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MSc

DNA Profiling

Attendance

Campus

Start

Duration

1 Year

Start

September 2022

Delivery

Campus Taught

On this demanding and intellectually challenging course you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the latest concepts in molecular biology techniques and laboratory management in the world of DNA profiling.

By the end of this course you’ll be well prepared for a career in the DNA profiling sector and related areas such as molecular biology, genetics and population genetics.

The various interpretational skills we teach on this course follow the guidelines set by both the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG) and the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM).

Why study with us

Accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Lancashire Forensic Science Academy is a partnership with Lancashire Constabulary which gives you access to an operational environment where CSIs, forensic science experts and students work together in purpose-built facilities.
You’ll be taught by staff who are nationally and internationally recognised experts in the field of forensic DNA profiling.

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What you'll do

Gain extensive hands-on practical experience in various laboratory techniques, eventually developing the skills to plan and execute a research project
You’ll also have access to a field taphonomic research facility for relevant outdoor experimentation, and a moot court.
You’ll have access to a state-of-the-art molecular biology facility which is equipped with most modern genetic analysers, PCR and Real Time PCR machines, and next generation sequencers.

Module Overview

Course Delivery

This course is taught face-to-face at one of our UK campuses.

100%Face-to-face

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Looking to start your postgraduate journey?

Our range of subjects and study modes can support your goals, take your next step with a postgraduate degree.

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Academic expertise

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, demonstrating that it provides a solid, widely respected route into the highly competitive field of forensic and criminal investigation.

We have a wide variety of links with local, national and international laboratories and academic institutions, all of which provide valuable contacts for students wishing to enter professions related to DNA profiling. Further details and contacts are available from members of the teaching team.

Future careers

This course will equip you with the expertise needed to pursue a successful career in the forensic DNA profiling sector and related areas such as molecular biology, genetics and population genetics.

You’ll also have developed outstanding research skills, so you’ll have the option of moving into a research-focused career and undertaking PhD-level study.

Our alumni have gone on to enjoy a variety of high profile roles – as Professors, DNA Analysts, Technical Directors of Forensic DNA Laboratories, Supervisors of Criminalistics Departments within police forces, and more.

Lancashire Forensic Science Academy

This ground-breaking partnership gives you the opportunity to shadow real CSI's and gain industry-demanded placement experience.

Fees and Funding

2021/22

Full-time£7100 per year

Part-time£785 per 20 credits

Full-time£14500 per year

Part-time£785 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£14500 per year

2022/23

Full-time£7800 per year

Part-time£867 per 20 credits

International

Full-time£14500 per year

Scholarships and Bursaries

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country and see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

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During this course you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques of molecular biology and genetics in the context of DNA profiling, current DNA profiling procedures, techniques and analysis, research methods, project design and statistical analysis and analysing genetic data.

You’ll also learn the role of an expert scientific witness in the legal process and laboratory management and quality assurance procedures

The course is split into two distinct phases of Taught and Research project.

The taught phase comprises lecturers, tutorials/workshops and practical experiments that will introduce you to biochemical and molecular biology techniques in the context of a forensic DNA laboratory. You’ll also receive hands-on training on the software packages you’ll need to use for data analysis. Teaching and learning activities normally take place over three days of the week, and you’ll spend the rest of your time carrying out independent study or additional laboratory work.

You’ll be required to complete challenging assessments which will include coursework, group projects, presentations, moot court and practical assessments. There is only one theory-based exam during the course.

During the research phase you’ll undertake various projects. Some of these are carried out with commercial forensic science providers (FSP) laboratories. If you’re already a practitioner then you may be able to complete the projects in your own laboratories. You’ll be required to attend a weekly laboratory meeting where you’ll receive guidance, supervision and training to enhance your research skills. Many of our former students have seen their projects published as journal articles or presented in international journals.

Your research project will be assessed using the laboratory notebook and supervisor’s assessment (20%) and a written report on the research project (80%).

Lancashire Constabulary and the University joined forces to create the Lancashire Forensic Science Academy. In the first collaboration of its kind, CSIs, forensic science experts, academics and students will work alongside each other in purpose-built facilities to research, investigate and deliver forensic science services in Lancashire. This ground-breaking partnership gives you access to hands-on experience in an operational environment.

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This course is based in the School of Natural Sciences located in the Faculty of Science and Technology

For information on possible changes to course information, see our Essential and Important Course Information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Central Lancashire on our Student Contract page