A person forensically investigates a surface with a camera A person forensically investigates a surface with a camera

Available with:

  • Foundation Year

Accreditations


Course Summary

This course offers a combination of forensic aspects with a thorough grounding in the traditional science of biology, in particular the molecular biology techniques and DNA profiling. The techniques you will learn are transferable to other biological disciplines and provide a solid foundation for a wide range of graduate employment. 

Teaching is delivered by an experienced and committed team of lecturers, supported by practicing experts from many forensic disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the development of key generic skills, equipping you with the necessary theoretical basis and practical experience to enter many areas of employment in both forensic and biological sciences. 

You’ll have the opportunity to involve yourself in a range of practices from crime scene to court. 


What You'llStudy

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • Cells and organ systems
  • Biologically important molecules and their role in physiological function
  • Inheritance and selection
  • Causes of disease and the maintenance of health
  • The role of biotechnology in contemporary biology
  • Biology in forensic science

Module aims:

  1. To facilitate an understanding of biologically important molecules and their roles in cells.
  2. To provide an introduction to some key physiological processes, the organ systems involved and their control via hormonal, nervous and genetic systems.
  3. To foster an understanding of how organisms interact with their environment and vice versa, and the short and long-term consequences of these interactions.
  4. To apply biological knowledge in the interpretation and analysis of contemporary biological contexts.

Module content:

  • Defining health in the 21st century
  • Culture and health 
  • The biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
  • Health inequality: definition, examples and impact
  • Current health issues
  • The emergence of the UK National Health Service
  • Health promotion 
  • Individual Health behaviours 
  • Introduction to reflective theories (Nurses and Social Workers only)
  • Introduction to big data (Life Sciences)

Module aims:

1. To introduce students to the social, biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health.

2. To explore contemporary issues in health care.

3. To consider the impact of inequality on health.

4. To explore examples of health promotion.

 

 

Module content:

  • Fractions, ratios and percentages
  • Standard form, significant figures and scientific units and notation
  • Errors and inaccuracies
  • Basic algebra and its use in units and indices
  • Shapes, volumes and area
  • Graphs and equations of a line
  • Using arithmetical functions in laboratory applications
  • Statistics – variation and averages
  • Statistical tests and their uses in the life sciences
  • Symmetry in living systems
  • Logs, exponential growth and rates of change

Module aims:

1. To provide a foundation-level knowledge of mathematics in preparation for progression to Level 4 of a Life Science degree.

2. To introduce students to fundamental concepts within maths using a selection of applications relevant to Life Sciences.

 

Module content:

  • Atomic structure and its influence on properties of elements
  • Bond formation in chemical compounds
  • Intermolecular forces and their effects on properties
  • Calculating amounts in chemical reactions
  • Carbon chemistry, functional groups and isomerism
  • Rates of reaction
  • Enthalpy change in reactions
  • Equilibria
  • Acids, bases and buffers
  • Energy transfers in living systems
  • Techniques in biochemical analysis

Module aims:

  1. Develop an understanding of the arrangement of subatomic particles in atoms, and how these influence the properties and chemical behaviour of substances
  2. Develop practical laboratory skills and procedures, including calculations of amounts
  3. Understand the importance of carbon chemistry to living organisms
  4. Describe energy changes that take place in reactions and the mechanisms of energy transfers in living systems
  5. Describe the underlying scientific concepts and applications of some modern analytical techniques in biochemistry

You will undertake work in general biological techniques; DNA technology; analytical chemistry; microbiology and genetics; crime scene examination; and forensic analysis of trace evidence.

Module content:

Introduction to Genetics

Mendelian Genetics

Introduction to Cytogenetics

Introduction to DNA

Protein Synthesis and the Genetic Code

Inheritance patterns of single genes and gene interaction

On the origin of species

Natural selection and speciation

Classification and phylogenies

Evolution and conservation

The Molecular Basis and Phenotypic Consequences of Mutation

Understanding genetic analysis

Introduction to gene technology

Evolution of Disease

Genetics of Disease


Module aims:

The module is designed to provide students with:

An understanding of the application of taxonomic principles

An appreciation of the weight of evidence supporting modern evolutionary theory

 An enhanced understanding of the  basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics.

