• » Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Forensic Science

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Forensic Science
    CAO Code  LY827
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  3 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  26
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    This new course covers the full range of core subjects in science and in particular analytical science. Analytical scientists occupy a central position in many industrial and government laboratories. This may involve them in the determination of environmental pollutants, the purity of drugs or the acquisition of forensic evidence for the criminal courts. This course is intrinsically multidisciplinary in nature. The degree emphasises the importance of analytical science to modern forensic investigation, the legal framework in which such activities must take place, and the need for the proper collection, analysis, presentation and quality assurance of forensic evidence.
    The B.Sc. in Analytical & Forensic Science is a three-year programme, during which extensive time is spent in a range of well-equipped laboratories. The first year of this programme provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of science as well as including modules on study and communication skills and information technology. The first year is common with other programmes in the science department and this allows potential students the option of changing their specialisation up to the end of their first year. In the second year students on this programme study a range of topics including Organic Chemistry, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, Forensic Analysis, Biochemistry, Surface and Material Science, and Microbiology as well as modules such as Instrumental Analysis which teach the practical techniques involved in analysis of materials. In the third year of the programme students study advanced topics including Polymeric and Fibre Science, Criminology, Immunoassays and Law of Evidence as well as continuing to extend their skills in modern analytical techniques used in chemical analysis. The final year also includes modules on research methods and statistical analysis and on quality assurance. At all stages practical and theoretical aspects of the modules offered will be integrated. Every effort is made to provide a learning environment in which the students' enthusiasm for their subject is fostered and their intellectual, personal, and practical skills developed.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Grade D3 or higher in at least five ordinary level subjects at Leaving Certificate, including Maths and either Irish or English, or an equivalent qualification.
    • FETAC applicants click FETAC
    • Applicants presenting non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please check the IOTCEF listing to search for the entry relevant to your country
    • Applicants who are interested in taking selected modules only from this programme and/or those interested in studying this programme in a part-time mode, click Part-time Study
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Cell Biology Mandatory  5  5
     Chemistry 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Physics 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Learning & Communication Skills for Scientists Mandatory  5  3
     Laboratory Safety & Health Mandatory  5  4
     Mathematical Skills for Science Mandatory  5  4
     1/2  Animal & Plant Biology Mandatory  5  5
     Chemistry 2: Fuels, Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry Mandatory  5  5
     Physics 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Calculus Skills for Science Mandatory  5  4
     Exploring Science Mandatory  5  4
     Information Technology for Science 1 Mandatory  5  3
    The modules taken in Semesters 1 and 2 are common to all courses in Science
     2/3  Biochemistry Mandatory  5  5
     Microbiology 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Organic Chemistry 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Information Technology for Science 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Instrumental Analysis 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Mathematical Methods 1 for Science Mandatory  5  3
     2/4  Physical & Inorganic Chemistry Mandatory  5  6
     Organic Chemistry 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Mathematical Methods 2 for Science Mandatory  5  3
     Forensic Analysis of Surfaces Mandatory  5  5
     Instrumental Analysis 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Nucleic Acids Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Chromatographic & Electrophoretic Techniques Mandatory  5  5
     Forensic Fibre Analysis Mandatory  5  5
     Spectrometric Methods Mandatory  5  5
     Pharmacology Mandatory  5  3
     Research Skills Mandatory  5  3
     Statistics Mandatory  5  3
     3/6  DNA Technology Mandatory  5  5
     Quality Assurance Mandatory  5  3
     The Irish Legal System and the Criminal Process Mandatory  5  3
     Scientific Literature Project Mandatory  5  3
     Forensic Statistics Mandatory  5  3
     Forensic Analysis Mandatory  5  5
    Learning Outcomes
    Learning outcomes of this programme include the following. The graduate will
    • Have an appreciation of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, and biochemistry concepts
    • Have a core grounding in the fundamentals of biology, physics, chemistry, microbiology and mathematics which underpin forensic investigation
    • Understand the principles of instrumental analysis required for the analysis of chemical and forensic samples
    • Have practical experience of the principal laboratory techniques for organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, and biochemistry
    • Be aware of health and safety issues associated with a science laboratory
    • Be able to scientific knowledge and techniques in support of the legal process
    • principles of and have practical experience in Spectrometric Methods, Electro analytical Techniques and Chromatographic Techniques for the analysis of chemical samples
    • Have an understanding of the concepts of methods of Biochemical and Microbiological Analysis and Immunological methods
    • Be able to demonstrate the role quality has in industry and in the proper collection of data for forensic evidence
    • Have an appreciation of the application of statistical methods in Quality Control
    • Be able to perform a research project and communicate results in written and oral format.
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    On successful completion of this programme learners may progress to an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree (Level 8) in Analytical and Forensic Science at LYIT.
    Graduates from this programme may also pursue further studies at other Universities in Ireland or abroad. Acceptance on any programme is at the discretion of the college to which the candidate applies.
    Career Opportunities
    Holders of the B.Sc. in Analytical & Forensic Science have a diverse and widening range of career opportunities in the chemical, medicinal science, environmental and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in forensic/government laboratories and agencies. The larger employers include Loctite, Allergen, Abbott Ireland, Schering Plough, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Takeda and Pfizer.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact: Dr Anne Nelson Head of Department of Science, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: anne.nelson@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6302