Plan of Study – Forensic Science

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Forensic Science Post-Bac: Cert Achieve

Forensic Science Post-Bac: Certificate of Achievement

Certificate Courses (Minimum of 30 semester hours required. Each student's plan is individually written to cover those courses of the total 106-109 s.h. listed that were not taken for the original bachelor degree. The plan requires all of the following courses not previously completed with a grad

FOR Major Courses (Forensic Science Required Major Courses)

FOR 1010 Introduction to Forensic Science (3 s.h.)

Introduction to the theory and application of modern forensic science techniques including analysis of biological samples, drugs, impressions, firearms, and other physical evidence. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 1010.LB.

FOR1010L Introduction to Forensic Science Lab (1 s.h.)

Introduction to the theory and application of modern forensic science techniques. Fundamental science concepts applied to crime scene evidence collection and analysis. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 1010.

FOR 3410 Impression and Trace Evidence Analysis (3 s.h.)

Theory and practical application of impression and trace evidence analysis in forensic science from crime scene collection to crime laboratory processing. Fundamental science concepts used in the preservation, analysis, and interpretation of impression and trace evidence applied in the course work and through hands-on laboratory experiments. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, CHM 2220, and CHM 2220.LB. Corequisite: FOR 3410.LB.

FOR3410L Impression and Trace Evidence Analysis Lab (1 s.h.)

Laboratory course focused on the practical application of techniques and instrumentation used in impression and trace evidence analysis, from crime scene collection to crime laboratory processing. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, CHM 2220, and CHM 2220.LB. Corequisite: FOR 3410.

FOR 3420 Firearm and Tool Mark Analysis (3 s.h.)

Introduction to theory and application of firearm and tool mark analysis in forensic science. Fundamental science concepts used in the preservation, analysis, and interpretation of this evidence applied in the course work through hands-on laboratory experiments. Note: laboratory exercises are limited to disabled firearms using standard operating procedures for safety based on FBI laboratory protocols. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: admission to Forensic Science program. Corequisite: FOR 3420.LB.

FOR3420L Firearm and Tool Mark Analysis Lab (1 s.h.)

Laboratory course focused on the use of common techniques and practices in the examination of firearms and tool mark evidence. Note: laboratory exercises are limited to disabled firearms using standard operating procedures for safety based on FBI laboratory protocols. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: admission to Forensic Science program. Corequisite: FOR 3420.

FOR 3430/4640 Option (Choose from: FOR 3430 and FOR 3430 LB; or FOR 4640 and FOR 4640 LB.)

FOR 3430 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3 s.h.)

Examination of bioanthropological methods to aid in cases of forensic or medicolegal importance. The role of the forensic anthropologist and history of the discipline. Overview of the goals, techniques, and broader applications of forensic anthropology. Lecture meets 3 hour per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, BIO 2450, and BIO 2450.LB. Corequisite: FOR 3430.LB.

FOR3430L Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Lab (1 s.h.)

Laboratory course focused on the application of procedures and techniques used by forensic anthropologists in the field. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, BIO 2450, and BIO 2450.LB. Corequisite: FOR 3430.

FOR 4640 Toxicology (BIO/FOR*) (3 s.h.)

Non-laboratory study of cellular and human pathophysiology as a result of toxic insult. Exploration of toxicants includes analysis of impact of human exposure and disease, as well as the forensic examination of samples for toxicants. Prerequisites: BIO 1030, CHM 2210; BIO 2250 or BIO 2460 recommended. Corequisite: FOR 4640.LB

FOR4640L Toxicology Lab (BIO/FOR*) (1 s.h.)

Laboratory experience includes hands-on training in the use of specialized instrumentation for forensic toxicology and the analysis of forensic chemical evidence. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 4640.00

FOR 4520 Forensic Biology (BIO/FOR*) (3 s.h.)

Theory of current biological methods to the practice of forensic science including serological, immunological, and DNA analyses of human biofluids commonly recovered at crime scenes. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, BIO 3010, BIO 3010.LB, CHM 3610 (BIO) and CHM 3610.LB (BIO). Corequisite: FOR 4520.LB.

FOR4520L Forensic Biology Lab (BIO/FOR*) (1 s.h.)