Module content:

Review of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Animal and plant cell ultrastructure and function

SI units of measurement; moles and molarity

Basic organic chemistry

pH and buffer systems

Structure and function of major biomolecules

Energy and biochemical processes

Action and properties of enzymes and coenzymes

Enzyme kinetics

Metabolism and metabolic pathways

Appropriate practical techniques; data analysis.


Module aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of those aspects of cell biology and biochemistry that underpin the subsequent study of behavioural, nutritional and life sciences. Further, the module also aims to develop the process skills involved in investigative methods.

Module content:

Core Quantitative Operations:

  • The role of hypotheses in science. The null and alternative hypothesis.
  • Basic statistical operations. Central tendency and dispersion (formulae and principles); populations and samples; frequency distributions (e.g. normal, binomial). Analysing two-sample designs: t-tests and nonparametric equivalents. Analysing frequency data: chi square and its variations. Correlation and linear regression analyses.
  • Computing operations. Fundamental operations using statistical packages. Using descriptive statistics to explore data; displaying descriptive statistics in charts and tables. Inferential statistics: computing t-tests and nonparametric equivalents; analysing frequency data using chi square; Correlation and regression analyses.

Specialised techniques of project design, academic skills and data analysis:

The module involves students working towards completing a portfolio of academic skills, project design and data analysis related to the area of study of their main degree programme with the advice and guidance of an appropriate tutor.


Module aims:

The use of quantitative methods in the design, collection, analysis and presentation of data is central to the practice of science. This module aims to introduce biological science students to the basic operations underlying both mathematical and statistical approaches to data preparation, analysis and presentation. In addition, students will receive training in the use of techniques and principles applying to their particular areas of study in preparation for more advanced study at levels 5 and 6. This module will cover material  and core skills common to all the sciences along with more specialist areas applicable to the student's discipline area.

Module content:

This module will cover key areas in Forensic Investigations, including the following;

Introduction to the biological techniques used in forensic science

Introduction to genetic analysis as applied to forensic science

Analysis of physical evidence

Relationships between all the partners in criminal investigation and prosecution

Introduction to criminal law- including the structure and presentation of forensic evidence within the legal framework

Forensics in a wider context eg in applied biological research 

An introduction to osteology and skeletal biology, including evidence of injuries
etc on the body.

Methods involved in the determination of age, sex and other physical characteristics from skeletal material, e.g. teeth and skull characteristics.

Mould making, modelling, reproduction of anatomical features and obtaining casts from imprints.

An overview of the commonest forms of forensic identification used

The use of soil materials and profiles and plant material such as pollen in forensic analyses


Module aims:

This module will provide an insight into the biological aspects of the work of forensic scientists and related professions. It will also provide an understanding of the work of associated services e.g. police, crime scene investigator, identification specialists, legal specialists.

The main aims are: To place modern forensic science in its historical context and give insight into the development of the modern science. To give an insight into the use of forensic techniques in areas of biological research other than crime scene analysis.

An understanding of key aspects of skeletal biology and what the skeleton can say about its owner.

Knowledge of patterns of injuries on the outside of the body and on the skeleton.

The practical skills required to model and reproduce anatomical and imprinted specimens.

An awareness of methods of Forensic Identification

Knowledge of soil and plant material in forensic site analyses.

Module content:

The study of the systems of the body at the organ and cellular level to include:

Nervous system.

Cardiovascular system.

Musculoskeletal system.

Digestive system.

Respiratory system.

Renal system.

Reproductive system.

Study the interdependence of the various systems in health and how homeostasis is maintained.

How cells communicate and send signals to other cells, hormones, cytokines, electrical impulses.  


Module aims:

To give the student a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how it works in health and how that healthy state is maintained at both organ and cellular level.

