FB.BS - BS in Forensic Biology

Forensic Biology Major

General Information

The Forensic Biology curriculum is designed to provide the student with a solid background in the scientific principles that underlie forensic techniques. Skills are acquired through coursework augmented by practical laboratory experience.

Career Opportunities

A baccalaureate degree in Forensic Biology provides diverse opportunities for employment as forensic scientists or as laboratory analysts, as well as for advanced training in forensics and related fields.

Physical and Biological Faculty

Forensic Biology Objectives:

To demonstrate

1.    Knowledge of basic structure and functioning of cells.

2.    To understand the principles and mathematical analysis of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance.

3.    To understand the structure and function of nucleic acids and molecular controls.

4.    To collect and preserve forensic evidence using established protocol.

5.    Plan and perform analyses of both biological and non-biological forensic evidence.

6.    Apply chemical, physical, and biological principles to the design of procedures for the analysis of forensic evidence.

7.    Communicate clearly and effectively the results and reliability of an analysis of forensic evidence.

8.    Demonstrate ability to function as an ethical member of the criminal justice system.

General University and College Requirements

See General University Requirements (p.) and College of Arts and Sciences Requirements (p.).

Degree Requirements

Required Science courses: (78-80 credit hours)

Subtotal: 78-80

Required courses in Math, and Ethics

Subtotal: 9

Total Credit Hours: 87-89

The 2.0 required grade point average in the major will be based upon all BIO, CHEM, and FS courses pursued as a part of the student’s degree program

Note: Courses that can fulfill the FS Elective requirement include: FS 327, CJ 348, FS 410 and PHYS 310.

Note that no transfer credit is accepted for major-level science lab courses taught online.

Forensic Biology Suggested Sequence of Courses

Notes:

The suggested sequence of courses in years two, three, and four is an example only. Some offerings for these years will alternate and the exact sequence will require consultation with the faculty and deans.

Degree Requirements

Freshman Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 15 cr.

Freshman Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 17 cr.

Sophomore Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 17 cr.

Sophomore Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 15 cr.

Junior Year  - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 14 cr.

Junior Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 15 cr.

Senior Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 15 cr.

Senior Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 12-14 cr.

Total Credit Hours: 120

You must take 6 credits of courses designated as Writing Intensive, one at the 200- or 300-level, and one at the 300- or 400-level. These courses can also fulfill other requirements, including Golden Bear Discovery or major requirements.