Forensic Science Minor

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 for Options.

Basic Requirements: 10-11 Credits

The interdisciplinary Forensic Science Minor consists of at least eighteen credits, divided into Basic Requirements (either Track I or II; each 10-11 credits) and Options (at least 7-8 credits).

Track I - Forensic DNA Lab-oriented

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

Track II - Forensic Chemistry Lab-oriented

CHEM 312 - Foundations of Chemical Analysis Credit(s): 5
(Students must complete prerequisite CHEM 131 .)
CHEM 335 - Biochemistry I: Structure and Function Credit(s): 3
JUST 281 - Introduction to Forensic Science Credit(s): 3
(Students can complete prerequisite JUST 205 or receive an override.)

Options: 7-8 Credits

The remainder of the minimum eighteen credits may be completed using any of the following courses and/or other academic experiences. Students are encouraged to choose at least one lab-based course.

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 552 - Molecular Genetics Credit(s): 4
CHEM 310 - Modern Methods in Biochemistry Credit(s): 2
CHEM 312 - Foundations of Chemical 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)
JUST 212 - Scientific Investigation Credit(s): 3
JUST 305 - Criminal Law Credit(s): 3
JUST 307 - The Legal System Credit(s): 3
JUST 331 - Criminology Credit(s): 3
JUST 410 - Advanced Topics in Justice Systems Credit(s): 3
(when topic is “Wrongful Conviction” or other topic with forensic science emphasis).
PHRE 350 - Biomedical Ethics Credit(s): 3
STAT 330 - Introduction to Linear Models Credit(s): 3
STAT 331 - Biostatistics 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:

Topics courses will not automatically apply to this minor; ask your instructor about securing a substitution form with appropriate signatures.

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.

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