Forensic Sciences - BSc (Hons)

Abertay University

This module will explore key physiology relevant to blood sciences, disease prevention and ImmunoTechnology. Indicative content Blood: You'll explore how blood cells are formed, their different types and functions, and how your innate and acquired immune systems protect the body. You'll examine immune responses at a molecular level, including T and B cells, antibodies, complement activation and defence mechanisms. You'll also investigate immune system disorders, including hypersensitivity, autoimmune conditions and immunodeficiency diseases, as well as the role of immunology in transplantation and cancer. Diagnostics: You'll discover how biological samples including blood, sweat and tears can be used to diagnose and investigate health conditions. Applications of Immunotechnology: You'll explore key immunotechnology techniques used in diagnostics, including presumptive testing, ELISA and lateral flow testing. You'll learn how test performance is measured using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) and ROC curves, and you'll be introduced to techniques including PAGE and Western blotting.

This module follows the processes that take oxygen into the lungs, distributes it to cells via the cardiovascular system and uses it to generate ATP. Indicative content Cardiovascular System: You'll explore the main components of the cardiovascular system and how they work together, including how ECGs and blood pressure measurements can be used to understand cardiovascular function. Respiratory System: You'll learn how respiration and gas exchange support the body, and explore how energy is produced through aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. You'll examine key processes including the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, alongside the chemical principles needed to understand how they work. Practical Activities: You'll put your learning into practice through activities that demonstrate key principles of cardiovascular physiology, respiration and metabolism.

The aim of this block is to study how the body is influenced by external chemical factors such as drugs and toxin. You'll study the cellular and physiological processes that drugs and toxins interact with to produce a response and how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolises and excretes the drug or toxin. Drugs as therapeutics and substances of abuse will be discussed. You'll explore the sites of action for these compounds and their physiological purposes. Learn how to quantify drug actions and why this is important for drug development. Discover how route of administration impacts the effectiveness and response of a drug or toxin, how it is distributed about the body and how it is metabolised and excreted. Indicative content Drug Targets: You'll explore key drug targets, including cell-surface receptors, enzymes, ion channels and transporters, and learn about their roles in cell communication and metabolism. Example System: Peripheral Nervous System: You'll explore the peripheral nervous system and use typical agonists and antagonists to understand how drugs can affect it. You'll also examine the effects of therapeutics and toxins, and explore how well-known substances of abuse act on the body. Quantifying Drug Action: You'll learn how drug activity can be measured using enzyme kinetics, dose-response curves, EC50 and LC50 values, binding studies and dissociation constants. Pharmacokinetics: You'll explore what happens to drugs in the body, from different routes of administration and distribution to phase 1 and 2 metabolism. You'll also examine the roles of the liver in drug metabolism and the kidneys in excreting drugs and their metabolites. Forensic Considerations: You'll explore post-mortem redistribution and its importance when considering drug concentrations after death.

This module starts at the molecular and cellular level with genes and genotype, moves on to phenotype and protein-structure and function and finally genetic distributions within populations. Both clinical and forensic applications and implications will be studied. Indicative content Genes and Gene Expression: You'll explore the structure of human genes and how gene expression is controlled, including variations linked to medical conditions and forensically useful human traits. You'll also examine splicing, differential gene expression, common human variation and mutations, including point mutations, indels, repeat expansions and chromosomal abnormalities. Human Genomics and Bioinformatic Analysis: You'll investigate the structure and organisation of the human genome and chromosomes, alongside methods for DNA sequencing and analysis. You'll also explore genetic variation within the human gene pool and key concepts in population genetics, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic Engineering and Other Analytical Techniques: You'll develop your understanding of genetic engineering and DNA analysis techniques, including basic cloning, restriction digestion, ligation, transfection, PCR, gel and capillary electrophoresis, and accurate DNA fragment sizing. You'll also explore CRISPR gene editing and how it can be used to modify DNA.

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the techniques used to identify and confirm body fluids in forensic biology casework, as well as the scientific methods for interpreting bloodstain patterns. You’ll also critically explore how different areas of the biological sciences contribute to specialised aspects of forensic science, giving you a deeper understanding of how science supports real-world investigations. Indicative Content - Body Fluids : You’ll learn the key methods used to detect and confirm the presence of body fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, faeces and urine. You’ll also explore how to interpret the presence and distribution of these stains, and gain an understanding of how long body fluids can persist in different environments. - Blood Dynamics and Blood Stain Patterns: You’ll study how blood behaves and moves, looking at its physical properties (rheology) and the patterns it creates. This includes impact, cast-off, arterial and transfer patterns. You’ll also learn how to interpret these patterns and understand their evidential value in forensic investigations. - Selected Areas of Biology Relevant to Forensic Science: You’ll be introduced to specialist areas of forensic biology that support casework, such as entomology (the study of insects), trichology (the study of hair), and other selected topics. These examples will show you how different branches of biology contribute to solving forensic problems.

In this module, you’ll deepen your understanding of the theory behind chromatography and gain hands-on experience using spectroscopic techniques to identify organic compounds. By combining theory with practical application, you’ll develop the skills needed to analyse and interpret chemical data with confidence. Indicative content - Chromatography: You’ll explore the main methods of separation, from paper and column chromatography to advanced techniques such as HPLC, GC, GC-MS and LC-MS. You’ll also learn how to interpret chromatograms through integration, calibration and response factors, while developing an understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic principles that underpin separation. - Spectroscopy: You’ll be introduced to a wide range of spectroscopic techniques, including Near and Mid Infrared, Raman, UV-Vis, and both ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance. You’ll also study mass spectrometry, giving you a strong foundation in the techniques used to identify and analyse organic compounds. - Problem Solving: You’ll apply your knowledge by using spectroscopic data to determine the structures of selected compounds. To bring this to life, you’ll work through forensic science case studies, such as the analysis and identification of fire accelerants or drugs of abuse, showing you how these techniques are used in real investigations. - Laboratory Techniques: You’ll gain hands-on experience by carrying out a range of separation and spectroscopic techniques in the lab, working directly with forensic-related samples. This practical element will help you build confidence in applying theory to real-world contexts. - Sampling Strategies and Practices : You’ll learn about effective sampling methods, including coning and quartering, minimum sample sizes and recommended practices for different sample types. These skills are essential for ensuring accuracy and reliability in forensic analysis.

In this module, you’ll investigate how forensic scientists examine, evaluate and interpret evidence from firearms, fires and explosions. You’ll explore the causes of fire and the science of combustion, while learning how to collect and package samples safely for laboratory analysis. You’ll use chemical tests and analytical techniques to study fire debris, and examine the nature of explosives, how explosions occur, the damage they cause and the forensic evidence they leave behind. You’ll also cover internal, external and terminal ballistics, looking at evidence from firearms discharge, recovered bullets and cartridge casings. Finally, you’ll consider how all of this evidence is presented and interpreted, from the crime scene right through to the courtroom. Indicative Content - Fire and Explosion Dynamics: You’ll explore how heat is transferred, how flames ignite and spread, and the differences between spontaneous and smouldering combustion. You’ll also study the stages of fire development, including pre- and post-flashover fires, as well as how smoke moves, the role of buoyancy, and the impact of fuel load on fire behaviour. - Thermochemistry of Fuels and Explosives: You’ll examine the science behind combustion and energy release, including oxygen balance, Hess’s law and the Kistiakowsky-Wilson rules. You’ll also learn about the heat and temperature of explosions and the concept of heat capacity, giving you a strong foundation in the chemistry that drives fires and blasts. - Explosion and Fire Debris Analysis: You’ll investigate how explosives are classified and the factors that affect detonation. You’ll learn how to analyse debris to identify its mechanical and thermal history, as well as its origin. You’ll also use chemical tests to detect explosive residues and accelerants, and practise diagnosing the cause of a fire, pinpointing its origin and identifying the source of ignition. - Internal, External and Terminal Ballistics: You’ll study how ballistic weapons behave, from the factors that affect velocity and trajectory to the impact they have on targets. You’ll also explore wounding patterns and the science behind permanent and temporary cavity formation, helping you understand the forensic significance of ballistic evidence. - Ballistic Physical Evidence: You’ll examine the physical evidence left behind by firearms, including tool marks, firing pin impressions, rifling striations and gunshot residue. You’ll learn how to distinguish between class and individual characteristics, and consider the factors that affect how evidence is produced, transferred, preserved and interpreted in forensic investigations.

