Pre-Forensic Science Program | Science and Math Department

Forensic Science and Other Graduate Programs

Title
Students interested in pursuing a MS or PhD in forensic science or another related field should major in Biology or Chemistry. For the best preparation, we recommend a double major in both Biology and Chemistry. Students should review the admissions requirements for the graduate schools of their choice. We recommend that students complete the following courses (along with the requirements for a major in Biology, Chemistry, or both) for preparation for admission and success in a forensic science program:
During summers, students should consider internships or volunteer experiences in the criminal justice system or research opportunities in forensic science programs to gain practical experience. Most students take the GRE exam in April of their junior year and begin to apply to graduate schools during the summer following their junior year. Early application is strongly recommended.
Courses Offered
- BIOL3120Internship in Biological Sciences
  BIOL3120 Internship in Biological Sciences - 1-3 s.h.
  Developed in conjunction with and approved by an appropriate faculty member in the Biological Sciences. This internship will be with professionals who are in career areas relating to majors in the department and may be pursued abroad. The student is responsible for arranging their internship. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 semester hours. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.
- BIOL3310Molecular Genetics with Lab
  BIOL3310 Molecular Genetics with Lab - 4 s.h.
  A study of cellular processes involved in the Central Dogma: DNA replication, transcription and translation. The study will include how gene expression is regulated at various levels, such as at the transcription level and post-translational level. Lastly students will study and perform different molecular genetic techniques used in laboratories today: pipetting, DNA gel electrophoresis, PCR and DNA cloning. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 (C or better strongly recommended). +This course is only offered every other year.
- BIOL3420Human Anatomy with Lab
  BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab - 4 s.h.
  A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
- BIOL3440Human Physiology with Lab
  BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab - 4 s.h.
  A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
- BIOL4310Biochemistry with Lab (also CHEM4310)
  BIOL4310 Biochemistry with Lab (also CHEM4310) - 4 s.h.
  An introduction to biologically important molecules and metabolic pathways and the laboratory techniques used to study and characterize them. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: CHEM3420/3421 and BIOL2100. +This course is only offered every other year.
- BIOL4460Cell and Cancer Biology
  BIOL4460 Cell and Cancer Biology - 3 s.h.
  Students will investigate the cellular mechanisms of cancer and then will learn about a few specific cancers. Includes an in-depth study of the multistage model of carcinogenesis, genes involved in cancer, activation of cancer genes, signal transduction pathways that promote carcinogenesis, the mechanism of metastasis, apoptosis, how cancer treatments work, and the new potential cancer treatments. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 (grade of C or better strongly recommended). +This course is only offered every other year.
- CHEM1340Forensic Chemistry with Lab
  CHEM1340 Forensic Chemistry with Lab - 4 s.h.
  This course will expose students to the field of forensic science primarily using chemical forensics and testing. Topics include evidence collection and preservation, drugs and drug chemistry, heat and explosions, poisons and others. The course will cover basic chemical concepts needed to plan, execute, and interpret forensic results. All necessary scientific concepts will be developed in the context of forensic science. Additional fee required. ELO6 Science - World Citizenship, ELO6 Science - Innovation, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences
- CHEM3300Analytical Chemistry with Lab
  CHEM3300 Analytical Chemistry with Lab - 4 s.h.
  Study of theory and practice of modern separation and analytical techniques. Includes use of electrochemical, spectrometric and chromatographic instruments. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: CHEM1420. Offered odd years Spring.
- CHEM4330Instrumental Analysis (3-3)
  CHEM4330 Instrumental Analysis (3-3) - 4 s.h.
  A study of the analysis and identification of organic compounds and mixtures by modern instrumental techniques and traditional wet chemical methods. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: CHEM3420/3421 with a grade of C or better is strongly recommended. Offered even years Fall. +This course is only offered every other year.
- MATH1370Statistics for Sciences
  MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences - 3 s.h.
  Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
- MATH1510Calculus I
  MATH1510 Calculus I - 4 s.h.
  Limits, continuity, differentiation, and applications including exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions. Mean value theorem, curve sketching, Riemann sums, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Prerequisite: 2 years high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
BIOL3120Internship in Biological Sciences BIOL3310Molecular Genetics with Lab BIOL3420Human Anatomy with Lab BIOL3440Human Physiology with Lab BIOL4310Biochemistry with Lab (also CHEM4310) BIOL4460Cell and Cancer Biology CHEM1340Forensic Chemistry with Lab CHEM3300Analytical Chemistry with Lab CHEM4330Instrumental Analysis (3-3) MATH1370Statistics for Sciences MATH1510Calculus I
Course Descriptions

BIOL3120 Internship in Biological Sciences - 1-3 s.h.
Developed in conjunction with and approved by an appropriate faculty member in the Biological Sciences. This internship will be with professionals who are in career areas relating to majors in the department and may be pursued abroad. The student is responsible for arranging their internship. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 semester hours. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) Prerequisite: Instructor’s consent.

BIOL3310 Molecular Genetics with Lab - 4 s.h.
A study of cellular processes involved in the Central Dogma: DNA replication, transcription and translation. The study will include how gene expression is regulated at various levels, such as at the transcription level and post-translational level. Lastly students will study and perform different molecular genetic techniques used in laboratories today: pipetting, DNA gel electrophoresis, PCR and DNA cloning. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 (C or better strongly recommended). +This course is only offered every other year.

BIOL3420 Human Anatomy with Lab - 4 s.h.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.

BIOL3440 Human Physiology with Lab - 4 s.h.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.

BIOL4310 Biochemistry with Lab (also CHEM4310) - 4 s.h.
An introduction to biologically important molecules and metabolic pathways and the laboratory techniques used to study and characterize them. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: CHEM3420/3421 and BIOL2100. +This course is only offered every other year.

BIOL4460 Cell and Cancer Biology - 3 s.h.
Students will investigate the cellular mechanisms of cancer and then will learn about a few specific cancers. Includes an in-depth study of the multistage model of carcinogenesis, genes involved in cancer, activation of cancer genes, signal transduction pathways that promote carcinogenesis, the mechanism of metastasis, apoptosis, how cancer treatments work, and the new potential cancer treatments. Prerequisite: BIOL2100 (grade of C or better strongly recommended). +This course is only offered every other year.

CHEM1340 Forensic Chemistry with Lab - 4 s.h.
This course will expose students to the field of forensic science primarily using chemical forensics and testing. Topics include evidence collection and preservation, drugs and drug chemistry, heat and explosions, poisons and others. The course will cover basic chemical concepts needed to plan, execute, and interpret forensic results. All necessary scientific concepts will be developed in the context of forensic science. Additional fee required. ELO6 Science - World Citizenship, ELO6 Science - Innovation, GE3D Liberal Learning-Natural Sciences

CHEM3300 Analytical Chemistry with Lab - 4 s.h.
Study of theory and practice of modern separation and analytical techniques. Includes use of electrochemical, spectrometric and chromatographic instruments. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: CHEM1420. Offered odd years Spring.

CHEM4330 Instrumental Analysis (3-3) - 4 s.h.
A study of the analysis and identification of organic compounds and mixtures by modern instrumental techniques and traditional wet chemical methods. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: CHEM3420/3421 with a grade of C or better is strongly recommended. Offered even years Fall. +This course is only offered every other year.

MATH1370 Statistics for Sciences - 3 s.h.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

MATH1510 Calculus I - 4 s.h.
Limits, continuity, differentiation, and applications including exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and inverse functions. Mean value theorem, curve sketching, Riemann sums, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Prerequisite: 2 years high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.

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