STUDY

This module will support you to assess and develop a range of professional and personal skills to promote future personal and career development specifically within the field of applied/laboratory biology. You will explore methods of organisation, managing and practicing a range of approaches to improve your performance as autonomous learners in preparation for work or further career development within the context of effective team management. You will be encouraged and supported to start their individual accreditation with an appropriate professional body (RSciTech/RSci).

Understanding cells, their roles and functions are fundamental to the study of biology. You will explore the structure and function of cell organelles and the variety of cell types using both microscopy and electron micrograph imagery. This module examines the developmental and differentiation of cells through the cell life cycle to support an understanding of how cells can be utilised in culture and thus used as a valuable tool in diagnostic research.

You will explore many systems within the body, including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal and endocrine systems and the importance of the interrelationship between these diverse systems in maintaining homeostasis within an organism. Focus on two specific processes, the distribution and assimilation of nutrients and the removal of waste products will be made. This module will draw on links to other modules exploring infectious disease and the immune system and builds on concepts developed in cell biology.

You will develop an understanding of the syntheses, structures and behaviours of biological macromolecules that together represent the primary constituents of all cells and all organisms. The subject area of chemical biology bridges many different disciplines and this module will equip students with the underlying principles behind the functioning of biological macromolecules, macromolecular assemblies and cells. This module will also introduce key experimental techniques from across the subject area.

Understanding the forensic processes in relation to the law and legal systems in the UK is a fundamental element of forensics in a wider format. You will explore the methods most commonly used in the investigation of a crime scene, processing this evidence in accordance with UK legal practices, and then analysing it within a laboratory setting. They will also gain an understanding of the legal requirement for a chain of continuity and of both record keeping and report writing in a forensic context. Adherence to standard operating procedures on the crime scene and laboratory safety guidelines will be expected.

Data is often the primary outcome of scientific experimentation. The volume of data varies significantly depending on the type of work undertaken but meaning must be extracted from the data output. This module aims to explore methods for data analysis to a level appropriate for use in industry and research. You will examine how outcomes are used to generate valid conclusions, considering the values generated and their associated errors. Biological databases have been developed in recent years to store, organise and index large volumes of data, that has been generated through genomic research for example, and specialised tools to view and analyse the data have been required.

You will become familiar with microscopy, titrimetric and spectroscopic techniques during this module. Presenting experimental results in a variety of formats will be expected during formative and summative assessment of this module. The different report styles and experimental techniques covered in this module will allow you to progress into a wide range of employment roles.

You will complete a research project based on an area of relevant laboratory science industry. A proposal, research and relevant methodology will have been prepared and agreed in the Introduction to Scientific Research module. You will produce a project that draws together different areas of your study, employment experience and/or work placement experiences to contribute to their area of interest.

You will critically appraise a range of study designs and data collection methods and tools and various appropriate analysis methods. The value and quality of research will be discussed in depth. You will propose a research title for the Industry Related Project module and will conduct a literature review relevant to the area of research in the proposal.

Law enforcement requires criminal Investigations and these can be for crimes that are either known or for those where criminal activity needs to be ascertained to determine if criminal proceeding should be started (reactive or proactive). Investigations may also be carried out where people or premises are under investigation. This module will explore the principles of the role of forensic science within this process of criminal investigation alongside the legislation and considerations relating to conducting investigations. Key theories relating to investigating and handling evidence will be discussed while demonstrating the best practice in the sector.

Findings that are presented in a court of law need to provide confidence so the protocols for protecting, recording and processing evidence at crime scenes are of vital importance and an objective approach must be taken to ensure all aspects of evidentiary value are collected and considered including; fingerprints, blood, drugs of abuse and drug paraphernalia, documents, mobile phones and computers. The integrity of the evidence must also be maintained until legal processes are complete. Technological advances and analysis methods must keep pace with developments. This module allows practical investigation including the equipment used for collection and packaging of potential evidence and the relevant preservation techniques.

The crime and justice sector will practically apply psychological research and theory. You will build an awareness of the practical application of psychology within different forensic settings. This unit explores the role of psychological techniques including the identification of offenders and the work with witnesses in retrieving memories. You will also examine criminal investigative analysis techniques such as offender profiling, crime pattern analysis and case linkage, memory – specifically eyewitness memory, sentencing and programme options for managing offenders.

A variety of types of evidence are likely to be found at the crime scene and must be analysed Appropriately. Forensic scientists need to ensure that the evidence is not contaminated when analysing evidence. You will need to become aware of the factors that affect the validity or evidence and of the types of evidence that are more reliable and definitive. The crime scene studio will be utilised to ensure students can appropriately practice learned techniques and evaluate each other techniques.