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Forensic Biology Major

Goals and Objectives – Forensic Biology

Students will:

  • develop a sound natural science foundation and obtain a minor in biology.
  • learn critical thinking skills and understand forensic biology professional practice through theory and hands-on experiences in the lab and field.
  • develop an understanding of the principles and techniques utilized by forensic biology practitioners in the laboratory and at the crime scene.
  • gain practical instrumental experience using professional laboratory equipment such as the comparison microscope, scanning electron microscope, microspectrophotometer, polarized light microscope, and stereo microscope.
  • develop an understanding of the fundamental units of cellular structure and function, the processes of cellular analyses, and molecular biological laboratory skills and techniques.
  • gain an understanding regarding the fundamental nature of DNA, inheritance, and integration of genetics in various fields.
  • gain practical experience in assessing the chemical nature of DNA and its regulatory processes, classical Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, and application of statistics to genetics analyses.
  • learn and practice current forensic biological fluid testing techniques while developing safe work practices as it relates to universal biohazard precautions.
  • develop an understanding of the importance of the scientific method and its application in forensic biological research and analysis.
  • learn critical aspects of the criminal justice system, criminal investigation, common law principles, and rules of evidence through criminal justice administration course work and participation in mock court proceedings.
  • learn the importance of ethics and quality assurance in the application of scientific examinations of physical evidence.
  • develop communication and leadership skills through the University’s general education requirements, service, and extracurricular opportunities.

Note: In addition to completing the following required courses, students must fulfill the General Education Requirements. Major requirements and/or General Education Requirements may be changed by official action of the faculty.

Under “Recommended Sequence” below, a number indicates the year during which it is recommended that the course be taken (i.e., 1-first year; 2-second year, etc.); a letter indicates that the course should be taken during a particular semester (i.e., F-Fall; S-Spring). This is a recommended sequence which will be individualized based on the course rotation schedule and in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Forensic Biology Major

Department

Course Number

Credits

Course Title

Recommended Sequence Year/Semester

BIO

121

4

Principles of Biology I

1F

BIO

122

4

Principles of Biology II

1S

BIO 206 4 Human Anatomy 2S
BIO 215 4 Microbiology 2S
BIO ___ 9-16 Any three 300-level or higher biology courses  

BIO

315

4

Cell and Molecular Biology
or FSC 326, Histology and Molecular Biology

4F

BIO

321

3

Biochemistry

4F

BIO

406

4

Genetics

4S

CHE

121

3

General Chemistry I

1F

CHE

121L

1

Laboratory for General Chemistry I

1F

CHE

122

3

General Chemistry II
or CHE 206, Inorganic Chemistry

2S

CHE

122L

1

Laboratory for General Chemistry II
or CHE 206L, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemistry

2S

CHE

211

4

Organic Chemistry I

2F

CHE

212

4

Organic Chemistry II

2S

CRJ

109

3

Criminal Justice Administration

1S

CRJ

219

3

Criminal Law

2F

FSC

105

3

Introduction to Forensic Science

1F

FSC

205

2

Microscopic Methods and Forensic Analysis

2F or 3F

FSC

305

3

Science and Evidence

3S

FSC

306

3

Forensic Serology

3F

FSC

385

1

Forensic Science Seminar I

3F

FSC 399 1-3 Undergraduate Research 1, 2, 3, or 4

FSC

406

4

Law and Evidence

4S

FSC

485

1

Forensic Science Seminar II

4F

FSC 499 1 Capstone Research 4

MAT

205*

4

Functions and Trigonometry

1

MAT

211

4

Calculus I

2

MAT

215

3

Applied Statistics I

4

PHY

201

4

Introductory Physics I

3F

PHY

202

4

Introductory Physics II

3S

There are 96-101 credits required for this major. Prerequisite courses may be necessary and the General Education Requirements must be completed.

Recommended Course

Department Course Number Credits Course Title

BIO

321L

1

Biochemistry Lab

* Math placement depends upon the results of the University math placement exam. Students with low math scores may be required to take MAT 108.