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» Forensic Science Major

Major in Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to the law. Forensic scientists use scientific methodology to collect and analyze evidence. Forensic science is an applied discipline which requires an extensive background in the natural sciences, coupled with practical laboratory experience.

 
Credits
Math and Natural Science Core  
MATH 111 Precalculus 3
MATH 120 Calculus I
3
MATH 220 Elementary Statistics
3
PHY 111 Introductory Physics I
3
PHY 112 Introductory Physics I Laboratory
1

PHY 113

Introductory Physics II
3
PHY 114 Introductory Physics II Laboratory 1
BIO 100 General Biology 3
BIO 101 General Biology Laboratory 1
CHEM 151 General Chemistry I 4
CHEM 152 General Chemistry II 4
CHEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM 252 Organic Chemistry II 4

Subtotal

37
Biology and Chemistry Electives (12 credits from following)

BIO 200

Cell Biology

4
BIO 210 Microbiology
4
BIO 300 Genetics
4
BIO 306 Molecular Genetics
4
CHEM 301 Physical Chemistry I
3

CHEM 302

Physical Chemistry II
3
CHEM 310 Quantitative Analysis 4
CHEM 330 Biochemistry I 3
CHEM 331 Biochemistry II 3
CHEM 335 Biochemistry Laboratory 1
CHEM 361 Inorganic Chemistry 3
CHEM 370 Chemical Instrumentation 2

Subtotal

12
Forensic Science Core  
FOR 100 Introduction to Forensic Science 3
FOR 101 Introduction to Forensic Science Laboratory 1
FOR 300 Forensic Professional Practice and Ethics 3
FOR 310 Evidence Collection, Identification and Processing 3
FOR 325 Forensic Chemistry 3
FOR 345 Forensic Biology 3
Subtotal
16
 

TOTAL

65
Highly Recommended Electives (not required for major)  
SOC 224 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
COMM 105 Public Speaking 3
BIO 403 Field Internship 3

FORENSIC SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

FOR 100 Introduction to Forensic Science
3 credits

This course introduces students to the dynamic field of forensic science. Basic procedures for processing crime scenes are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the science behind collection, preservation and analysis of physical evidence. Students will learn how forensic evidence is used to solve crimes.

FOR 101 Introduction to Forensic Science Laboratory
1 credit

Students will perform laboratory exercises introducing techniques for processing and analyzing evidence, including physical evidence, chemical evidence and biological evidence (blood, hair, DNA). Corequisite: FOR 100

FOR 300 Forensic Professional Practice and Ethics
3 credits

This course introduces students to professional practice and behavioral ethics in forensic science. Prerequisites: FOR 100 and junior status

FOR 310 Evidence Identification, Collection and Processing
3 credits

This course introduces students to the methods of processing a crime scene, including documentation, location and collection of evidence, proper collection and handling procedures, and presentation of evidence for analytical examination.

Prerequisites: FOR 100 and junior status

FOR/CHEM 325 Forensic Chemistry
3 credits

This course combines forensic science and analytical chemistry. Topics discussed include sample preparation and purification, instrumentation, drug analysis, and chemical analysis of physical evidence.

Prerequisites: CHEM 252, FOR 310 or consent of instructor

FOR/BIO 345 Forensic Biology
3 credits

This course explores laboratory techniques used to examine and identify biological evidence of criminal activity, including techniques for developing and analyzing fingerprints, hair, blood and DNA.

Prerequisites: BIO 100 and BIO 101, FOR 310 or consent of instructor

 
 
 

Last Updated 9/2/08