Forensic Science (Biology)

Focus on forensics

The Forensic Science concentration is offered in collaboration with the Criminal Justice faculty. It is designed to prepare the graduate to do laboratory analyses of biological and chemical samples from crime scenes.

The Forensic Science concentration trains students to collect and preserve physical evidence; reconstruct a crime scene to determine relationships among pieces of evidence; examine, test, or analyze physical evidence such as fibers and fingerprints; analyze fluid evidence and DNA samples; interpret laboratory findings to identify physical evidence; prepare reports and testify as expert witnesses on evidence or laboratory techniques in trials and hearings. Upon completion of the degree graduates will be employed by laboratories providing analyses of evidence for state and federal agencies.

Major area courses are selected from biology, zoology and botany. Courses offered by the department are designated BIOL, BOTN, or ZOOL. Students are also required to take 16 hours of Chemistry (24 hours for Forensic Science); 8 hours of Physics (except for Forensic Science which has no Physics requirement); and 3-4 hours of Mathematics beyond Pre-calculus. Students in the Forensic Science Concentration are also required to take 18 hours of Criminal Justice courses. A grade of C or better is mandatory in all required and elective courses in science and mathematics. Students must complete a Senior project or internship and pass a Senior Exit Exam before graduating. Departmental advisers will assist students in choosing courses to prepare them for professional health and graduate programs as well as employment.