Forensic Science Technology

BS Degree - Code #2023

Dr. Jerry Fong, Program Coordinator

Email address: FongJD@alfredstate.edu

The forensic science technology program is a technically rigorous four-year degree culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science. Students in this on-campus program will have the choice of focusing on biological applications within forensics, e.g., DNA fingerprinting, genetic analysis, and microbiology or can specialize in the chemical practicalities, notably: physicochemical analysis and identification of drugs, fibers, soils, glass, and other types of physical evidence.

Majors will also have the opportunity to broaden and deepen their training by selecting three technical electives 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.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Apply the scientific principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to specific applications in forensic science
2. Explain and show competency in basic chemical and biological lab procedures, including the identification of and the synthesis of various compounds and the forensic analysis of DNA
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the capabilities, use, potential, and limitations of various laboratory instrumental techniques widely utilized in forensic science
4. Recognize and use appropriate professional and ethical behavior as defined by the forensic science community
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific principles of crime scene investigation and reconstruction, including evidence collection, preservation, and documentation
6. Summarize the criminal justice system and explain the role of the forensic scientist and physical evidence within the criminal justice system
7. Evaluate scientific literature to distinguish fact from opinion, develop informed and reasonable conclusions, apply knowledge and understanding to problems, develop rational and reasonable interpretations, suspend beliefs and remain open to new information and methods, and assimilate information learned into knowledge base
8. Use technological resources effectively and appropriately to communicate, collaborate, and retrieve information; determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool(s) and technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems
9. Apply written communication skills to the construction documents of record that are well organized and contain appropriate format, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling in accordance with established professional guidelines
10. Apply oral communication skills to the explanation of ideas, scientific terminology, and results of scientific examinations in a competent and confident manner

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Law Enforcement Laboratories
• Government Crime Laboratories
• Private Forensic Testing Laboratories
• Industrial Laboratories Employing Chemical or Biological Technologist

FUTURE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Graduate Level Forensic Science Programs
• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Annual nationwide mean salary of forensic science technologists is $55,040 based on U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2010.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Biological Science

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Internship opportunity agreements are in place with a number of forensic laboratories including New York State Police Western Regional Crime Laboratory, Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences, and Monroe County Crime Laboratory.

FACILITIES

The program is located in the newly renovated Physical and Health Sciences Building. Four science-ready lecture rooms are on the first floor with the eight laboratories found on the second and third floor. The laboratories are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation. Explore the alphabet soup list below.

UV-VIS (Ultraviolet - Visible Spectrophotometry)

FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry)

AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry)

FS (Fluorescence Spectrophotometry)

GC-MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy)

HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)

CE (Capillary Electrophoresis)

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Comparison and polarized microscopy

Anatomic models and up-to-date application software for teaching and learning, as well as for independent study and research, are available.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS