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FORENSIC SCIENCE
UCAS code F412 Once you have successfully completed the foundation year in Forensic Science, you can then study one of the following degrees: • Forensic Science • Forensic Science with a Year in Industry • Chemistry (subject to approval).
The University of Kent has run science foundation years since 1993. Since then, large numbers of students have achieved excellent honours degrees and gone on to successful scientific careers.
Algebra and Arithmetic
Our Forensic Science degrees are accredited by the Forensic Science Society.
Basic mathematical skills that are useful for understanding the precision and accuracy of experimental results and more generally forensic evidence.
The course
Chemical Reactivity
During the foundation year, you study science subjects to the standard required for degree study. The course is taught entirely on the University’s Canterbury campus within the School of Physical Sciences and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.
This module enables you to go on to the Stage 1 degree modules Fundamental Chemistry for Physical Scientists and Bioscientists and Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry, by introducing topics such as trends in reactivity, reaction rates and organic chemistry.
The course comprises lectures, practical laboratory classes and regular coursework assessments. It is carefully paced and includes rapid feedback on coursework so that you can monitor your progress throughout the year.
Graphs, Geometry and Trigonometry This module provides you with the mathematical skills for: plotting experimental data; trigonometry, which is required for understanding ballistics later in your programme of study; and vectors.
Molecules and Analysis
“The foundation degree is enjoyable. It prepares you for your first year without overloading you with information. The lecturers are always willing to put in the extra effort to help.” Vassilia Spathis Forensic Science
This module includes topics such as titrations, spectroscopy, thermodynamics and equilibria, and provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to go on to the Stage 1 modules Skills for Forensic Scientists and Molecules, Matter and Energy.
Properties of Matter Covering radioactivity, states of matter, properties of the elements, chromatography and an overview of forensic science, this module prepares you for the Stage 1 modules Introduction to Forensic Science; Molecules; Matter and Energy; and Skills for Forensic Scientists.
English language requirements The current minimum level of English needed for entry to this foundation year is 5.5 in IELTS (inc 5.0 reading and writing, 4.0 listening and speaking) or 70 in internetbased TOEFL (inc 16 reading, 17 writing, 13 listening, 19 speaking). If your first language is not English, we can offer you additional classes taught by staff who are specialists in teaching English as a foreign language.
Further information If you have any specific questions on the Forensic Science foundation programme, please contact: Dr Stuart Gibson, School of Physical Sciences T: +44 (0)1227 823271 F: +44 (0)1227 827558 E: s.j.gibson@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk/physical-sciences
DID YOU KNOW? Kent was ranked 15th in the UK for archaeology and forensic science by The Guardian University Guide 2013.