In this module, you’ll explore the strengths and limitations of different types of trace evidence in criminal investigations. You’ll focus on key materials such as glass, paint and fibres, following them from the first stages of case assessment and laboratory analysis right through to their evaluation and presentation in court. This will give you a clear understanding of how trace evidence contributes to the investigation and resolution of real cases. Indicative Content - General Concepts of Trace Evidence: You’ll be introduced to the full process of working with trace evidence, from recognising and recovering it at a crime scene to analysing, interpreting and presenting it in court. You’ll learn why accurate methods, proper controls, sampling strategies and reference materials are so important, as well as how to avoid contamination. You’ll also explore the role of quality processes in the laboratory, the use of databases, and how different approaches — including classical and Bayesian interpretation — are applied to evaluate evidence. - Composition and Properties of Common Trace Evidence Materials: You’ll study the composition and properties of key trace evidence materials such as glass, paint, and both natural and manmade fibres. Where relevant, you’ll also look at how these materials are manufactured and coloured. You’ll gain an appreciation of the analytical processes used to examine them, as well as the quality issues that can arise in laboratory work. To support this, you’ll develop an understanding of how statistical tools like groupings, t-tests and Bayesian methods are used to evaluate trace evidence, along with their strengths and limitations. - Characterisation of Common Trace Evidence Materials : You’ll gain hands-on experience in characterising glass, paint and fibres in the laboratory, using a range of microscopic techniques to compare and distinguish between different samples. You’ll also be introduced to how evidence is interpreted and reported in real casework, with a focus on quality control, quality assurance and proficiency testing to ensure reliable results.

In this module, you’ll explore advanced principles and techniques in Forensic Science, building on your existing knowledge and skills. You’ll develop complex practical abilities in recording, searching and examining serious crime scenes, such as those involving sexual offences, vehicle crime, terrorism or bomb disposal. You’ll also be introduced to more advanced evidence collection methods, including the chemical development of finger-marks, giving you the chance to apply specialist techniques used by forensic professionals. Indicative Content - Approach to Scene Investigation: You’ll learn about the key roles, responsibilities and legal considerations involved in managing a crime scene. This includes how to protect the scene, coordinate activities, and oversee the process from the first assessment through to its conclusion. - Scene Examination and Searching: You’ll explore systematic methods for searching and examining crime scenes, including points of entry. You’ll develop skills in using light sources and photography, and practise fingerprinting techniques such as powdering, ninhydrin and cyanoacrylates. You’ll also study fingerprint identification and classification (ACE-V), and apply your knowledge to case studies involving fire scenes, vehicle crime, firearms discharge and sexual offences. - Advanced Enhancement Techniques: You’ll apply advanced techniques to enhance latent marks, using chemical and lighting methods. You’ll also learn how to select the most appropriate visualisation techniques for different surfaces and materials. - Report Writing: You’ll develop the skills to produce professional reports that record evidence found at a scene and present it effectively in court. You’ll follow the journey of evidence from the crime scene through to courtroom presentation, gaining insight into the importance of accuracy and clarity in forensic reporting.

