Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science and Analysis

Students will discover how a crime scene is investigated and how to collect and analyse crime scene evidence. They will learn about ethical computer hacking, DNA analysis and much more. There is a large practical and project component to the programme, and students will learn skills such as project management, time management, decision making and laboratory practical skills.

On completion, graduates will have a qualification that will provide opportunities for employment in a range of areas and will facilitate career advancement to managerial positions.

This degree is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, an internationally recognised professional body with members in over 60 countries. It is one of only four forensic courses in the Higher Educational sector in Ireland to have this professional accreditation.

Graduates will have opportunities for employment in the following areas:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biotechnology and Biomedical sectors
• Environmental Protection

There is no need to have studied Chemistry for the Leaving Certificate as the fundamentals of all science subjects are delivered in year one.

Materials Fee
Students will be liable for an additional materials fee of €100 per year for certain full time programmes. This fee is not covered by Granting Authorities. Material Fees are not applicable to either Erasmus, Part-Time or Full time Non-EU students.

Work Placement

In Semester two of year three students must complete a six month work placement, commencing in January. Students typically get placements in QC/QA roles in a wide variety of companies.

At this point in their studies students will have studied mostly chemistry and have covered several analytical chemistry modules. They have good hands on lab experience in common chemistry analytical techniques, including HPLC, GC, IR, UV etc.

They will have completed a GMP/Regulatory Affairs module and also completed modules in DNA and Computer Forensics.

Payment/benefits for the students are not a requirement and are at the discretion of the host Company/Institute.

All students are covered by ATU's insurance policy while on placement"

What our placement partners say:

"Ours has been a positive experience with both students we have had to date on work placement from ATU Galway (formerly GMIT). The students arrived with good technical skills and an eagerness to learn and proved themselves very capable workers. We consider   the process as mutually beneficial to the students and the laboratory and are happy to continue with such placements in the future."

Michelle Cuffe - Executive Analytical Chemist, Public Analysts Lab Galway

"The Shellfish Safety Section of the Marine Institute receives students for work placements from varying scientific courses from Third Level Institutions including ATU Galway (formerly GMIT) on an annual basis. Experience has shown that the students already have a good theoretical and practical skills background going into the work placement. Both students and the Marine Institute find the work placements to be of mutual benefit, where resources and facilities are provided to the student to receive hands on practical training in a variety of laboratory techniques and sample analysis, result interpretation and report writing."

Dave Clarke - Senior Laboratory Analyst, Shellfish Safety Section, Marine Institute

Contact Us

Contact Details:

Department of Analytical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences
Head of Department
Dr Eugene McCarthy 

Tel: +353 (0)91 74 2081
Email: Dr Eugene McCarthy