Programme Specification Programme title: MSci Forensic and Medical Sciences Academic Year: 2016/17 Degree Awarding Body: Partner(s), delivery organisation or support provider (if appropriate): Final and interim award(s): Programme accredited by (if appropriate): Programme duration: UCAS code: QAA Subject benchmark statement(s): University of Bradford Faculty of Life Sciences MSci Forensic and Medical Sciences (FHEQ) level 7] BSc (Honours) Forensic and Medical Sciences (FHEQ) level 6] BSc (Ordinary) Forensic and Medical Sciences (FHEQ) level 6] Diploma of Higher Education Forensic and Medical Sciences (FHEQ) level 5] Certificate of Higher Education Forensic and Medical Sciences (FHEQ) level 4] MSci (4 yr, full time) MSci [FBL9 MScI/FMS4] Forensic (2012) Date of Senate Approval: July 2002 Date last confirmed and/or minor modification approved by Faculty Board Biomedical Sciences (2015) September 2016 Introduction The School of Archaeological Sciences in the Faculty of Life Sciences is a UK pioneer in the development of education and training in the forensic sciences in Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 1
undergraduate courses. Our courses have acquired a strong reputation and they derive benefit from the successes of strong contributions from the School of Biomedical Sciences. Forensic investigation draws on virtually every branch of science including all of the disciplines of chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics, and those derived from them, such as medicine, computing, engineering and archaeology. The discipline also encompasses subjects which are better defined within the humanities and arts including for example psychology, ethics and law, and a great many vocational subjects such as profiling, photography, nursing and reconstruction. By far the greatest requirement of the professional forensic and police scientific sectors in addressing crimes against a person (serious crime) and identifying individuals are skills in the biosciences, and for crimes against property (volume crime), the skills of the chemical scientist. The Bradford course in Forensic and Medical Sciences has been designed to deliver education and training in the essential core biomedical and forensic sciences to meet these requirements, especially the former, to integrate forensic investigation within each year of the course, to deliver a wide range of transferable skills, many of which are embedded within the scientific programme as well as being acquired through modules in professional development, and to provide you with opportunities to focus on topics of particular interest in your final year of study. Degrees based on the biosciences prepare graduates for a wide range of careers including those in the professional medical and forensic sectors because of their broad basis and application. On the MSci course, you will spend all four years of the course in full-time academic study. This route is particularly suited to students who aspire to a career in a research environment; indeed as part of your Stage 4 studies you will undertake a significant research project on a subject of your own choosing over the entire second semester. Programme Aims The programme is intended to: provide you with a comprehensive knowledge and systematic understanding of aspects of the Biomedical Sciences and Forensic Investigation and Interpretation, and enable you to apply these to forensic examination and analysis; provide you with a supportive and structured environment in which you are encouraged to develop the independent study skills required for lifelong learning; develop your abilities for both team-working and autonomous learning, through directed study, through dissertative and practical forensic investigation and project work, and prepare you for life-long learning; provide you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate critical thinking and interpretative skills through independent investigation of a forensic topic and the underlying biomedical sciences; enable you to develop skills in a range of analytical techniques essential in analytical, biomedical and forensic investigation; provide you with opportunities to develop a wide range of transferable skills of value in medical and non- medical employment, and to prepare Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 2
you for careers to meet the needs of the professional forensic and police sector employers; provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to proceed to further studies in specialised areas of forensic investigation or multi-disciplinary areas involving the chemical and/or biomedical sciences, and to provide you with the opportunity to study beyond Masters level. Programme Learning Outcomes To be eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education at FHEQ level 4, students will be able to: LO1 LO2 LO3 Integrate and appraise core principles underlying biomedical sciences, including cell biology, tissues, microbiology, immunology, human genetics and developmental biology, biomolecules, biochemistry, and pathology, and forensic investigation and Interpretation (including examination and analysis of physical evidence and interpretation and presentation of forensic evidence) and apply them to forensic casework. Optionally, describe and explain the molecular and genetic basis of disease, the fundamentals of gene expression, biotechnology, and genomics, and apply archaeological and anthropological principles to forensic investigation; Explain the principles and procedures used in the analysis and the characterisation of biological substances. Interpret analytical data; In accordance with the Benchmark Statements for Biomedical Sciences, operating only within a context that has been defined for you, you will be able to demonstrate skills in: numeracy; information-retrieval (in relation to primary and secondary information sources); independent learning and research; team working; IT; written and oral communication, time management; problem-solving; study skills (needed for continuing professional development). Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education at FHEQ level 5, students will be able to: LO4 LO5 Plan, coordinate and carry out forensic search, recovery, comparison, analysis and interpretation with due regard to the issues of contamination, health and safety, continuity, quality assurance and professional practices and procedures, and to explain the scientific principles underpinning forensic investigation to a lay audience; apply forensic and biological principles and skills to a variety of physical evidence types in forensic investigation; Analyse new data and situations using a range of techniques appropriate to the subject. Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Ordinary Degree of Bachelor at FHEQ level 6, students will be able to: LO6 LO7 Carry out appropriate statistical evaluation and interpretation of data; critically analyse scientific data and interpret context-based information; Analyse and assess errors and their sources, and formulate strategies to minimise errors and bias in practical biological and forensic investigation and in the manipulation of numerical data. Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 3
LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12 LO13 Present scientific information and sustain arguments clearly and correctly, in writing and orally, to a range of audiences. Present and defend expert testimony, in writing through expert witness statements and orally in evidence-in-chief and under crossexamination. Demonstrate critical thinking in the interpretation of scientific and forensic evidence, using it to support conclusions/recommendations, and review the reliability, validity and significance of evidence. Identify and define complex problems and apply appropriate knowledge and skills to their solution. Integrate data and concepts for a given purpose and formulate solutions to problems, which recognise the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. In accordance with the Benchmark Statements for Biomedical Sciences, you will be able to demonstrate skills in: numeracy; informationretrieval (in relation to primary and secondary information sources); independent learning and research; team working; IT; written and oral communication, time management; problem-solving; study skills (needed for continuing professional development). Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Honours Degree of Bachelor at FHEQ level 6, students will be able to: LO14 Plan and undertake independent practical investigation of an unfamiliar nature with due regard to personal, and laboratory safety in handling bio-hazardous materials, in maintaining integrity of sample and in addressing issues of contamination and quality assurance; design and implement research strategies for practical biomedical and/or forensic investigation and analysis. Additionally, to be eligible for the award of Degree of Master in Sciences at FHEQ level 7, students will be able to: LO15 LO16 LO17 LO18 Curriculum Explain and critically evaluate areas of advanced biological or forensic investigation and pursue an independent, practical investigation in considerable depth in one of these disciplines. Plan, design and execute practical investigations, from the problemrecognition stage through to the evaluation and appraisal of results and findings. Select appropriate techniques and procedures, independently interpret conflicting and uncertain results generated both in your experimental project and by others. Critically appraise published work. The curriculum is designed to provide for a core programme in the biomedical sciences and forensic sciences through core modules and options. Professional skills are embedded in the curriculum. Irrespective of option choices in prescribed topics, the final year provides you with an opportunity to investigate a forensic topic or topics of your own choice through dissertative and practical research activities. Development of a broad range of professional and transferable skills is designed to Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 4
assist your progression from the university to your chosen career or further study, and to provide a basis for continuing lifelong learning. Stage 1 FHEQ Level Module Title 4 Independent Study for Forensic Scientists 4 Principles of Forensic and Crime Scene Investigation Core/ Option/ Elective Credit Study Period Module Code Core 20 1&2 ARC 4014-B Core 20 1&2 CFS4004-B 4 Cells & Tissue Biology Core 20 1 BIS4008-B 4 Introductory Biochemistry Core 20 1 BIS4007-B 4 Introductory Microbiology Core 20 2 BIS4013-B 4 Human Genetics & Developmental Biology Core 20 2 BIS4010-B At the end of stage 1, students will be eligible to exit with the award of Certificate of Higher Education if they have successfully completed at least 120 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes. Stage 2 FHEQ Level Module Title 5 Forensic Examination and Analysis of Physical Evidence Core/ Option/ Elective Credit Study Period Module Code core 20 1+2 CFS5001-B 5 Medical Microbiology core 20 1 BIS5008-B 5 Clinical and Analytical Biochemistry core 20 1 BIS5013-B 5 Pathology core 20 2 BIS5015-B 5 Molecular Genetics core 20 2 BIS5014-B 5 Virtual Anatomy option 20 1+2 ARC5017- B 5 Immunology, Haematology & Transfusion Science option 20 1+2 BIS5012-B At the end of stage 2, students will be eligible to exit with the award of Diploma of Higher Education if they have successfully completed at least 240 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes. Stage 3 FHEQ Level Module Title 6 Interpretation & Presentation of Forensic Evidence Core/ Option/ Elective Credit Study Period Module Code core 20 1+2 CFS6005-B Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 5
