Forensic Science Minor

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Affiliation: Interdisciplinary Studies

The interdisciplinary Forensic Science Minor consists of at least seventeen credits, divided into Basic Requirements (either Track I or II; each 11 credits) and Options (at least 6 credits). Students may double-count courses (up to 8 credits) 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 Liberal Studies Program requirements, as Options.

Basic Requirements: 11 Credits

Track I - Forensic DNA Lab-oriented

BIOL 300 - Genetics Credits: 4 Student must complete prerequisites BIOL 107, BIOL 108, BIOL 200, and CHEM 131
CHEM 310 - Modern Methods in Biochemistry Credits: 1
AND CHEM 335 - Biochemistry I: Structure and Function Credits: 3
JUST 281 - Introduction to Forensic Science Credits: 3 Student can complete prerequisite JUST 205 or receive an override

Track II - Forensic Chemistry Lab-oriented

CHEM 222 - Introduction to Quantitative Analysis Credits: 4 Student must complete prerequisite CHEM 121
CHEM 310 - Modern Methods in Biochemistry Credits: 1
AND CHEM 335 - Biochemistry I: Structure and Function Credits: 3
JUST 281 - Introduction to Forensic Science Credits: 3 Student can complete prerequisite JUST 205 or receive an override

Options: At least 6 Credits

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

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