring a detailed theoretical and practical understanding of a wide range of chromatographic, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and their application to the study of crime scene evidence and other materials. Over this final year of the MSci you will also undertake an individual research project within forensic and analytical science in which you will develop confidence in research planning, practical laboratory work, data analysis and reporting, all at a level typical of the professional context. This MSci independent project occupies half the study programme in year 4. Module Structure of the MSci in Forensic and Analytical Investigation in Year 4 Year 4 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Research Skills for Analytical Science Forensic Evidence: At the Crime Scene and in the Court Analytical Science: Principles and Practice MSci Independent Project Jehangir Baig, BSc Forensic Science and Neuroscience Since leaving Keele University, I joined Nottinghamshire Police as a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), I was there for 4 years and more recently joined Gloucestershire Police as Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO). I love my job and thank the Keele degree course for the knowledge base and practical confidence I was given..

13 FORENSIC SCIENCE 13 CSFS Accreditation From 2010, Keele University has been an institution accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (formerly the Forensic Science Society). The Society undertook a whole day visit to the university most recently in March 2017 to assess the courses, facilities and staff base, against the three component standards they regard as essential for the provision of forensic science education at degree level. These are: Crime scene investigation Laboratory analysis Interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence Following this visit, we undergo regular checks by the society to ensure we are worthy of retaining accredited status. The society has commended Keele on the following aspects of its forensic science programmes: Commitment and approachability of the staff and organisation of the programme Extensive and diverse contributions from external professionals Extensive investment in analytical facilities Comprehensive teaching of statistics integrated within the forensic science context Extensive and wide-ranging, final-year research projects Strong forensic context in the teaching and assessment of all modules The crime scene facilities including the CCTV coverage and the ability to undertake vehicle crime scenes The introduction of new Forensic Anthropology content On this basis the Major route in Forensic Science and the MSci Forensic and Analytical Investigation programmes are fully accredited by the CSFS whilst all the Combined Honours routes have recognised degree status from the CSFS. We will be seeking CSFS accreditation for the Single Honours Forensic Science route in 2018/19. The Forensic Science programme at Keele University also complies with the Higher Education Funding Council Subject Benchmark for Forensic Science published in Pages/Subject-benchmark-statementforensic-science.aspx

14 14 FORENSIC SCIENCE BSc Forensic Science and Criminology (Single Honours) This single honours degree programme is designed to develop an understanding of why crimes are committed and how we use science to investigate these. This programme will provide you with a firm understanding of both Forensic Science and Criminology and how they are used together to investigate crime. Year 1 The aim of the first year is to bring all students, from a variety of different backgrounds, to the same level of understanding in core chemistry, practical laboratory skills and to introduce some of the core areas of forensic science. In the autumn semester you will study the two principles modules which will cover the core Chemistry required for the course and provide an introduction to Forensic Science and Criminology. Alongside these you will also study the Understanding Crime and Cybercrime modules. The former of these will provide a context for crime from different perspectives and highlight different approaches used to measure crime. The Cybercrime module will provide you with an understanding of digital infrastructures, such as the internet, and how these are used to facilitate crime. This module will also introduce the techniques that are used to collect digital evidence. In the spring semester you will study two core forensic modules and two core Criminology modules. The two forensic modules in this semester are Forensic Analysis and Forensic Identification. The Forensic Analysis module focuses on the key spectroscopic techniques used by the forensic scientist in the analysis of chemical substances and the basic statistical methods needed for data analysis and interpretation of results. The Forensic Identification module is more biological in nature and includes the study of protein biology, DNA, genetic markers and an introduction into biological sample preparation and analysis. The Criminology modules in this semester are Criminal Justice: Process, Policy and Practice and Investigating Crime. The Criminal Justice module looks at the organisations and individuals who attempt to deliver criminal justice and provides an overview of the various agencies involved in the justice system. Investigating Crime focuses on the development and consequences of modern investigative techniques and how criminal investigations are conducted and managed. Year 2 In the second year the focus is to develop the core themes within the forensic and Criminology disciplines which are directly relevant to professional practice and related evidence types. In the autumn semester you will expand your understanding of chemical separation techniques and spectroscopic analysis such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in the Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis module. You will also learn how we obtain and interpret DNA profiles from biological material in the Forensic Genetics module. From a Criminology perspective you will take look at how globalisation has affected crime and the justice system in the Crime and Justice in a Global Context module and look at the ways mental health issues are classified and dealt within the justice system in the Mental Health and Offending module. In the spring semester you will study the chemistry of illicit drugs and their effect on the body as well as how these are identified in the Drugs of Abuse module. In the Criminalistic Methods module you will investigate marks and impressions left at the crime scene such as blood spatter patterns and fingerprints and how these are analysed and imaged for use as evidence. You will learn about how policing is organised and how the people and institutions involved in policing relate to each other in the Policing and the Police module. In the Research methods in Criminology module you will discover how social science research skills are applied to the study of crime and the Criminal Justice system.