Will allow you to undertake experimental work in molecular biology, project designs, microbiology, and analytical techniques, plus examination of forensic exhibits.

Module content:

Indicative content:

  • Appreciation of numbers
  • Literature searching and critical appraisal of research papers
  • Survey methods and feedback
  • Experimental design
  • Research questions, hypotheses and statistical analysis
  • Research proposals and dissertations
  • Research ethics and sustainable development
  • Development and exposure to a range of core biological skills

Module aims:

To build upon knowledge gained in Level 4 (e.g. BI4114 Data Handling and Project Design); 

To equip students with the skills required to critically analyse primary research papers;

To provide an introduction to the essential processes involved when conducting good scientific research;

To expose students to a range of core biological skills and techniques;

To equip students with the statistical skills required to handle data, analyse and report findings in accordance with scientific convention;

To expose students to the importance of ethical and sustainable development considerations when conducting research in relevant disciplines;

Allow students to plan and complete a research proposal that will help them develop and prepare for their dissertation at Level 6.

Module content:

Qualitative analysis for chemical group identification. Discrimination between organic and inorganic material.

Titrimetric techniques. Quantitation of anions and cationic compounds.

Spectrophotometry. UV-visible and atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry.

Chromatography. Low pressure (LC) and high pressure (HPLC). Thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography. Detection methods including electron capture and mass spectrometry

Electrophoresis. Cellulose acetate, polyacrylamide. Western blotting.

Antibodies and immundiagnostic methods. Single radial immunodiffusion, lateral flow devices and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.


Module aims:

To develop an understanding of the theories underpinning modern biochemical, physical and chemical analytical procedures.

To develop practical skills in biochemical, physical and chemical analytical techniques.

To apply the theoretical and practical skills to a problem solving exercise.

To understand and critically evaluate common analytical technologies.

Module content:

The module will cover the following:

Introduction to the techniques and methodology of crime scene investigation

Roles and responsibilities of crime scene personnel

Identification and preservation of the crime scene

Risk assessment pertaining to crime scene investigation

Evidence identification and recovery

Evidence preservation, packaging and storage

Recording evidence at major crime scenes

Evaluation of physical trace evidence

Isolation and analysis of DNA from crime scene samples (extraction and purification of genomic DNA; agarose gel electrophoresis).

Amplification of specific microsatellite sequences used as markers of individuality.

Compilation of a forensic science report / statement


Module aims:

This module aims to:

Introduce students to the methods and procedures used in crime scene investigation

Experience the roles and responsibilities of individuals investigating major crime scenes

Provide students with an appreciation of health and safety aspects pertaining to the investigation of a crime scene

Gain an understanding of how unique identifiers can be used in criminal cases

Evaluate mechanisms for matching individual suspects with their unique identifiers

Discuss aspects of evidence identification, packaging, and storage

Provide practical experience of crime scene investigation through a simulated small group exercise

Enable students to evaluate evidence obtained at the simulated crime scene and use appropriate analytical techniques to extract information pertaining to the investigation

Present findings in the appropriate manner in the form of a detailed forensic report / statement

Module content:

The module will a) build upon topics discussed in MD4008: Introduction to Microbiology and b) introduce a number of novel topics relevant to microbiology, appropriate for level 5.

 

Topics discussed will include:

  • Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
  • Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Advanced microbiological practical techniques.
  • Microbial forensics.
  • Microbes as the causative agents of disease.
  • An introduction to epidemiology.

Module aims:

To understand the nature of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites from a range of perspectives.

To understand the concept of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its relevance to public health.

To understand the role of microbes as causative agents of infectious disease.

To develop a range of practical laboratory skills.

