Forensic Science

You'll benefit from the expertise of our enthusiastic teaching staff who also conduct forensic science research and casework. Studying in the Centre for Forensic Science offers a unique experience, combining ‘case-based’ learning with research-led teaching. You'll cover core aspects of forensic science in Semester 1 including:

preservation and recovery of evidence at a crime scene

assessment and analysis of a wide range of evidence types

legal systems, quality assurance, and ethical considerations of forensic science

the interpretation, statistical evaluation, and reporting of evidence

The focal point of the first semester is our major crime scene exercise, in which you investigate simulated outdoor crime scenes, collect and analyse the evidence from those scenes, and then present this in Glasgow Sheriff Court in conjunction with students training in Strathclyde Law School.

Following the general introduction in Semester 1, you can choose to specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry.

As a forensic biologist you’ll study a range of topics including:

investigation of assaults

biological trace evidence

DNA profiling and DNA mixture/kinship analysis

investigation of sexual offences

If you choose to specialise in forensic chemistry, you’ll develop expertise in:

analysis of illicit substances

toxicology and alcohol analysis

investigation of fires and explosives

analytical chemistry for forensic scientists