15 FORENSIC SCIENCE 15 Year 3 In the third year you will study additional core areas of the subjects as well as undertaking a yearlong team research project and an individual dissertation project. This year you will also undertake a crime scene to court project as part of the IEPE module that will allow you to gain experience of the entire forensic process from the collection of evidence at a crime scene to its presentation in court. In addition to this you will also have the option to study the pharmacology and toxicology of a range of different drugs and poisons in Forensic Toxicology or studying how geophysics is used to detect buried remains together with aspects of forensic archaeology in the Forensic Geosciences module. The chemistry of combustion, applied to explosives and arson, will be studied in the Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson module along with a Criminology elective module of your choice. Module structure for the BSc Forensic Science and Criminology (Single Honours) Year 1 Year 2 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Chemical Science principles Forensic Analysis Forensic Science Principles Understanding Crime Criminal Justice: Process, Policy, and Practice Cybercrime Investigating Crime Spectroscopy and Advanced Analysis Criminalistic Methods Forensic Genetics Research Methods in Criminology Crime and Justice in a Global Context Mental Health and Offending Year 3 Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson Forensic Identification Drugs of Abuse Policing and the Police Forensic Geoscience (Option) Forensic Toxicology (option) Criminology Elective Forensic Science Team Project Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence (IEPE) Criminal Dissertation External Examiner report The learning environment including laboratory resources and technical support is excellent

16 16 FORENSIC SCIENCE BSc Combined Honours (Forensic Science and another subject) Keele is the only university to offer Forensic Science in a genuine combined honours system. Studying on this programme will allow you to combine your forensic studies with another subject. There are currently up to 10 different subjects that you can choose from. Undertaking this route will mean that you spend 50% of your time studying each subject. You can opt to study both subjects for all 3 years (combined honours) or there is a chance to study both for 2 years and then focus solely on one of these subjects in the third year (major route). These programme routes allow you to personalise your degree studies based on your ultimate career goals. Whichever route you decide to take, all Forensic Science students take the same core modules in the first and second years. Modules generally have a focus on chemical aspects of forensics, on biological aspects or on criminalistic science which includes topics where the evidence and its analysis is often unique to the forensic discipline and not wholly based on biological or chemical methods, for example, fingerprints and other marks and impressions, documents analysis or blood-spatter pattern analysis. Year 1 The aim of the first year, particularly in the autumn semester, is to bring all the students, from a variety of academic backgrounds, up to the same level of understanding across core chemistry, practical laboratory skills and indeed the discipline of forensic science itself. This is achieved through the two Principles modules. In the spring semester one module has a biological basis while the other focuses more on chemical science. Forensic Identification includes study of protein biology, DNA, genetic markers and an introduction to chromatographic separation techniques. In contrast, Forensic Analysis focuses on the key spectroscopic techniques used by the forensic scientist in the analysis of chemical substances and the basic statistical methods needed for data analysis and interpretation of results. Year 2 The focus in the second year is to explore many of the core themes within the forensic discipline which are directly relevant to professional practice where the related evidence types of DNA, marks and impressions, drugs analysis and the use of forensic imaging techniques, are of daily importance. In the autumn semester, you will expand your understanding of chemical separation techniques and the spectroscopic analysis of evidence at the molecular level using methods such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In parallel, the module on Forensic Genetics explores the methods for producing DNA profiles from biological material and explains how these are interpreted to provide strong identification evidence for the court. In the spring semester the focus moves to the study of the chemistry of drugs of abuse, their effects on the human body and how drugs may be identified in the forensic context. You will also study bloodstain patterns, fingerprints and other marks and impressions, and forensic imaging in the module Criminalistic Methods. The Forensic Science modules taken for years 1 and 2 by students undertaking the combined honours route are shown in bold on page 11. The content of the third year will vary depending on whether you are taking a major route in Forensic Science or continuing to study a second subject. The following combined honours programmes are available to students interested in studying another subject alongside Forensic Science Chemistry and Forensic Science Forensic Science and Human Biology Biology and Forensic Science Forensic Science and Psychology Forensic Science and Neuroscience Forensic Science and Law Forensic Science and Physics Computer Science and Forensic Science Forensic Science and Astrophysics Forensic Science and Medicinal Chemistry