Module content:

Preparation for the year abroad will take place in Chester during level 5 and will include:

  • Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
  • Host-country orientation, study methods– economic, political and social reality of the country
  • Orientation specific to exchange – health, education, gender issues
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Practical matters relating to living and studying in the wider world

Theories, models and strategies of learning

  • Critical thinking skills, experiential learning       and models of reflection

Personal and placement-related transversal skills

  • Effective self-motivation and independent resourcefulness
  • Effective time management and organisational skills
  • Project management – working away from University and independent study
  • Self-management and personal development

Whilst abroad:

Students will undertake study at one of UoC’s partner universities; it is expected that students will choose a series of modules at the university abroad, which equal a full-time study load. This must be agreed by the host institution and the International Tutor. Students must supply details of their courses/modules on a learning agreement within 4 weeks of arrival at the host university, note students who fail to supply this within 4 weeks may have the opportunity withdrawn.


Module aims:

  1. To experience academic life in country outside of the EU, enhancing cultural and intercultural awareness and increasing transversal skills.
  2. To reflect on the impact of the experience in their destination on one’s own personal, academic and professional development.
  3. To engage with the experience of study at a partner university to gain extensive first-hand knowledge and understanding of the relevant society from the perspective of the resident.
  4. To further develop independent learning techniques.
  5. To foster critical evaluation.

Module content:

Pre-placement:

  • Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
  • Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
  • Interview skills.*

 *Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.

 Induction Programme and Placement:

  • The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
  • Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
  • Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements. 

During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:- 

  • Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
  • Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
  • Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:

  • Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
  • Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
  • Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

Module content:

  • The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the sector’s role, development opportunities or career paths.
  • Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; developing a positive work attitude, resilience, building rapport with co-workers).
  • Devising strategies to improve one’s own career.
  • Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired.
  • Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Module aims:

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, which will enable them to:-

  • Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through identifying relevant transferable skills for their chosen career path,
  • Clearly articulate their career plans and take steps to prepare for their first graduate role,
  • Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills,
  • Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

You will undertake advanced modules in more specialised areas of forensic biology. You may also have the option to undertake a research project.

Module content:

The module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s. Primary scientific sources should be used to a significant extent in addition to a thorough grounding in the secondary literature.

Chester blend will provide all relevant support during the second half of level 5 so that students can be allocated to a supervisor before the end of the academic year to enable them to collect data during the summer if necessary for their project (or if preferred). Guidance will also be given on procedures that need to be carried out before any data is collected, e.g. ethical permission and risk assessment.

A small number of lectures will take place during the module to advise on what is expected of students, how to present data and organise work. Students will mainly be prepared for the dissertation during modules in levels 4 and 5 in modules such as Research Methods.


Module aims:

To enable the student to engage in research, development and/or interpretation of a selected topic relevant to their programme of study through the scholarly use of primary and other sources.

Module content:

Content will include some or all of the following:

1. Toxins and Toxicity - definitions and classification

2. Toxicity testing procedures and terminology. Toxicity data analysis and limitations.

3. Responses to toxicant exposure and levels of organisation. Inter and intra-specific variation, genetics and environment.

4. Metabolism of toxins. The central role of the liver and liver damage.

5. Metabolism of toxins. The cytochrome P450 system. Detoxification and excretion.

6. Case studies of selected toxicants: distribution, mode of action, metabolism and detection.

7. Xenobiotics e.g. dioxins and PCBs

8. Synthetic insecticides e.g. organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides

9. Biotoxins e.g. Botulinum, algal toxins, ricin, aflatoxins

10. Heavy metals. e.g mercury, cadmium, lead

11. Forensic applications - Analytical technologies for scene of crime and counter-terrorism.


Module aims:

To develop an understanding of the mechanisms of toxic action.

To appreciate the importance of metabolism and genetics in the response of individuals to toxin exposure.

To develop an understanding of the analytical techniques and their deployment relevant to the field of forensic toxicology.

Module content:

This module will cover key areas in Forensic Biology, including the following;  

Bite mark evidence and analysis on bodies

Bite mark evidence and analysis on inanimate objects

Use of Dental Records for identification in mass fatalities 

Forensic Odontology in Archaeological investigations

Additional sampling procedures employed at the scene of a crime. Sample storage and preservation.

Forensic human biology having fossil potential including bones, hair, teeth, nails

Advanced analytical techniques including chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, capillary and gel electrophoresis, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, x-ray microanalysis, immunoassay.

