Forensic Biology with Foundation Year
Forensic Biology applies the methods and knowledge of the biological sciences to the investigation of crime and the administration of justice. It draws on genetics, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, toxicology, and ecology to analyse biological evidence, whether that is DNA from a crime scene, the biology of human identification, the ecology of decomposition, or the trace evidence left by living organisms. The field has been transformed over recent decades by advances in DNA analysis, and it continues to evolve as new scientific techniques are developed and applied in investigative and legal contexts.
At the University of Keele, this four-year, full-time programme begins with a foundation year, giving students a supported transition into higher education before the main degree. You will develop skills in forensic identification, investigation, and analysis alongside a thorough grounding in anatomy, physiology, and genetics. State-of-the-art laboratories and authentic crime scene facilities provide the hands-on learning environment that forensic biology demands, giving you the practical experience of gathering, processing, and evaluating forensic evidence that professional work in the field requires.
The four-year structure ensures you have both the scientific depth and the professional preparation to compete effectively in a specialist and demanding graduate market.
Graduates of Forensic Biology work in forensic science laboratories, police forensic units, crime scene investigation, toxicology, environmental forensics, and coroner services. The scientific skills the degree develops also open paths in medical research, healthcare science, genetics, and environmental science. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in forensic science, molecular biology, or forensic genetics, building specialist expertise for senior laboratory or expert witness roles.
The foundation year broadens access to this demanding and rewarding field for students who arrive with a strong interest but a mixed prior qualification profile.