6 Medical Genetics core 20 1 BIS6011-B 6 Research Project core 30 2 CFS6007-C 6 Forensic Anthropology option 10 1 ARC6011- B 6 Research Topics in Medical Cell Biology I option 20 1 BIS6006-B 6 Research Topics in Medical Biochemistry I 6 Research Topics in Medical Microbiology I 6 Introduction to Forensic Archaeology for Forensic Scientists option 20 1 BIS6009-B option 20 1 BIS600 8-B option 10 1 ARC6008- A 6 Biometrics and Human Identification option 10 1 ARC6001- A 6 Biology of Disease option 20 2 BIS6012-B 6 Introduction to Forensic Taphonomy option 10 2 ARC6020- A 6 Electron Microscopy option 10 2 LIS7002-A Students will be eligible to exit with the award of Ordinary Degree of Bachelor if they have successfully completed at 120 credits in both Level 4 and 5 and 60 credits at level 6 and achieved the award learning outcomes. Students will be eligible for the award of Honours Degree of Bachelor if they have successfully completed at least 360 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes. Stage 4 FHEQ Level Module Title Core/ Option/ Elective Credit Study Period Module Code 7 Scientific Project Management Core 10 1 LIS7013-A 7 Fundamentals of Analytical Science Option 20 1 LIS7004-B 7 X-Ray Diffraction Option 10 1 LIS7012-A 7 Separation Science Option 10 1 LIS7009-A 7 Vibrational Spectroscopy Option 10 1 LIS7011-A 7 Introduction to Forensic Archaeology Option 10 1 ARC7026-A 7 Professional Development: Forensic Enquiry and Critical Case Study Option 20 1 CFS7006-B 7 Applied and Diagnostic Pathology Option 20 1 BIS7008-B 7 Molecular Basis of Cancer and Cancer Therapy Option 20 1 INC7002-B 7 Stage Four Research Project Core 60 2 CFS7003-E Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 6
Students will be eligible for the award of Degree of Master in Science if they have successfully completed at least 480 credits and achieved the award learning outcomes. Learning and Teaching Strategy The programme articulates with the Teaching and Learning and the Excellence Plus strategies of the University. A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme. They progressively focus on student-centred approaches to learning thus you will be expected to take increasing responsibility for your learning as you progress through the course. In this way you will develop the attributes needed for life-long learning and continued professional development. Outcomes LO1 to LO4, LO6 to LO9 and LO14 will be developed in a number of modules, through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, case studies, CAL and directed study. Directed study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks, specified source literature and open learning materials, directed Web-based materials, report writing and other assignments. In addition individual project/dissertation work will further help you to develop outcomes LO8 and LO14. Key skills are embedded throughout the curriculum with most modules developing at least one of the skills specified in outcome LO13. Where appropriate the disciplines of the medical sciences are brought together within the context of forensic science through the forensic science modules, studied at each Stage of the course. The MSci level modules will develop the learning outcomes LO15 to LO18 which will be fostered through lectures, laboratory exercises, small group seminars, tutorials and workshops, individual project work and directed study. Written examination, coursework assignments and dissertation will assess them. Assessment Strategy You will demonstrate your achievement via written closed-book examinations using constructed- (essays, short answers) and selected response (MCQ) questions and a variety of coursework assignments, including laboratory reports, oral presentations and dissertation. The development of outcomes LO10 to LO12 will be through involvement in laboratory, small-group workshops, case-based work and projects (individual and small group). They will be assessed by critical appraisal, case analysis and critique, case presentations, laboratory reports and dissertation. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are available at the following link: http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/ Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students and most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 7
particular programme. Consideration of applications will be based on a combination of formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. The minimum entry requirements for the programme are as follows: A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 260 UCAS points (equivalent to BBC) with at least 100 points in Biology or Chemistry. The UCAS tariff applicable may vary and is published here http://www.brad.ac.uk/study/courses/info/forensic-and-medical-sciences-msci-4- years Applications are welcome from students with non-standard qualifications or mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) with significant relevant experience. Recognition of Prior Learning If applicants have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate and recognise this learning in order to provide applicants with exemptions from specified modules or parts of the programme. Minor Modification Schedule Version Number 1 Brief description of Modification Date of Approval (Faculty Board) Route Code: <Enter Route Code> University of Bradford 8