Forensic Science Technology (BS)

Application Code:
2023
Degree Received:
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Academic Department:
Physical and Life Sciences

Description:

The forensic science technology program is a technically rigorous four-year program culminating in a bachelor of science in forensic science degree. Students in the program will have the choice of focusing on biological applications within forensics, e.g., DNA fingerprinting, genetic analysis and microbiology, or they can specialize in the chemical practicalities, notably, physicochemical analysis and identification of drugs, fibers, soils, glass, and other types of physical evidence. Students will also have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their training by selecting three technical and two open electives. All majors in the program will be required to take a core course load that includes extensive preparation in physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry as well as more advanced training in organic chemistry, biochemistry, instrumental methods, criminalistics, law, criminal justice, technical writing, and a senior internship and/or independent research experience.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations:

Required: Math A & B (algebra, geometry, and trigonometry), Biology, Chemistry. Physics strongly recommended.

Features & Facilities:

Dedicated laboratories include the complete arsenal of forensic methodologies: GC-MS, FTIR, polarizing and comparison microscopy, HPLC, GC, AAS, UV-VIS, fluorescence spectroscopy, PCR, and genetic analyzers. Hands-on mastery of bioanalytical and instrumental methods is strongly emphasized.

Transfer Opportunities:

Depending on their choice of tracks and electives, graduates will also be able to continue their education at a graduate level in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biology, or chemistry.

Career Opportunities:

The graduate of this program will be well prepared for forensic scientist positions in crime laboratories or employment in any laboratory-based enterprise which employs chemical or biological technologies.

Typical Semester Layout:

First Semester credits
CHEM 1984 Chemical Principles I
4
BIOL 1104 General Biology I 4
FRSC 1001 Intro to Forensic Tech 1
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
MATH 2124 Stat Methods & Analysis 4
      16

Second Semester credits
CHEM 2984 Chemical Principles II
4
BIOL 2204 General Biology II 4
MATH 1084 Calculus I 4
SPCH 1083 Effective Speaking 3
      15

Third Semester credits
CHEM 3514 Organic Chemistry I
4
PHYS 1044 College Physics I 4
HIST xxx3 Amer History Elective 3
SPAN xxx3 Foreign Lang Elective 3
HPED xxx1 Stat Methods & Analysis 1
      15

Fourth Semester credits
CHEM 4524 Organic Chemistry II
4
PHYS 2044 College Physics II 4
CJUS 1003 Intro to Criminal Justice 3
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
      14

Fifth Semester credits
CHEM 5414 Analytical Principles OR
 
BIOL 5254 Principles of Microbiology 4
CJUS 5003 Law & Criminal Evidence 3
COMP 5703 Technical Writing 3
FNAT xxx3 Fine Arts Elective 3
  xxx3 Open Elective 3
      16

Sixth Semester credits
CHEM 6854 Physical Chemistry OR
 
BIOL 6534 Genetics 4
CHEM 6614 Instrumental Analysis 4
PHIL 6053 Philosophy of Science 3
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
      14

Seventh Semester credits
FRSC 7104 Criminalistics I
4
CHEM 7784 Biochemistry 4
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
HIST 1113 Western Civilization 3
ANTH 5113 Cross-Cultural Encounters 3
      17

Eighth Semester credits

FRSC

8104 Criminalistics II
4
FRSC 8111 Senior Seminar 1
FRSC 8900 Research/Independent Study 3
SOCI 5213 Science, Technology & Society 3
  xxx3 Open Elective 3
      17

Approved Technical Electives credits
BIOL 1404 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 2504 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIOL 2633 Histotechniques 3
BIOL 4403 Pathophysiology 3
BIOL 5223 Genetic Engineering 3
CISY 3023 Advanced Computer Spreadsheets 3
MATH 2094 Calculus II 4
MEDR 1132 Essentials of Pharmacology 2

One upper level technical or open elective must be taken for sufficient upper level credits.
Employment and Transfer Report