17 FORENSIC SCIENCE 17 Year 3 Combined Honours Forensic Science The final year of the combined honours course features study of further core areas of the subject, independent project work within a team context and the opportunity to tailor your study programme by a choice of option module. In Forensic Toxicology you will study aspects of pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology and toxicology and their application to forensic investigations; optional attendance at a post-mortem examination forms part of this module. Combustion chemistry forms the basis for the study of explosives and arson which together with an understanding of how forensic evidence is evaluated in the context of the case and the court, comprise the second module in this semester. At the start of the autumn semester you will embark on your work for the team project and this continues through to the second semester. Here you work with two or three other students on a topic but each plans, carries out and writes up their own particular piece of experimental work which contributes to the overall outcomes of the project. In the spring semester, you select an option module; for example, Forensic Geosciences which includes the study of geophysical techniques for the detection of buried remains together with aspects of forensic archaeology and forensic entomology or Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis which includes the analysis of glass, fibres and paints plus forensic ballistics. Year 3 Major Route Forensic Science If you are taking the major route you study all the core modules that form the combined honours degree route plus both the option modules and, in addition, take two more modules, one of which is worth 30 credits (double the size of a standard module). This double module moves the focus of the degree towards understanding the work of the forensic practitioner and the professional context within which they work. In the autumn semester you will study the scientific examination of a crime scene, carry out practical scene exercises and write crime scene reports. This is complemented by lectures and laboratory work on the analysis of chemical analytical data plus lectures and problem classes on forensic statistics. In the spring semester you will work on the analysis of evidence from your final mock scene; this may include drug residues in drinks, shoe-marks, transferred fibres or indented writing on documents. Alongside, there are guest lectures on expert witness training. You then write up an expert witness report and take part in a crossexamination based on your report, in the moot courtroom at Keele. To complement the team project you also take another module of independent work in researching and writing a short dissertation on a forensic topic outside the main areas of study within your degree. Lucy Greenwood studied BSc Forensic Keele University was my first choice of study as it offered me the subject combination I wanted to do through its combined honours programme this would provide skills in two academic areas and open up a wider range of employment opportunities after graduation. My three years at Keele were the best time of my life. Not only was Keele great for my academic ambitions but the friendly atmosphere in such a pretty campus made the social aspect of Keele great fun as well. Keele has enabled me to discover what my life-long goals are for my career and now I have graduated, I am going on to postgraduate study for an MSc in Toxicology at Birmingham University. Module Structure of the Combined Honours in Forensic Science degrees in Year 3 Module Structure of the Major Route in Forensic Science in Year 3 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Autumn Semester Spring Semester Year 3 Forensic Toxicology Choose one option module Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Arson Forensic Geosciences Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis Forensic Science Team Project Year 3 Forensic Toxicology Forensic Geosciences Evaluation of Evidence: Explosives and Fire Forensic Science Team Project Advanced Topics in Forensic Analysis Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence Forensic Science Dissertation

18 18 FORENSIC SCIENCE What is it like to study forensic science at Keele? Most modules are taught using a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, often with problem classes included as well. The laboratory work is designed to complement the lecture material in the module. These sessions will give you hands-on experience of the type of equipment you would expect to be using in a forensic laboratory. There is one large laboratory devoted to forensic science and two others designed for chemistry work. In addition, there are two chemical analytical laboratories, a crime scene facility and an adjacent faculty computer laboratory You will get experience in working in pairs as well as in small groups in laboratory work across all years of the course. For example, you will work in groups of three or four in the team project and in the crime scene investigation teams in the final year. Most laboratory work is done by pairs of students though you keep separate records of your work and most laboratory assessment is individual. You will be allocated a personal tutor and there is a year tutor for each year of the course. You will rapidly be on first-name terms with your tutors and staff and students get to know each other quickly through working together in the laboratories. Jasmine Mears BSc Throughout my course, I learnt so much through taught material, practical laboratory sessions and problem classes, all of which complemented each other and there were plenty of helpful and friendly lecturers, technicians and post-graduates around to solve any problems that you may have. Forensic Science staff operate an open door policy, meaning that a student only has to knock on a door or send an to arrange a meeting with any staff member. All laboratory classes are supported by academic staff and technical staff as well as post-graduate student demonstrators, most of whom have previously studied forensic science at Keele. There is a Forensic Science Staff- Student Liaison Committee which meets each semester to discuss the progress of the course and deals with any issues raised by the students. Why not volunteer to contribute as a student representative?

