Bachelor of Science in DNA and Forensic Analysis

Are you fascinated by court procedures and forensic science? The application of scientific knowledge and techniques in support of the legal process? There’s been a huge increase in the application of DNA technologies in forensics, in many industries and in the state laboratories. In this course, you’ll acquire the knowledge and skills you need to work as an analyst in biotechnology, healthcare, chemical, pharmaceutical and forensic laboratories.

Forensic science is the application of scientific knowledge and techniques in support of the legal process. The application of DNA technologies in forensics, and a wide range of industries and the state laboratories, has increased hugely.

This course will provide you with a broad knowledge and understanding of the core biological and chemical sciences. You’ll develop practical and problem-solving skills in the laboratory in pharmaceutical, biological and chemical & forensic analysis, as well as both theoretical understanding and practical skills in DNA fingerprinting technology. You’ll acquire the multi-disciplinary knowledge, skills and competencies to be able to work effectively as an analyst in biotechnology, healthcare, chemical, pharmaceutical and forensic laboratories.

Through progressive and repeated laboratory practice, complemented by lectures, tutorials, scientific report writing, statistical analysis, forensic scenarios, collaborative activities and oral presentations, students will develop essential skills for their future careers in the following areas:

Analytical Thinking: Students collect, analyse and interpret experimental data across biology, chemistry, forensic science and DNA analysis. Activities include evaluating measurement error, validating results, statistically interpreting DNA profiles, developing HPLC methods, and analysing compounds using GC and spectroscopy. Forensic Genetics requires students to interpret STR profiles, mixtures, degraded DNA and low-copy-number DNA.

Professionalism and attention to detail: Laboratory modules emphasise good laboratory practice, safety procedures, accurate record-keeping, result validation and adherence to protocols. Students practise careful collection, preservation and analysis of biological and trace evidence, where contamination control and chain-of-custody principles are important. Good Manufacturing Practice and Quality Systems and Law and Ethics for Forensics further develop professional, ethical and quality-focused practice.

Core academic skills: The programme develops scientific writing, numeracy, statistical analysis, digital literacy, research and presentation skills. Students prepare laboratory reports, perform scientific calculations, review literature, use scientific software and present findings. The Critical Skills Development module and scientific presentation activities support communication, teamwork and independent learning.

Manual dexterity, endurance and precision: Laboratory skills modules run throughout all three years of TU752. Students repeatedly undertake tasks such as reagent preparation, accurate measurement, pipetting, aseptic technique, microscopy, streak plating, staining, DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis and instrumental analysis. Extended practical sessions build concentration and endurance, while repeated use of sensitive samples and equipment develops precision and manual dexterity.

Problem Solving: Students receive experimental briefs and must select, combine and apply suitable techniques to solve prescribed scientific or forensic problems. Examples include identifying unknown materials, examining ink and fibre evidence, testing suspected biological samples, assessing DNA quality and quantity, interpreting forensic profiles and troubleshooting experimental results. Team-based practicals also require students to divide responsibilities and respond to unexpected results.

Professional Accreditation

This course is recognised by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at TU Dublin QQI FET Applicants.

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at TU Dublin Mature Applicants.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduate Job Titles:

• Forensic Analyst
• Analyst
• Quality Controller
• Quality Assurance
• Process Development
• Regulatory Compliance Officer

My Qualification: What Next?

For more details about the career opportunities available after this course, please refer to our career-focussed guide: “My Qualification: What Next?”

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration, Accommodation and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses typically open in November each year for entry the following September, with applications closing in June. Note: Some courses may close early if they reach capacity.

Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.

I loved the on-campus crime scene aspect to the course. Really enjoyed the mock trial in the court room you experience. This showed us all aspects of what you could encounter in Forensic Analysis.

Students may progress on to TU864 DNA and Forensic Analysis.