Laboratory course focused on the application of current biological methods to the practice of forensic science including serological, immunological, and DNA analyses of human biofluids commonly recovered at crime scenes. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program, and BIO 3010, BIO 3010.LB, CHM 3610 (BIO) and CHM 3610.LB (BIO). Corequisite: FOR 4520.

FOR 4540 Forensic Chemistry (CHM/FOR*) (3 s.h.)

Focus on the forensic analysis of trace evidence (glass, soil, hair, fibers, paint and polymers) with emphasis on forensic microscopy and microchemical analysis. Topics include chemical processing for the detection, enhancement, and identification of latent substances. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: Admission to Forensic Science program, CHM 4510, CHM 4510.LB. Corequisite: FOR 4540.LB (CHM)

FOR4540L Forensic Chemistry Lab (CHM/FOR*) (1 s.h.)

Laboratory course focused on the forensic analysis of trace evidence (glass, soil, hair, fibers, paint and polymers) with emphasis on forensic microscopy and microchemical analysis. Experiments include chemical processing for the detection, enhancement, and identification of latent substances. Laboratory meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 4510, CHM 4510.LB, and admission to Forensic Science program. Corequisite: FOR 4540 (CHM).

FOR 4550

FOR4550L

FOR 4650 Ethics and Expert Testimony (2 s.h.)

Investigative ethics and their implications for forensic science professionals. Overview of the laws governing expert testimony, including on-site case reviews in local courtrooms. The characteristics of an effective expert testimony are exhibited by students in capstone mock testimonies. Lecture meets 2 hours per week. Prerequisites: admission to Forensic Science program and CJ 3040. Corequisite: FOR 4650.LB.

FOR4650L Ethics and Expert Testimony Lab (1 s.h.)

Field experience focused on investigative ethics and their implications for forensic science professionals, including on-site case reviews in local courtrooms. Students will exhibit the characteristics of an effective expert testimony in capstone mock testimonies. Lab/field experience meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: FOR 4650.

FOR 4950 Senior Seminar (2 s.h.)

Preparation and presentation of a scientific paper. Taken by Forensic Science students with senior status as a requirement for graduation; to be taken in the final six hours of the program.

Electives (Choose from: BIO 2260, FOR 3210, FOR 3430, FOR 4010, FOR 4640, FOR 4910, FOR 4920 and FOR 4930.)

BIO 2260 Microbiology (3 s.h.)

Fundamental principles of microbiology with emphasis on the biology of bacteria and other microbes (metabolism, genetics, growth, and death), their ecological relationships in natural and controlled environments, and the interactions of pathogenic microorganisms and their human and animal hosts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2260.LB.

BIO2260L Microbiology Lab (1 s.h.)

Laboratory course investigating the fundamental principles of microbiology through hands-on exploration of techniques such as smear and stain preparation, safe handling of microorganisms and care and maintenance of cultures. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 or CHM 1610; and BIO 1030 or BIO 2250 or BIO 2450. Corequisite: BIO 2260.

BIO 4010 Population Genetics (BIO*/FOR) (3 s.h.)

Theory and application of population genetics with emphasis on mathematical and statistical methods for describing specific populations, genetic make-up and diversity. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: BIO 3010, MTH 1210, and MTH 2350.

CJ 3210 Principles of Criminology (CJ*/FOR/SOC) (3 s.h.)

Study of the incidence, type, causes, and theories of adult deviant behavior. Emphasis is placed upon current crime trends and statistics and the processes involved in dealing with crime.

FOR 3430 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3 s.h.)

FOR3430L Introduction to Forensic Anthropology Lab (1 s.h.)

FOR 4640 Toxicology (BIO/FOR*) (3 s.h.)

FOR4640L Toxicology Lab (BIO/FOR*) (1 s.h.)

FOR 4910 Cooperative Education (1 s.h. (Not To Exceed 3 s.h.))

FOR 4920 Cooperative Education (1 s.h.)

FOR 4930 Internship in Forensic Science (1 s.h. (Not To Exceed 4 s.h.))

FOR Support Courses (Forensic Science Required Support Courses)

BIO 1030 General Biology I (3 s.h.)

Fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of the biosphere. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent, one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended. Corequisite: BIO 1030.LB.

BIO1030L General Biology I Lab (1 s.h.)

Laboratory investigating fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of the biosphere. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 1110 or equivalent, one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 1030.

BIO 2450 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 s.h.)