19 FORENSIC SCIENCE 19 Teaching and Support What assessment tasks are set? Most modules in forensic science are assessed by an examination and by coursework. Over all of the Forensic Science programmes, the ratio of examinations to coursework is around 50:50. Coursework can take many forms and the variety of assignments you undertake enables you to gain a wide range of essential communication and other skills. Some modules include short class tests to encourage revision and provide feedback on your progress. Deadlines are set for submission of work and staff attempt to return marked work normally within 2 weeks. In the final year, the team project module and dissertation are wholly coursework assessed. In the Drugs of Abuse module you will prepare a witness statement for the court. In Forensic Toxicology you will undertake problem-based-learning sessions on case-studies involving unexplained death. Case studies are used frequently to illustrate forensic science in the real world. You will become familiar with some of the research literature in forensic science through preparing the literature review for your team project and by carrying out appraisals of individual papers as coursework in some modules. Laboratory work is assessed in many ways including laboratory diaries, reports, pro-formas, poster presentation and oral assessment. Typed feedback is provided on all student work and in most cases this is supplemented by written or oral comments provided on returning the work itself. Some formative work is set, principally to provide feedback where no mark is recorded. External Examiner report The students were unanimous in their appreciation of staff in the School for the way in which they were supported throughout their studies..

20 20 FORENSIC SCIENCE Careers What Keele graduates do next Within our Forensic Science programme, the emphasis is on both the scientific approach to forensic problems and the key skills our graduates will acquire. This means that our forensic science graduates are particularly well placed to progress, not only to a wide range of scientific careers, but also to administrative and management roles where communication skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities are greatly valued. Our graduates have entered careers within the professional forensic science sector, for example to technical jobs in one of the many private sector providers which cover everything from DNA profiling to digital forensics, or as analytical scientists and researchers within the broader business sector such as chemical analytical consultancies, pharmaceuticals or environmental monitoring. Others have joined the crime sector as police or military police officers, as forensic specialists within the police force including crime scene investigator roles, or to other civilian jobs within these organisations. Many enter into a variety of more general graduate occupations such as scientific publishing or administrative roles. In common with other physical science disciplines, some of our forensic science graduates also undertake postgraduate qualifications such as an MSc, PGCE or PhD qualification prior to entering employment. 1ST for Graduate Employability, 97.5% HESA Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education, 2016

21 FORENSIC SCIENCE 21 MSc Analytical Science for Industry Many of our undergraduate students choose to follow a postgraduate degree programme at Keele. The MSc Analytical Science for Industry at Keele University provides the opportunity for you to acquire post-graduate-level research and employability skills within the Analytical Sciences sector, in an industrial context, hence providing a strong educational background for a research career in either academia or industry. As a student on the programme, you will benefit from our research expertise and our links with industries that provide the foundation for placement opportunities for our students. All students on the MSc Analytical Science will undertake 30 weeks in a placement with an industrial partner, either in Keele University s laboratories or at the industrial partner s premises, which will ultimately boost their employability skills. Distinctiveness of the Programme The focus of the MSc Analytical Science for Industry is learning through research and the substantial hands on research training with industrial partnership makes this a distinctive course in the UK Higher Education Sector. The programme runs full-time over one full year with three semesters, Semester 1 starting in late September. It comprises six modules which are designed to develop a sound understanding of analytical science: Semester 1 Research Skills for Analytical Science - overview of the research environment in the UK and key scientific literacy and communication skills Analytical Science: Principles and Practice - worth 30 credits, brings a deep focus on a variety of individual analytical methods from both a theoretical and practical angle. Research in Industry - perspective of industrial research (IP issues, regulations, methods validation) Semesters 2 and 3 Independent Research Project: Portfolio Independent Research Project: Report Independent Research Project: Research Communication are together worth 120 credits and will bring a real emphasis on hands-on experience and independent thinking.