In this module, you’ll explore how drugs and toxins affect the human body (pharmacodynamics) and how the body, in turn, processes them through administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion. You’ll go beyond the basics of pharmacology to study both therapeutic and forensic aspects of the subject. On the therapeutic side, you’ll follow the journey of drug development — from early biological research to licensed clinical products — and learn about the vital roles of process management and quality by design in meeting regulatory standards. On the forensic side, you’ll examine issues such as drug abuse and cases of accidental or deliberate poisoning, gaining insight into the real-world impact of pharmacology in both healthcare and society. Indicative Content - Mechanisms of Drug Action and Pharmacodynamics: You’ll explore how drugs act on the body by studying cellular structures as drug targets, with a particular focus on cell surface receptors. You’ll learn about the pharmacodynamics of drug–receptor binding and how to measure drug efficacy and binding in vitro. - Pharmacokinetics: You’ll investigate how the body processes drugs and toxins through absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME). This includes different routes of administration, how these affect drug action, and the role of Phase I and II metabolism, biotransformation and bioactivation. You’ll also study elimination and excretion, as well as factors such as pharmacogenetics that influence ADME. Case studies will help you apply this knowledge, including an introduction to quantitative elimination and back-calculation. - Preclinical Development: You’ll examine the preclinical stage of drug development, focusing on pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in animal models, and how these provide essential safety data before human trials can begin. - Clinical Trials: You’ll gain an understanding of clinical trials, from Phase I through to Phase IV, and the principles of Good Clinical Practice. You’ll explore how trials are designed, the challenges of recruitment and sample size, and how to minimise bias. You’ll also learn about data analysis approaches, including per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis. - Poisoning: You’ll study the effects of toxicity and toxidromes, as well as approaches to the treatment of poisoning. You’ll learn about different sample types and how they’re handled, alongside screening and confirmatory tests. You’ll also explore post-mortem toxicology and how toxicological reports are produced. - Topic Case Studies: You’ll apply your learning to real-world examples through case studies in clinical, environmental and forensic toxicology, helping you connect theory with practice.

In this module, you’ll step into the world of forensic DNA analysis and explore the techniques used in real laboratories. From receiving samples through to extraction, replication, analysis, and interpretation, you’ll follow the full process of working with DNA. You’ll also take part in a hands-on DNA practical, applying the methods you’ve learned, while exploring the latest research and emerging techniques shaping the future of forensic science. Indicative Content - DNA Structure, Genetics, Molecular Biology: You’ll explore the structure of DNA, genetics, and molecular biology, including the occurrence and distribution of unique, middle, and highly repetitive DNA fractions. You’ll also learn how hypervariable DNA regions are used in forensic science. - Background to DNA Profiling: You’ll study the history and development of DNA profiling, beginning with Alec Jeffreys’ discovery of minisatellite DNA and its first forensic use. You’ll trace the progress of DNA profiling through the 1980s to the present day, covering techniques such as multilocus DNA profiling (MLP), single locus probes (SLP), and PCR-based methods including HLADQa, Quad, SGM, SGMplus, DNA-17, and newer multiplexes. - Generation of STR DNA Profiles: You’ll be introduced to how reproducible and detailed DNA profiles are generated using multiplexed short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, a key technique in modern forensic science. - Crime Scene Profiling : You’ll examine the different sources of DNA found in forensic casework and learn about the strict anti-contamination procedures that ensure reliable results. - Statistical Evaluation of DNA Matches and Court Presentation: You’ll learn how to calculate match probabilities, apply population genetics, and use Bayesian approaches to interpret DNA evidence. You’ll also explore how DNA evidence is presented in court, including the challenges and appeals that can arise. - Population Genetics: You’ll study the principles of inheritance, including Mendel’s laws, and apply population genetics to understand how genetic variation influences forensic analysis. - Identification of Human Remains: You’ll explore how DNA is used to identify human remains, including in mass disasters, using surrogate reference samples and relatives’ DNA to confirm identities. - Intelligence-Led Screens: You’ll investigate the role of intelligence-led DNA screening in forensic casework, with examples of how these initiatives are applied in practice. - Specialist Techniques: You’ll look at new developments and ongoing research in forensic DNA analysis, gaining insight into the cutting-edge techniques shaping the future of the field.

In this module, you’ll investigate a range of commonly misused drug substances and explore them from a forensic science perspective. You’ll study their chemical structures, how they’re produced and distributed through supply chains, and examine their biological effects in detail. You’ll also learn how these substances are analysed in the lab, the legislation surrounding them, and how forensic scientists report their findings in real casework. Indicative Content - Physiological and Pharmacological Considerations: You’ll study different types of substances, how they’re taken into the body, and the processes that affect how they’re absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted (ADME). You’ll also explore how these substances act on the body (pharmacodynamics), their physiological effects, and the mechanisms behind addiction and dependency. - Analytical/Legal Considerations: You’ll learn about the techniques used to test and identify substances, including presumptive testing, sampling, and the challenges of ensuring accuracy. You’ll examine issues such as measurement errors, reference materials, and the difficulties of identifying illicit and new psychoactive substances. You’ll also cover method validation, reporting levels, uncertainty, quantification, UKAS accreditation, and the key sections of current UK legislation that govern forensic drug analysis. - Production, Quality, Drug Intelligence and Chemical Considerations: You’ll investigate how illicit drugs are produced, including the role of clandestine laboratories and the associated health and safety risks. You’ll study chemical aspects such as precursors, stereoisomerism, potency, yield, purity, and batch characterisation, as well as secondary processing, diluents, adulterants, storage conditions, and degradation. You’ll also explore product safety, the use of databases, cluster analysis, and the role of drug intelligence in forensic investigations.

