Chemistry with Forensic Science MChem

  • UCAS Code F1F4
  • Duration Up to 5 years
  • Delivery type Full Time
  • Study location
  • Edinburgh
  • Number of places
  • 25

Overview

The Course

This is a full Chemistry degree containing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, along with Statistics, Fibre Science, Surface Coatings, Materials Chemistry, Forensic Analysis and Forensic Science. A year long placement is an integral part of the programme and is normally taken in an industrial analytical lab. A short research topic is undertaken in Level 5. The programme aims to produce chemistry graduates with the highest level of professional skill and knowledge, and with a broad background in areas such as chemical analysis, microscopy, fibre analysis, and the legal aspects of evidence collection, analysis and presentation.

Career Prospects

Chemistry with Forensic Science graduates have career prospects in the Home Office, police laboratories and other regulatory bodies. Since the programme gives a foundation in applied analytical chemistry, careers will also be available in the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace, communications and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals and public analysts’ labs.

Overview

The Course

This is a full Chemistry degree containing Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry, along with Statistics, Fibre Science, Surface Coatings, Materials Chemistry, Forensic Analysis and Forensic Science. A year long placement is an integral part of the programme and is normally taken in an industrial analytical lab. A short research topic is undertaken in Level 5. The programme aims to produce chemistry graduates with the highest level of professional skill and knowledge, and with a broad background in areas such as chemical analysis, microscopy, fibre analysis, and the legal aspects of evidence collection, analysis and presentation.

Career Prospects

Chemistry with Forensic Science graduates have career prospects in the Home Office, police laboratories and other regulatory bodies. Since the programme gives a foundation in applied analytical chemistry, careers will also be available in the chemical, petroleum, electronic, aerospace, communications and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals and public analysts’ labs.

Programme content

Level 1

As specialist Forensic Science courses do not commence until Level 2, Level 1 is the same as the MChem in Chemistry allowing students to choose an optional subject.

Level 2

Core Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry courses with Forensic Science, Fibre Science, Colour Chemistry and Statistical Analysis, lab work playing a key role, with extra lab classes.

Level 3

Forensic Analysis and Materials Chemistry courses are taken along with the core Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry and more advanced chemistry labs.

Level 4

Theory and practical skills are put to good use with a one year placement normally in an analytical lab within industry. Students also take two distance learning courses of Applied Instrumental Techniques and Microstructures and Properties of Materials supported by email and on-line teaching material.

Fifth Year

Forensic Science is taken to the present frontiers of knowledge. Lectures involve professional Forensic Scientists and a short research project is also undertaken. Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry is studied at advanced level.

Entry requirements

The University offers as its normal entry routes:

  • entry at Level 1, mainly for students with Scottish Highers (or similar)
  • entry at Level 2, mainly for students with A-levels (or similar).

There is nevertheless considerable flexibility, depending on the level of qualifications, for entrants with A-levels to opt to enter at Level 1 and for Scottish students to enter at Level 2. Direct entry into Level 3 is also possible for students who already have certain HE qualifications.

Level 1 entry

  • Scottish Highers AABB or BBBBC
  • GCE A Level BBB (to include Chemistry)
  • SQA Higher National Cert B in graded unit. Additional HNC profile requirement. Please contact Admissions Tutor for further information.
  • Int. Baccalaureate 29 points to include Higher Level Mathematics and Chemistry
  • Scottish Baccalaureate BC in Adv. Higher with Chemistry B, Disciplinary Project C and Higher B
  • Additional information Transfer from BSc to MChem is possible up to the end of Year 3 with a Chemistry average > 60%.

Level 2 entry

  • GCE A Level ABB including Chemistry and Maths
  • SQA Advanced Highers BB (B in Chemistry, B in Mathematics, plus AABB at Higher).
  • SQA Higher National Dip BBB in graded units. Additional HND profile requirement - graded tariff is for guidance only. Please contact Admissions Tutor for further information.
  • Int. Baccalaureate 34 points to include Higher Level Mathematics and Chemistry.
  • Scottish Baccalaureate BB in Adv. Higher with Chemistry and Maths, Disciplinary Project B and Higher B

Level 3 entry

  • SQA Higher National Dip AAB in graded units. Please contact the Admissions Tutor for further information.

Tuition fees

Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,000 £14,340

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the 3 years before the start of your programme. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Scholarships & bursaries