Forensic toxicology. Illicit and therapeutic drugs and other substances of forensic interest.

Forensic chemistry. Analysis of explosives, arson accelerants and writing media.

Forensic serohaematology. Identification of individuals and biological traces from biomolecules.

Expert witness appearance in a criminal court setting.


Module aims:

This module will provide students with an increased understanding and encourage the critical exploration of further aspects of forensic work, including; 

An understanding of the origins and contributions of materials to forensic analysis.

An appreciation of the diversity of materials and matrices that may be exploited for forensic purposes, and the associated sampling strategies that may be employed.

An understanding of and ability to systematically deploy knowledge of specialised biochemical, physical and chemical analytical techniques and their application to forensic analysis.

Experience in providing expert witness testimony in a courtroom setting.

Module content:

This module will build upon content delivered in level 4 and level 5 microbiology modules. Topics discussed will include:

  • Microbial pathogenicity.
  • Defences against microbial attack.
  • Antimicrobial and antiviral agents.
  • Human commensal flora.
  • Microbial diseases of selected organ systems.
  • Laboratory detection of microbes of medical importance.
  • Biofilms and quorate sensing.
  • Infection control.
  • Advanced epidemiology.
  • Ethical issues in microbiology.

Module aims:

This module applies the principles and skills of experimental microbiology, discusses the role of microorganisms as causative agents of infectious disease and examines the ways in which they may be controlled. The module particularly builds upon information covered in the Level 5 module “Applied Microbiology”, and complements the Level 6 module “Clinical Medicine and Immunology".

Aims:

  • To appreciate the relationships that exist between aspects of human biology and microbiology.
  • To understand the factors that influence the establishment of infection and various methods of control.
  • To understand the process of infection and its effects on the major organ systems.

Module content:

1 Genetic variation detection.

2 Autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance.

3 Sex-linked and nontraditional modes of inheritance.

4 Epigenetics.

5 Small non-coding RNAs in regulation of gene expression.

6 Omics: transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics.

7 Genetic testing and gene therapy.

8 Genetics and precision medicine.

9 Clinical genetics and genetic counselling.


Module aims:

The aim of the module is to give students an appreciation of the clinical genetics specialist area in the biomedical sciences. The module will encompass various aspects related to clinical genetics such as the genetic basis of disorders, sign and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Who you'll Learn from

Chris Davis

Programme Leader BSc Forensic Biology (Single & Combined)
Chris Davis

How you'll Learn

You will gain practical experience in teaching laboratories and crime scene sites. 

Assessments are designed to challenge and encourage both your academic skills and skills valid in the workplace. Coursework includes essays and reports, data processing and oral presentations. 

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you have the opportunity to spend five weeks working for a host organisation via our innovative Work Based Learning module. You’ll have the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. 
 
This course offers the exciting opportunity to study abroad for a full academic year at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs), a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide. 

Entry Requirements

112 UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

Must include A Level Biology or Chemistry

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points, including 5 in HL Biology or Chemistry

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in either Biology, Chemistry

Scottish Highers: BBBB including either Biology, Chemistry

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

T Level Science - Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

72 UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A level Biology or Chemistry

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points, including 4 in HL Biology or Chemistry

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4, including Biology or Chemistry

Scottish Highers: CCDD including Biology or Chemistry

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Pass overall

T Level

T Level (Science): Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,250 per year (2024/25)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2024/25 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU starting in or after the 2021/22 academic year will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£13,950 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Roles include forensic biology, police officers, analytical scientist, biological researchers, science teachers, crime scene examiners, Forensic DNA analyst. The course provides skills in communication (both written and oral), encourages analytical thinking as well as critical analysis, and develops practical laboratory skills enhancing employability options in a wide variety of industries. 

Progression options

Should you decide to further your journey in Higher Education, we offer a broad choice of professional, internationally recognised qualifications. This can be a popular option for students interested in developing their knowledge within a specialist area, or gaining the necessary qualification to further their career. 

Here are just some of the areas our students have gone on to: 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.