Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Forensics Track

Program Description

This B.S. in Forensic Chemistry is designed for students interested in working in a forensics laboratory or pursuing graduate studies in forensics. In addition to the general degree requirements, the track requires satisfactory completion of courses in chemistry, criminal justice, mathematics, and physics. These provide a broad foundation in the field and permit flexibility for evolving and changing student interests. In addition to the core chemistry courses, the Forensic Chemistry track consists of a broad range of upper-level elective courses to expose students to modern techniques in chemistry and chemical forensics and help them expand their college experience. The curriculum emphasizes evidence collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of physical evidence.

Career Opportunities

Students majoring in chemistry may pursue careers as teachers, entry level chemist, and medicine.

Admission Requirements

There are no program specific admission requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the diverse areas of chemistry, both theoretical and practical
• communicate the rapidly changing field of chemical knowledge effectively
• estimate and interpret chemical information in the context of the day-to-day events
• demonstrate skills in quantitative and qualitative problem-solving related to the chemical sciences
• demonstrate knowledge of chemical instrumentation and its theoretical basis, including the operation of microprocessor controlled instruments
• integrate the usage of information technology in chemistry
• think independently and apply chemical knowledge to real-world problems
• demonstrate knowledge of safety methodologies used in the chemical laboratory
• enter into employment in the chemical industry or into graduate or professional schools

Additional Program Requirements

There are no program specific academic regulations.

Program of Study

Area A Essential Skills Required Hours: 9
ENGL 1101 (with a grade of "C" or better)
ENGL 1102 (with a grade of "C" or better)
MATH 1113

Area B Institutional Options Required Hours: 4
COMM 1110
Select one of the following courses:

OR
Select one of the following courses: Foreign Language 1001, 1002, 2001, or 2002
Any Area C-E course with a study abroad component.

Note: the two extra hours may be used as electives.

Area C Humanities/Fine Arts/Ethics Required Hours: 6
Select one of the following humanities courses:

Select one of the following fine arts courses: *ITDS 1145, though listed under both humanities and fine arts, may be taken only once.

Area D Science/Math/Technology Required Hours: 11
Take the following courses:
MATH 1131 Calculus w/Analytical Geom 1 (one hour to Area H)

Area E Social Sciences Required Hours: 12
Select one course from the following two courses:
HIST 2111
HIST 2112
Take the following course:
POLS 1101
Select one behavioral science course from the following courses:

Select one world cultures course from the following courses:

Wellness Requirement Required Hours: 3 

PHED 1205
Select any one PEDS course.

Area F Courses Related to Major Required Hours: 18
Students must have a C or better in the courses used to satisfy the major.

Area G Program Requirements Required Hours: 45
Students must have a C or better in the courses used to satisfy the major.

Area H Program Electives Required Hours: 15
Students must have a C or better in the courses used to satisfy the major.
CHEM 1715 Introductory Chemistry Seminar
MATH 1131 (one hour from Area D)
MATH 1132 (one hour from Area F)
Select 14 credit hours from the following, at least 9 hours must be in chemistry:

Additional courses in astronomy, biology, computer science, geology, mathematics, or engineering may be selected as approved by advisor and department chair.

Total Hours Required 123