Forensic Science Minor

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Affiliation: Interdisciplinary Studies

As a forensic science minor at Truman, students learn how to gather and analyze information about the past using the scientific method. Whether they’re interested in law enforcement, archaeology, history, biology, geology, or astronomy, learning to scientifically analyze data will boost their skill set no matter what career paths they pursue.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

A 2.00 GPA in minor requirements.
At least nine hours of the program requirements must be completed at Truman State University.
This interdisciplinary minor requires at least 18 credits.
Students may double-count courses from their major for either Basic Requirements track (see below), but may not double-count any course from their major, nor any course from those used to satisfy their Dialogues requirements, as Options.

Basic Requirements: 12-13 Credits

The interdisciplinary Forensic Science Minor consists of at least eighteen credits, divided into Basic Requirements (either Track I or II; each 12-13 credits) and Options (at least 6 credits).

Track I - Forensic DNA Lab-oriented

BIOL 300 - Genetics Credit(s): 4
(Student must complete prerequisites BIOL 107, BIOL 108, BIOL 200, and CHEM 131.)
CHEM 310 - Modern Methods in Biochemistry Credit(s): 2 AND
CHEM 335 - Biochemistry I: Structure and Function
Credits: 3
JUST 281 - Introduction to Forensic Science Credit(s): 3
(Student can complete prerequisite JUST 205 or receive an override.)

Track II - Forensic Chemistry Lab-oriented

CHEM 222 - Introduction to Quantitative Analysis Credit(s): 5
(Student must complete prerequisite CHEM 121.)
CHEM 310 - Modern Methods in Biochemistry Credit(s): 2 AND
CHEM 335 - Biochemistry I: Structure and Function
Credits: 3
JUST 281 - Introduction to Forensic Science Credit(s): 3
(Student can complete prerequisite JUST 205 or receive an override.)

Options: At least 6 Credits

The remainder of the minimum eighteen credits may be completed using any of the following courses and/or other academic experiences.

ART 221 - Photography I Credit(s): 3
BIOL 302 - Comparative Anatomy Credit(s): 5
BIOL 316 - Entomology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 370 - Introduction to Bioinformatics Credit(s): 3
BIOL 520 - Immunology Credit(s): 4
BIOL 535 - Electron Microscopy Credit(s): 4
BIOL 551 - Genetics of Human Disorders Credit(s): 4
BIOL 552 - Molecular Genetics Credit(s): 4
CHEM 222 - Introduction to Quantitative Analysis Credit(s): 5
CHEM 322 - Instrumental Analysis Credit(s): 5
CHEM 431 - Advanced Analytical Chemistry Credit(s): 3
CHEM 518 - Advanced Topics (Topic) Credit(s): 1 to 4 (each topic)
JINS 353 - Ethical Implications of the Human Genome Project Credit(s): 3
JUST 212 - Scientific Investigation Credit(s): 3
JUST 305 - Criminal Law Credit(s): 3
JUST 307 - The Legal System Credit(s): 3
JUST 409 - Comparative Legal Systems Credit(s): 3
PHRE 350 - Biomedical Ethics Credit(s): 3
STAT 374 - Statistical Quality Control Credit(s): 3
STAT 375 - ANOVA/Experimental Design Credit(s): 3
STAT 378 - Linear Regression/Time Series Credit(s): 3

Notes:

Students completing Track I Basic Requirements have satisfied current Federal Bureau of Investigation coursework guidelines for forensic DNA lab technician positions. Students interested in seeking employment immediately after graduation in forensic analytic chemistry (Track II Basic Requirements) are advised to take (at a minimum) CHEM 322 and a 300-level STAT course.

Students are encouraged to develop internship opportunities. Students may elect internships under INDS 471/472 (Interdisciplinary Internship and Evaluation), or, where appropriate and with the approval of the student’s major advisor, using the internship course appropriate to the major.