Study of anatomical terminology, the cell, the sense organs, and the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry. Corequisite: BIO 2450.LB.

BIO2450L Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (1 s.h.)

Lab course studying the structure and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 2450.

BIO 3010 Genetics (3 s.h.)

Principles of genetic theory that provide a working knowledge of the three divisions of genetics: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Topics include cell division, principles of heredity, statistical analysis, microbial genetics, cancer genetics, genetics in metabolism, development and behavior, and genetic engineering. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 1030 or BIO 2260; MTH 2350. Corequisite: BIO 3010.LB.

BIO3010L Genetics Lab (1 s.h.)

Lab course utilizing both classical and modern genetics experiments to give students hands-on exposure to scientific techniques and equipment. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 3010.

BIO 4410 Molecular Biology (2 s.h.)

Introductory course in molecular biology, which includes a comprehensive overview of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genome structure and function examined through the lens of molecular biotechnology. Lecture meets 2 hours per week. Prerequisites: BIO 3010 and CHM 3610 (BIO). Corequisite: BIO 4410.LB.

BIO4410L Molecular Biology Lab (1 s.h.)

In the laboratory setting, students utilize and become familiar with practical application of molecular biology techniques. Lab meets 3 hours per week. Corequisite: BIO 4410.

CHM 2220 Organic Chemistry II (3 s.h.)

More extensive study of reaction mechanisms; aromatics; spectroscopy; organometallics. Laboratory exercises directed to the systematic identification of organic functional groups, spectroscopy and chromatography. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 and 2210; CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite: CHM 2220.LB.

CHM2220L Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 s.h.)

More extensive study of reaction mechanism, aromatics, spectroscopy, and polymerization. Laboratory exercises directed to aromatic substitution reactions, chromatography, and systematic identification of organic functional groups. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: CHM 1110 and CHM 2210; CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite: CHM 2220.

CHM 3610 Biochemistry I (BIO/CHM*) (3 s.h.)

Principles of biochemistry; major metabolic and biosynthetic pathways; structure and conformation of biological molecules and their molecular biology. Laboratory exercises in enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA isolation and manipulation. Lecture will meet 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 1110.LB; and CHM 2210, CHM 2210.LB or CHM 1610 and CHM 1610.LB. Corequisite CHM 3610.LB.

CHM3610L Biochemistry I Lab (BIO/CHM*) (1 s.h.)

Laboratory exercises in enzyme kinetics, electrophoresis, chromatography, and DNA isolation and manipulation. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisite: CHM 3610.

CHM 4510 Instrumental Analysis (3 s.h.)

Theory and techniques of modern instrumental analysis including UV, visible, and IR spectrophotometry; NMR, EPR, and mass spectroscopies; electrochemistry; chromatography including HPLC; and emerging technologies. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 1110.LB, CHM 1120, CHM 1120.LB, CHM 2210, CHM 2210.LB; MTH 1210 or MTH 2510. Corequisite: CHM 4510.LB.

CHM4510L Instrumental Analysis Lab (1 s.h.)

Theory and techniques of modern instrumental analysis including UV, visible, and IR spectrophotometry; NMR, chromatography including HPLC; and emerging technologies. Prerequisites: CHM 1110, CHM 1110.LB, CHM 1120, CHM 1120.LB, CHM 2210 and CHM 2210.LB; MTH 1210 or MTH 2510. Corequisite: CHM 4510.

CJ 3040 Criminal Law and Procedure (CJ*/FOR) (3 s.h.)

This course examines the elements of criminal law, its purposes and its legal function. The course will focus on case law that relates to the laws of arrest, search and seizure, the rights and duties of officers and its citizens. Students will study the elements necessary to establish crime and criminal intent, sources of criminal law, criminal investigation procedures, criminal responsibility and general court procedures.

MTH 2350 Probability and Statistics (4 s.h.)

Topics include data collection and graphic presentation; measures of central tendency; measures of dispersion; normal and binomial distributions; regression and correlation; sampling methods; design of experiments; probability and simulation; sampling distributions; statistical inference including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one-sample and two-sample problems; chi-square distribution and test of significance; ANOVA. Prerequisite: MTH 1040 or placement based on the mathematics sub-score of the SAT/ACT standardized test or departmental placement exam.

MTH 2510 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5 s.h.)

