Forensic and Analytical Science

Year 1

You will develop an understanding of the basic principles of Chemistry, Biology and Analytical Science together with the broad principles of Forensic Science. You will also learn basic laboratory skills appropriate to chemical and biological analysis and forensic investigation.

Year 2

You will further develop knowledge of analytical techniques in Chemistry and Biology and acquire an understanding of more complex instrumentation, reinforced through practical work. You will also develop an underpinning legal knowledge through a study of the legal framework.

Year 3

You will increase your competence in laboratory practice through specialist areas including analytical chemistry and forensic toxicology; fire, explosions and firearms. You’ll undertake group exercises in trace forensic analysis, and present data to a court of law. At the end of this year there is an optional placement opportunity - see the placements section for more details.

Year 4

You will cover advanced analytical and DNA techniques and further develop key forensic investigation and presentation skills in a court of law. You will also undertake an individual Research Project and demonstrate scientific writing and presentation skills.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

Activity Summary

Laboratory activities include crime scene and recovery of evidence exercises, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, Biology laboratory work, project work and courtroom training. The crime scene exercises involve group working and in the latter stages of the course, part of the assessment takes place within the Moot court.

How long is a BSc (Hons) Forensic and Analytical Science course?

The duration of the Forensic and Analytical Science degree is 4 years. This is to include independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.

Year 4

• Lectures - 35 students per group, 7 hours per week
• Tutorial - 35 students per group, 2 - 3 hours per week
• Project Supervision - one-to-one, 24.5 hours per week for 6 weeks
• Practical class or workshop - 35 students per group, 3 hours per week

Independent Study

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course is delivered by highly experienced forensic practitioners and Analytical Scientists who are focused on providing you with the scientific and investigative skills you will need to succeed in this highly competitive profession, or in analytical laboratories. Our academics include registered forensic experts so you can be confident you are learning the skills that are commonly used today. 

Staff on this course also include visiting lecturers and industry experts, E-learning Advisers and study skills staff.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 2 written exams
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 practical skills assessments
• 1 crime scene exercise

Year 2

• 2 written exams
• 2 reports
• 1 portfolio
• 1 practical skills assessment

Year 3

• 4 written exams
• 1 reports
• 2 portfolios
• 1 moot court exercise

Year 4

• 1 written exams
• 2 reports
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 moot court exercise
• 1 poster presentation and defence

Feedback

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

You have the option to spend one year in a scientific laboratory between Years 3 and 4 of the course, subject to availability. Successful students will then be awarded a degree with an additional 120 credit module. Placements can be sourced by you directly, or through liaison with the Placement Officer. These may or may not be paid subject to availability.

Job Prospects

A diverse range of opportunities within the Scottish Police Services Authority and Forensic Science Laboratories are available, including scene examination, fire investigation, laboratory analysis and health and safety, and police graduate entry. Alternatively, a number of students opt for careers in industry in which employment prospects are particularly good (including pharmaceutical, oil and biotechnology).

Is Forensic and Analytical Science a good career choice?

Previous Forensic and Analytical Science graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Analytical Scientist
• Technical Service Chemist 
• Freeze Drying Technician
• Applications Technician
• Lab Technician
• Research & Development 

Postgraduate study in specialist forensic disciplines and teaching are other routes many of our graduates choose to take. There are also opportunities for students to pursue forensic and analytical research at the university, for example in anti-fraud technology, advances in DNA technologies, environmental chemistry and drugs and toxicology.

What is needed for a Forensic and Analytical Science course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBBC to include Chemistry.  English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry.  English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H3H3H3 to include Chemistry.  English and Maths are required at grade O2 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Chemistry at grade 4. English and Maths are required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher Level

Year 2 Entry

• SQA Advanced Higher: AB to include Chemistry.  English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher Level.
• GCE A Level: BCC to include Chemistry at grade B.  English and Maths are required at GCSE grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BBC/BCCC  to include Chemistry. English and Maths are required at National 5 grade B or above if not held at Higher

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3.

Advanced Entry

All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £30 per year - Specialist laboratory cost
• £10 - Materials
• £10 - Specialist Clothing