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BSc (Hons)
Forensic Biology
Key Information
Academic Year
Use biology to investigate evidence, reconstruct events and understand crime scenes
Forensic biology applies biological science to criminal investigations. You'll learn how biological evidence such as DNA, body tissues and other biological traces can be recovered, analysed and interpreted to help investigate incidents, and support evidence presented in court.
At Lincoln, you'll combine a strong foundation in biology and biochemistry with practical forensic investigation. You'll develop experience across the whole forensic process, from investigating a simulated crime scene and collecting evidence, to analysing samples in the laboratory and communicating your findings professionally.
The course is designed for students who want to specialise in the biological side of forensic science, while keeping their career options open across forensic, laboratory and wider biological careers.
You'll learn through practical laboratory work, case studies, fieldwork and simulated crime scenes, using specialist facilities including a dedicated crime scene house and university laboratories.
Why study Forensic Biology at Lincoln?
Forensic Biology is a specialist degree, but it is designed to give you a broad understanding of forensic investigation.
You’ll develop the scientific knowledge, practical experience and professional skills needed to investigate biological evidence and understand how it contributes to wider forensic investigations.
Combine biology with forensic investigation
Study biological and biochemical science alongside crime scene investigation, evidence analysis, and forensic professional practice.
Learn by doing
Develop practical skills through laboratory sessions, case studies, fieldwork, and simulated crime scenes rather than relying solely on classroom learning.
Experience both crime scenes and laboratories
Build competence in collecting evidence at an incident scene and analysing biological material in the laboratory.
Develop DNA and biological analysis skills
Learn how biological material can be identified, analysed and interpreted as forensic evidence.
Explore specialist areas of forensic biology
Study anthropology, anatomical analysis, forensic ecology and the identification of individual biological molecules.
Teaching is delivered by staff with current or previous forensic professional experience. Build professional skills alongside scientific knowledge Develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, scientific communication and the ability to present evidence appropriately. Keep your options open The biological and analytical skills you develop can support progression into forensic science and wider graduate-level science careers.
What you'll learn
You’ll build your knowledge progressively, moving from core biological and biochemical principles towards more complex forensic applications.
Your studies will bring together four key areas:
- Biological sciences: develop your understanding of biology and the biological processes relevant not just to forensic investigation.
- Biochemical sciences: learn how biological materials and molecules can be analysed using scientific techniques.
- Crime scene investigation: understand how scenes are secured, recorded and examined, and how biological evidence is collected while protecting its integrity.
- Forensic professional practice: develop the communication, reporting, legal and professional skills needed to interpret and present evidence.
Learn how forensic evidence is communicated
Scientific findings need to be communicated clearly and responsibly. You’ll develop your understanding of judicial processes, legal constraints and the role of expert witnesses. Assessment may include laboratory reports, professional reports, presentations and witness statements, helping you practise communicating scientific information to different audiences.
From crime scene to laboratory
Practical learning is central to the course. You’ll investigate simulated crime scenes, develop evidence collection skills and undertake laboratory analysis using specialist facilities and equipment.
You’ll also learn how to generate, record, analyse and interpret scientific data. As you progress, you’ll take increasing responsibility for solving problems, researching questions and communicating your conclusions.
Problem-based and enquiry-based learning will challenge you to investigate both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios. At later stages, you’ll work more independently and develop the ability to justify your findings using scientific evidence.
Develop research and analytical skills
Research skills are built throughout the degree, including data collection, analysis, literature searching, critical evaluation and research ethics. In your final year, you’ll undertake a research project with academic supervision and technical support. This provides an opportunity to investigate a biological or forensic question in greater depth while developing skills in project management, scientific analysis and communication.
Support and student experience
Get academic and personal support throughout your degree.
You’ll be part of a supportive learning community where staff and students are encouraged to work together and provide feedback on the student experience. Academic staff have published office hours, giving you opportunities to ask questions without needing to arrange an appointment.
Programme representatives, cohort meetings and other feedback mechanisms also provide opportunities to raise issues and influence your experience. You’ll also have access to personal tutoring and wider University support services, including library, digital and wellbeing services.
International study and placements
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a voluntary placement year between your second and final years. A dedicated academic placement lead and the University’s Careers service can support you in finding opportunities, preparing applications and developing interview skills.
The course team also maintains links with police organisations, forensic consultants and private-sector laboratories. Lincolnshire Police, Leicestershire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have previously contributed to careers activity and careers events at the University, providing opportunities to learn more about potential professional pathways.
Careers and future opportunities
A Forensic Biology degree can support careers involving forensic investigation, biological analysis, laboratory science and wider scientific research.
Your training could provide a foundation for potential roles such as:
- forensic biology or DNA analysis
- forensic laboratory work
- crime scene investigation
- biological laboratory technician roles
- wildlife forensics
- scientific research
- analytical and monitoring roles
- environmental or conservation-related forensic work
- wider graduate careers requiring scientific analysis and evidence-based problem-solving
The course is deliberately broader than crime scene investigation alone. You’ll develop transferable skills in laboratory practice, data analysis, research, critical thinking, scientific reporting and professional communication. These can help you consider career opportunities beyond traditional forensic roles.
Entry Requirements 2027-28
United Kingdom
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, to include 32 points from Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science.
If you are eligible for a contextual offer, a one grade or 8 UCAS Tariff point reduction to the standard entry requirements will be applied. Subject specific requirements will still be required as part of the standard entry criteria.
A Level: BBC to include a Grade C in Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation. Applied Science will be accepted accepted depending on modules: DDM
(Please include units on application)
We will accept a Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National (equivalent to 1 A Level) in Medical Science or Applied Science to meet the subject specific requirement: Merit
T Level: Merit in Science
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 112 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits, including 32 points from 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall to include a Higher Level 4 in Biology or Chemistry.
GCSEs: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/sfysfyub/lifesciences/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Contextual Offers
At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.Is this course right for you?
Choose Forensic Biology if you want to combine science with investigation.
This course could suit you if you:
- are interested in biology but want to apply it to real-world investigations want practical laboratory and crime scene experience
- enjoy solving problems using scientific evidence
- are more interested in the biological side of forensic science rather than the chemistry-focused aspects
- are interested in DNA, biological evidence and forensic analysis want to develop skills that could be used in forensic and wider scientific careers
- are considering a career involving laboratory analysis, investigation or scientific research
- want the option to gain professional experience through a placement year
If you are particularly interested in the biological side of forensic science, including DNA, genetics and biological evidence, and would prefer a course with less emphasis on chemistry than a broader Forensic Science degree, this course provides a focused alternative.
Fees and Funding
University Study is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.