Topics include a study of limits, continuity, derivatives of algebraic and transcendental functions, applications of derivatives, integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisite: MTH 1210 or departmental approval. Computer Science majors must complete this course with a grade of C (2.0) or better within the first 20 semester hours of their major.

PHY 2630 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (3 s.h.)

This is the first of two calculus-based physics sequence for students planning to major in engineering, pre-med, chemistry, Mathematics and computer science. This course covers motion and Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rigid body mechanics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, waves and sound and thermal physics. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Corequisites: MTH 2510, PHY 2630.LB.

PHY2630L Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab (1 s.h.)

This is the first of two calculus-based physics sequence for students planning to major in engineering, pre-med, chemistry, Mathematics and computer science. This course covers motion and Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rigid body mechanics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion, waves and sound and thermal physics. Lab will meet for 3 hours per week. Corequisite: MTH 2510; PHY 2630.

PHY 2640 Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (3 s.h.)

Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism and Nature of electric charges, electric field, magnetic field and concept of electromagnetic waves. Understanding wave interference, reflection and refraction of light waves. Fundamentals of mirrors and lenses and optical instruments. Lecture will meet for 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 2510 and PHY 2630. Corequisite: PHY 2640.LB.

PHY2640L Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab (1 s.h.)

Experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. Nature of electric charges, electric field, magnetic field and concept of electromagnetic waves. Understanding wave interference, reflection and refraction of light waves. Fundamentals of mirrors and lenses and optical instruments. These would all be explored through experiments. Lab will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: MTH 2510 and PHY 2630. Corequisite: PHY 2640.

Minor Courses (Required Minor Courses)

BIO for For Sci Maj Minor (Biology for Forensic Science Majors: Minor)

BIO 1030 General Biology I (3 s.h.)

BIO 1040 General Biology II (3 s.h.)

Fundamental biological principles and problems as they apply to evolutionary theory, biosystematics, plant structure and function, animal behavior, and ecological concepts. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: one year each of high school biology and chemistry highly recommended; BIO 1030 and BIO 1030.LB recommended but not required. Corequisite: BIO 1040.LB.

BIO 2450 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 s.h.)

BIO 2460 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (3 s.h.)

Study of circulation, respiration, digestion, excretion, reproduction and development, fluids and electrolytes, and acid-base balance. Lecture meets 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIO 2450. Corequisite: BIO 2460.LB.

BIO 3010 Genetics (3 s.h.)

BIO 4010/4640 Option (Choose from: BIO 4010 or BIO 4640 and BIO 4640 LB.)

BIO 4010 Population Genetics (BIO*/FOR) (3 s.h.)

FOR 4640 Toxicology (BIO/FOR*) (3 s.h.)

FOR4640L Toxicology Lab (BIO/FOR*) (1 s.h.)

BIO 4410 Molecular Biology (2 s.h.)

CHM for For Sci Maj Minor (Chemistry for Forensic Science Majors: Minor)

CHM 1120 General Chemistry II (3 s.h.)

Principles of thermodynamics/Thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium systems, Acid-Base Chemistry, Buffers, Solutions, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in CHM 1110 or equivalent; prerequisite or corequisite minimum grade of C in MTH 1060 or 1210 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHM 1120.LB.

CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I (3 s.h.)

Structure and classification of compounds of carbon, with stress on the aliphatics; IUPAC nomenclature; properties, characteristic reactions of the common functional groups, especially of the oxygen functions; concepts of stereochemistry; introduction to mechanisms; stress on Bronsted and Lewis acid/base processes. Lecture will meet 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHM 1110 or equivalent. CHM 1120 highly recommended. Corequisite CHM 2210.LB.

CHM 2220 Organic Chemistry II (3 s.h.)

CHM 3610 Biochemistry I (BIO/CHM*) (3 s.h.)

CHM 4510 Instrumental Analysis (3 s.h.)

FOR 4550

RST 4110/4140 Option (Choose from: RST 4110 or RST 4140.)

RST 4110 Medical Ethics (PHL/RST*) (3 s.h.)

Course is a study of moral issues and the ethical implications of human acts and values from a Christian perspective.

RST 4140 Life/Death Issues (4 s.h.)

Intensive study of death, bereavement, grief, and mourning. In addition to physical death, topics include alienation, aging, separation, personal violation, and social and phenomenological death. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.