Forensic Science (B.S.)

Faculty

Dr. Cynthia DeBoy, Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor of Biology (program chair)
Dr. Shizuka Hsieh, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Patrice E. Moss, Clare Boothe Luce Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Mr. Thomas Mostowy, Dean of School of Professional and Graduate Studies; Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Mr. Vernon Scott, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Description

The Forensic Science major provides a solid foundation in the biology and chemistry necessary for many forensic investigations, with applications relevant to crime laboratories. Students learn how science informs criminal investigations through courses in forensic science and criminal justice. Laboratory coursework gives students hands-on experience with instrumentation essential for analyzing body tissue and fluid samples, including DNA fingerprinting, and detecting chemicals for material evidence, including controlled substance determination. The major is intended for future crime lab employees, such as DNA analysts, forensic scientist/specialists, and criminalists (firearms/serology/toxicology) as well as for those students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in Forensic Science fields.

Major Requirements

Required Courses

All of the following:

  • BIOL 114 Cell Biology
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • NSCM 101 Mentor Moment 1
  • NSCM 102 Mentor Moment 2
  • NSCM 103 Mentor Moment 3
  • NSCM 104 Mentor Moment 4
  • BIOL 220 Introductory Forensic Science
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • BIOL 223 Genomics & Evolution
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • BIOL 224 Intro to Biochemistry
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • NSCM 498 STEM Experiential Learning Experience
  • CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry II
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
  • CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II
  • CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
  • CHEM 350 Forensic Instrumental Analysis
  • CHEM 351 Forensic Instrumental Analysis Lab
  • CJUS 101 Criminal Law
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • CJUS 307 Criminal Procedures or CJUS 309 Evidence
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
  • MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  • NSCM 499 Divisional Seminar
    • Majors must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in this course.
  • PHYS 111 General Physics I
  • PHYS 112 General Physics II

Elective Courses (5-8 credits)

  • BIOL 334 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
  • BIOL 444 Molecular Biochemistry of the Cell
  • CHEM 432 Metabolic Biochemistry
  • MATH 210 Statistical Inference
  • PSYC 323 Forensic Psychology
    • Pre-requisite courses: PSYC 101 and a 200-level PSYC course

Program Policies

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses counted to fulfill the requirements for the major.

Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken pass/no pass.

Senior Assessment: The senior assessment consists of a written paper and oral presentation, normally in conjunction with NSCM499. Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in NSCM 499.

Pre- and Co-Requisites: Majors must work closely with their advisors to make sure that they meet any and all pre- and co-requisite requirements, particularly around mathematics courses that are required for various science courses.

TELL Policy: TELL credits do not count towards the major in Forensic Science.

Transfer Credits: Transfer credit will be awarded after appropriate program review and approval.

Course Descriptions

BIOL 114 Cell Biology
BIOL 220 Introductory Forensic Science
BIOL 223 Genomics & Evolution
BIOL 224 Intro to Biochemistry
BIOL 333 Microbiology: Diversity, Dis & Discovery
BIOL 334 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
BIOL 444 Molecular Biochemistry of the Cell
CHEM 111 Fundamentals of Chemistry I
CHEM 112 Fundamentals of Chemistry II
CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 222 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 223 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
CHEM 350 Forensic Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 351 Forensic Instrumental Analysis Lab
CHEM 432 Metabolic Biochemistry
CJUS 101 Criminal Law
CJUS 309 Evidence
MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
MATH 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MATH 210 Statistical Inference
NSCM 101 Mentor Moment 1
NSCM 102 Mentor Moment 2
NSCM 103 Mentor Moment 3
NSCM 104 Mentor Moment 4
NSCM 498 STEM Experiential Learning Experience
NSCM 499 Divisional Seminar
PHYS 111 General Physics I
PHYS 112 General Physics II
PSYC 323 Forensic Psychology