Goals and Objectives – Forensic Biology
Students will:
- develop a sound natural science foundation and obtain a minor in biology.
- learn critical thinking skills and understand forensic biology professional practice through theory and hands-on experiences in the lab and field.
- develop an understanding of the principles and techniques utilized by forensic biology practitioners in the laboratory and at the crime scene.
- gain practical instrumental experience using professional laboratory equipment such as the comparison microscope, scanning electron microscope, microspectrophotometer, polarized light microscope, and stereo microscope.
- develop an understanding of the fundamental units of cellular structure and function, the processes of cellular analyses, and molecular biological laboratory skills and techniques.
- gain an understanding regarding the fundamental nature of DNA, inheritance, and integration of genetics in various fields.
- gain practical experience in assessing the chemical nature of DNA and its regulatory processes, classical Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, and application of statistics to genetics analyses.
- learn and practice current forensic biological fluid testing techniques while developing safe work practices as it relates to universal biohazard precautions.
- develop an understanding of the importance of the scientific method and its application in forensic biological research and analysis.
- learn critical aspects of the criminal justice system, criminal investigation, common law principles, and rules of evidence through criminal justice administration course work and participation in mock court proceedings.
- learn the importance of ethics and quality assurance in the application of scientific examinations of physical evidence.
- develop communication and leadership skills through the University’s general education requirements, service, and extracurricular opportunities.
Note: In addition to completing the following required courses, students must fulfill the General Education Requirements. Major requirements and/or General Education Requirements may be changed by official action of the faculty.
Under “Recommended Sequence” below, a number indicates the year during which it is recommended that the course be taken (i.e., 1-first year; 2-second year, etc.); a letter indicates that the course should be taken during a particular semester (i.e., F-Fall; S-Spring). This is a recommended sequence which will be individualized based on the course rotation schedule and in consultation with the faculty advisor.
Forensic Biology Major
Department |
Course Number |
Credits |
Course Title |
Recommended Sequence Year/Semester |
---|---|---|---|---|
BIO |
4 |
1F |
||
BIO |
4 |
1S |
||
BIO | 206 | 4 | Human Anatomy | 2S |
BIO | 215 | 4 | Microbiology | 2S |
BIO | ___ | 9-16 | Any three 300-level or higher biology courses | |
BIO |
4 |
Cell and Molecular Biology |
4F |
|
BIO |
3 |
4F |
||
BIO |
4 |
4S |
||
CHE |
3 |
1F |
||
CHE |
1 |
1F |
||
CHE |
3 |
2S |
||
CHE |
1 |
Laboratory for General Chemistry II |
2S |
|
CHE |
4 |
2F |
||
CHE |
4 |
2S |
||
CRJ |
3 |
1S |
||
CRJ |
3 |
2F |
||
FSC |
3 |
1F |
||
FSC |
2 |
2F or 3F |
||
FSC |
3 |
3S |
||
FSC |
3 |
3F |
||
FSC |
1 |
3F |
||
FSC | 399 | 1-3 | Undergraduate Research | 1, 2, 3, or 4 |
FSC |
4 |
4S |
||
FSC |
1 |
4F |
||
FSC | 499 | 1 | Capstone Research | 4 |
MAT |
4 |
1 |
||
MAT |
4 |
2 |
||
MAT |
3 |
4 |
||
PHY |
4 |
3F |
||
PHY |
4 |
3S |
There are 96-101 credits required for this major. Prerequisite courses may be necessary and the General Education Requirements must be completed.
Recommended Course
Department | Course Number | Credits | Course Title |
---|---|---|---|
BIO |
1 |
* Math placement depends upon the results of the University math placement exam. Students with low math scores may be required to take MAT 108.