Curriculum for B.S. Forensic Science
Forensic Science Requirements
The following basic courses are required for a bachelor of science in forensic science. In addition, students must select and meet the requirements of one of the options. Credit hours are indicated in parentheses.
College Integrative Course
AGRI/NRES 103 Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Systems (3)
FORS 485 Current Issues in Forensic Science – capstone (3)
Natural Sciences Requirements
BIOS 103 Organismic Biology (4)
CHEM 109 General Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 110 General Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 251/253 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 252/254 Organic Chemistry II (4)
PHYS 141 Elementary General Physics I (5)
PHYS 142 Elementary General Physics II (5)
Forensic Science Core Requirements
FORS 120 Introduction to Forensic Science (3)
FORS 120L Introduction to Forensic Science Lab (1)
CRIM 101 Survey of Criminal Justice (3)
CRIM 203 Police and Society (3)
CRIM 211 Criminal Court System (3)
Mathematics and Analytical Skills
MATH 106 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I (5)
STAT 218 Introduction to Statistics (3)
Communication
Written Communication
Select from: ENGL 150, 151, 254, JGEN 120, 200, 300
Oral Communication
Select from: COMM 109, 209, 212, 311
Communications and Interpersonal Skills
Select from: ENGL 101, 150, 151, 252, 253, 254;ALEC 102; JGEN 120, 200, 300; COMM 109, 209, 212, 311
Humanities and Social Sciences
AECN 141 Agricultural Economics (3)
or
ECON 211 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
or
ECON 212 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
Essential Studies
Select one 3-credit course in each of the following 5 CASNR Essential Studies categories:
C. Human Behavior, Culture & Social Organization
E. Historical Studies
F. Humanities
G. Art
H. Race, Ethnicity, & Gender
NOTE: One 3-credit course with an international focus is to be selected from the lists under “International Agriculture and Natural Resources Minor” for CASNR ES/IS requirements.
FORENSIC BIOLOGY OPTION
The forensic biology option is designed for students interested in a laboratory based career focusing on the analysis of forensically important biological materials. Students will learn basic biological techniques and be prepared for graduate study or professional careers in academia, research, industry, law or medicine.
Forensic Biology Laboratory Requirements
FORS 401/401L Forensic Biology (4)
FORS 496 Independent Study in Forensic Science (4)
or
FORS 495 Internship in Forensic Science (4)
or
NRES 446 Pollen Analysis for Behavioral, Biological, and Forensic Science (4)
or
NRES 445 Human Remains in Forensic Science (4)
Forensic Biology Option Requirements
AGRO 315 Genetics (4)
Or
BIOS 205/206 (6)
BIOC 321/321L Elements of Biochemistry (4)
BIOS 102 Cell Structure and Function (4)
BIOS 213/213L Human Physiology (4)
BIOS 312/314 Fundamentals of Microbiology (4)
Forensic Biology Option Electives (examples below)
AGRO 460 Soil Microbiology (3)
ENTO 108 Insects, Science, and Society (3)
or
ENTO 115 Insect Biology (3)
ENTO 116 Insect Identification (1)
ENTO 414 Forensic Entomology (3)
PLPT 370 Biology of Fungi (3)
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION OPTION
The crime scene investigation option prepares students for a career in law enforcement and investigation. This option emphasizes broad understandings of forensic science as applied to the acquisition, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of evidence. This option prepares students for graduate study in anthropology, entomology, forensic science, and related areas. Additionally, this option will prepare students for professional programs in law.
Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Requirements
FORS 400/400L Crime Scene Investigation (4)
FORS 496 Independent Study in Forensic Science (4)
or
FORS 495 Internship in Forensic Science (4)
or
NRES 446 Pollen Analysis for Behavioral, Biological, and Forensic Science (4)
or
NRES 445 Human Remains in Forensic Science (4)
Crime Scene Investigation Option Requirements
AGRO 153 Soil Resources (4)
BIOS 214 Human anatomy (5)
ENTO 108 Insects, Science, and Society (3)
or
ENTO 115 Insect Biology (3)
ENTO 116 Insect Identification (1)
NRES 220 Principles of Ecology (3)
METR 200 Weather and Climate (4)
Crime Scene Investigation Option Electives (examples below)
BIOC 321/321L Elements of Biochemistry (4)
BIOS 102 Cell Structure and Function (4)
ENTO 414 Forensic Entomology (3)
PLPT 370 Biology of Fungi (3)