In this module, you’ll gain the essential foundations to carry out an in-depth investigation into a research topic of your choice. You’ll explore both qualitative and quantitative research methods, discover a range of analysis techniques, and develop the project management skills needed to plan and deliver your work successfully. It’s your opportunity to combine theory with practice and take real ownership of your research journey. Indicative Content - Introduction to Research: You’ll explore the nature and purpose of research, looking at different approaches such as quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, developmental, and practice-based research. You’ll also see how these fit within wider philosophical perspectives like positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism, and consider the strengths and weaknesses of each. - Dealing with Practical Issues: You’ll learn how to take a research idea from concept to completion. This includes identifying a topic, setting clear objectives, and developing a research strategy. You’ll also explore what makes a strong project, address ethical issues, and identify the most suitable research methods for your chosen study. - Appraisal of Current Subject-Specific Knowledge: You’ll develop the skills to carry out a literature review, from searching and evaluating sources to organising and synthesising information. You’ll practise writing a review, managing bibliographic records, and creating strong research questions for both quantitative and qualitative projects. - Data Collection and Analysis: You’ll explore different approaches to collecting and analysing data, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and iterative designs. You’ll also learn about questionnaire design, sampling methods, and data modelling, giving you the tools to handle data effectively and draw meaningful conclusions. - Writing Your Research Proposal: You’ll learn how to identify a research problem, define its purpose, and frame your main research question(s). You’ll then choose appropriate strategies and methods to design your proposal. You’ll also practise discussing findings, drawing conclusions, making recommendations, and reporting your work, preparing you for planning, writing, and submitting a dissertation. - Ethics and Risk Assessment: You’ll engage with Abertay University’s ethics and risk assessment processes, developing a clear understanding of how to conduct research responsibly and safely.

In this module, you’ll take an integrative and holistic approach to applying forensic science in complex cases. You’ll develop your cognitive skills through critical analysis, deductive and inductive reasoning, and conceptual understanding. You’ll also learn how to interpret evidence and present your findings effectively, preparing you to tackle challenging forensic casework with confidence. Indicative Content - Contemporary Practice: You’ll explore the professional environment in which forensic scientists work and the expectations placed on them. This includes understanding opinion evidence, applying probability concepts in case assessment, and interpreting evidence using the Case Assessment and Interpretation (CAI) model alongside databases. You’ll also develop key communication skills, such as writing expert witness statements and presenting evidence effectively in court. - Practical Case Study: You’ll apply your forensic science knowledge and skills to a realistic case study. This involves identifying, obtaining, analysing, interpreting, and evaluating evidence before presenting your findings in a moot court setting, giving you valuable experience of how forensic science is used in practice.

In this module, you’ll take charge of your own research journey. You’ll develop your thinking skills and strengthen the way you communicate, all while working towards research goals that you’ve defined yourself. It’s an opportunity to grow as an independent learner, express your ideas with confidence, and take ownership of your academic development. Indicative Content - Project Work: You’ll carry out a focused project on a specific aspect of your discipline, working under the guidance of an academic supervisor or team. This is your opportunity to apply your knowledge, explore your own ideas, and develop as an independent researcher. - Project Log / Lab Book: You’ll keep clear and accurate records of your work in a suitable format, helping you stay organised and track your progress. This will also give you valuable experience in maintaining professional research documentation. - Communication of Findings: You’ll produce a final project report that follows discipline-specific guidelines, showcasing your ability to write in a professional academic style. You’ll also present your research outcomes through a poster presentation, building confidence in sharing your work with others.