Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: F410 BSc/FoS
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
Forensic Science is the application of scientific knowledge and techniques in support of the legal process. This exciting course includes the following three main study areas: forensic science, chemistry and biology with the addition of supporting topics such as law and statistics. The Forensic Sciences degree covers a full range of topics including; crime scene investigation, body fluid analysis, DNA profiling, trace evidence analysis (including fibres, glass and paint), fingerprinting and substances of abuse to name but a few.
In year 1 the basics of forensics and the science behind it (biology & chemistry) are studied, alongside laboratory techniques and skills. Year 2 builds upon the basics of the science behind forensics alongside crime scene work with the addition of law and statistics relevant to forensic science. During year 3 you are introduced to the specialities of forensic science case-work and research such as trace evidence and body fluid analysis. The Honours year (year 4) covers detailed forensic science specialities (DNA and substances of abuse) alongside case exercise and forensic science project.
How you learn
A varied lecture programme is supported by tutorials, case studies/exercises and seminars, the use of practical laboratory exercises and our special scenes of crime facility. The scene of crime area includes an office/bank complex, a house, photographic studio and a special glass area where break-ins can be simulated. External input from legal and forensic practitioners is an important part of the course, as is the opportunity to visit fire scenes, and the chance to see explosive devices detonated. After the third year there is opportunity to work for an extended period as a Scene of Crime Investigator, with local police forces.
How you are assessed
Assessment on this course is carried out via a combination of coursework assignments, class tests, practical tests, presentations and closed-book examinations. A range of methods is used including short-answer tests, problem-solving exercises, formal reports (oral, written or posters), and laboratory assignments. In the later years of the course formal examinations are a feature of most modules along with a major forensic investigation of a crime scene, where you will hone your team-building and interpersonal skills.
Higher BBCC; A Level CCD; ILC (H) BBCC; UCAS Tariff 220 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: Chemistry, and an appropriate science (biology preferred) at A Level or Higher. In addition, GCSE Maths, English and Biology at Grade C or better, or Standard Grade Maths, English and Biology at Credit Level (Grade 1 or 2) are required.
Please note that the A Level (AS/A2) award in Applied Science is not considered a suitable science subject for entry to this course.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Hepatitis B
Although you will not be in contact with potential sources of Hepatitis in your studies, the forensic agencies that the programme liaises with during your course and future employers are likely to require inoculation against Hepatitis. Students are therefore expected to have been vaccinated before starting the course.
Advanced entry (year 2)
Advanced entry is possible for applicants with suitable subjects at A Level or Advanced Higher and offering approximately 300 UCAS points (eg: BBB at A Level or BBB at Advanced Higher, including Chemistry & Biology) from these qualifications. Each application will be considered on its own merits. If you would like us to consider you for advanced entry please contact the admissions tutor in the first instance to discuss your qualifications.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
What our students say
“Whilst working in Tayside I was able to apply the knowledge I had gained from my studies to many different types of crime scenes. I attended many house break-ins and vandalism scenes. At these I was able to utilise fingerprinting techniques and gain more experience using the appropriate camera equipment.”
Rebecca, Dundee
“Studying at Abertay has had a huge, and positive, impact on my life. The subject matter combined with the lecturers’ sheer enthusiasm really makes all the difference between a good course and a great course. Post Abertay I moved from Dundee to London to be a DNA analyst for one of the most competitive forensic companies in the UK. DNA analysis was a subject of extreme interest to me at uni; mainly because of the supremacy of such evidence, but also because of how fast DNA technology has progressed.”
Debbie, South Lanarkshire
Your future
Graduates can go into careers such as forensic scientists (either as part of the civil service or the private sector) and related areas such as scenes of crime investigation or police officer, and a number of our graduates have successfully obtained these highly competitive jobs.
The course also provides you with the skills and abilities to pursue alternative interesting and fulfilling career paths. For example, the development of diagnostics in the biotechnology industries, quality assurance, problem-solving in the public utilities and the development of protocols and procedures in the armed forces or government agencies. Students may wish to pursue a career in teaching and several of our graduates have trained as science teachers, or you may want to undertake higher research (at MSc/PhD level). Transferable skills can also be used in a range of other careers such as management/business, law, accountancy and disciplines unrelated to science.
Professionally accreditation
The BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences degree is accredited by the Forensic Science Society.
Specialist facilities
The university library is home to the Tayside Faculty of Procurators & Solicitors Law Library. This gives you the opportunity to gain access to the same case reports and learning facilities which the local legal fraternity and police use. The University also works closely with Tayside Police's Forensic Sciences Laboratories that are located adjacent to the University.
A range of well equipped, modern laboratories are the main focus of specialist facilities at Abertay for use by forensic science students. In addition the Scottish Informatics Mathematics Biology & Statistics (SIMBIOS) research facility at Abertay provides you with access to top class researchers working in the exciting field of biology and computing.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
The 2012 fee will be announced Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