22 22 FORENSIC SCIENCE This is what some of our graduates say: Josh Tedd, BSc Computer Science and Forensic Science Since leaving Keele and obtaining a first class degree, I have been employed by a digital forensics company as a trainee mobile phone forensic analyst after bettering 30 other applicants. I firmly believe that the education and the experience I gained from my time at Keele secured me this amazing job and I am forever grateful at the expertise, friendliness, and professionalism of the staff. The dual honours system really made a difference as I managed to gain the unique, individual skills of both a computer scientist and a forensic scientist, which fits perfectly within my job! Thank you Keele, I will miss you! Richard Bridgett, BSc Forensic Science with Biology I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate at Keele immensely. The variety of topics studied and skills acquired during the course are stimulating and diverse and it equips you well for various jobs after graduating. Before returning to undertake my PhD at Keele on The Isolation of Feeding Stimulants within Honey Bee Pollens, I spent time working for the forensic investigations unit of Cheshire Police where my role was to routinely apply the techniques I had learnt at Keele to the enhancement and imaging of fingerprints within casework. I also worked for a global pharmaceutical company where I utilised the instrumental skills I acquired through study of chemical analysis. Rebecca Spruce, BSc Chemistry and Forensic Science When I graduated from Keele I quickly got a job at the Forensic Science Service working as a forensic analyst in the road traffic accident department. The knowledge and lab experience I had gained at Keele was a huge influencing factor in securing this job and going straight into a forensic job after graduating was an amazing experience, my three years of hard work and studying had rewarded me with a fantastic opportunity. My next job landed me a role at an environmental forensic laboratory where I have been working for 2 years. The education and laboratory skills I received at Keele have undoubtedly led me to the work experience and career path I have today.

23 FORENSIC SCIENCE 23 Jane Mills BSc, Forensic Science and Criminology Keele was by far the best choice of university I could have gone for; the facilities, community and partying were absolutely fantastic and I ve never looked back on my decision to study there. My first job post-keele was as a research technician at the UK Human Tissue Bank. Unfortunately the Tissue Bank closed in Leicester so I gained employment as a laboratory technician at De Montfort University. The confidence with analytical instrumentation I had gained at Keele enabled me to be promoted within a year to senior laboratory technician. After a few more years at De Montfort I realised my love of teaching, so I have now just finished a year at Beauchamp College training to be a chemistry teacher. The forensic science degree at Keele is so varied and contains such a strong chemistry background this was more than enough to allow me to develop my new dream of becoming a chemistry teacher extraordinaire! Jasmine Mears, BSc Forensic Science with Neuroscience Since graduating from Keele I have taken up a job as a forensic scientist in biology at Key Forensic Services, in which I have already used many of the attributes I learnt at Keele, and since being with the company I have expanded my knowledge further in this field. It is great for me to see theory I learnt being used on a daily basis. I believe that my Keele degree has definitely helped me in obtaining a job by providing such a wide variety of skills, and there is no doubt it has set me up fantastically for a career in forensic science. Carlie Whiting, BSc Forensic Science with Criminology After leaving Keele I managed to get a job as a science technician at a high school initially, where I think my extensive laboratory experience definitely helped me to secure the position. However, in June of 2013 I succeeded in gaining a job as a forensic scientist within a drugs department. I definitely feel that the degree course I studied at Keele provided me with an excellent advantage when applying for this job due to the amount of instrumentation we were able to use and the breadth of information we were taught. It taught me many techniques that are used within the forensic field such as TLC, GC-MS and HPLC which I now use on a daily basis within my job. It is great to see how methods I was taught at Keele I am now putting into practice in my day to day life. I feel very grateful to have found a job in my chosen field and I know my degree at Keele was definitely worth all the effort I put into it.

24 24 FORENSIC SCIENCE If you have any questions please contact Mrs Victoria Cartwright Forensic Science Admission Tutor +44 (0) School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Lennard-Jones Laboratories Keele University Keele Staffordshire ST5 5BG +44 (0) MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS 05/17