Forensic Science, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Forensic Chemistry (B.S.)
The Forensic Science degree program at EKU is a comprehensive science-based undergraduate education that prepares students to become leaders in the forensic science discipline. Forensic analytical work requires patience and diligence, with attention to detail and high-quality standards that will stand up in court. A forensic scientist must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, have personal integrity and high ethical standards, and have no history of drug abuse or criminal activity. Because the program provides a strong knowledge base and skill set in both molecular biology and analytical chemistry, graduates can also pursue careers in a variety of laboratory settings in industry, academic research labs, environmental work, or pharmaceutical science.
The program offers two options:
- Forensic Chemistry and
- Forensic Biology.
The Forensic Chemistry option of the Forensic Science degree prepares analysts to use analytical chemistry to examine evidence in the crime laboratory. Forensic Chemistry graduates will typically work in trace evidence, toxicology, drug identification, or firearm sections of the crime laboratory. The Forensic Biology option of the Forensic Science degree prepares students to work in areas of a forensic laboratory requiring a knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry. The forensic biologist applies scientific knowledge and skills to solve complex real-life problems in DNA analysis in support of investigative work. Forensic Biology graduates will typically work in the DNA/serology sections of the forensic laboratory.
Admission/Progression Criteria
All forensic science majors utilize the regular admission policy of the University for students taking courses offered during the first 60 earned hours of the program. In order to continue in the program after 60 earned hours, the student must maintain an overall earned GPA of 2.50 or better on a 4.0 scale. Students who fail to meet this criterion will be removed from the Forensic Science degree program and placed in the B.S. Chemistry, Chemistry Option, degree program.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 40.0510
Major
- Forensic science majors have a graduation requirement of an overall earned GPA of 2.5/4.0 or better.
- The curriculum below produces a degree that meets the guidelines for accreditation by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS).
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
University Graduation Requirements | ||
General Education | ||
Foundations of Learning | ||
GSD 101 | Foundations of Learning | 3 |
Upper division courses (42 hrs. distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Gen Ed/Free Electives categories) | ||
Major Requirements | ||
Core Courses | ||
CHE 111 & 111L | General Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
CHE 112 & 112L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab | 4 |
CHE 361 & 361L | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Lab I | 4 |
CHE 362 & 362L | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Lab II | 4 |
CHE 430 | Biochemistry of Macromolecules | 3 |
FOR 301 | Introduction to Forensic Science | 3 |
FOR 401 | Forensic Professional Practice | 1 |
FOR 431 | DNA Profiling | 3 |
FOR 451 & 451L | Forensic Microscopic Analysis and Forensic Microscopy Lab | 3 |
FOR 465 | Expert Witness Testimony | 3 |
FOR 499 | Forensic Science Capstone | 3 |
Concentrations | ||
Students must select one of the following Concentrations: | ||
Forensic Chemistry | 28 | |
Forensic Biology | ||
Supporting Course Requirements | ||
Cell and Molecular Biology (Element 4) G | ||
BIO 112 | Ecology and Evolution | 4 |
Calculus I (Element 2) G | ||
College Physics I (Element 4) G | ||
or PHY 201 | University Physics I | |
PHY 132 | College Physics II | 5 |
or PHY 202 | University Physics II | |
STA 215 | Introduction to Statistical Reasoning | 3-4 |
or STA 270 | Applied Statistics | |
Free Electives | ||
Choose from 8-9 hours of free electives | 8-9 | |
Total Hours | 120 |
- G
Course also satisfies a General Education element. Hours are included within the 36 hr. General Education requirement above.
Concentration
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Concentration Courses | ||
CHE 325 & 325L | Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Lab | 5 |
CHE 420 | Mass Spectrometry | 3 |
CHE 471 & 471L | Principles of Physical Chemistry I and Principles of Physical Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
Choose from one of the following: | 4 | |
Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Lab | ||
Instrumental Analysis and Forensic Instrumental Lab | ||
FOR 412 & 412L | Forensic Trace Evidence and Forensic Trace Evidence Lab | 4 |
FOR 442 & 442L | Forensic Toxicology & Drugs and Drugs & Toxicology Lab | 4 |
Electives | ||
Choose from four hours of the following: | 4 | |
Applied Learning in Chemistry 1 | ||
Applied Learning in Chemistry (A-N) 1 | ||
Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Chemtopics: __________________ | ||
Chemtopics Lab:_____________ | ||
Training for Forensic Internships | ||
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis | ||
Applied Learning in Forensic Science (highly recommended) 1 | ||
DNA Profiling Lab | ||
Selected Topics in Forensic Science | ||
Introduction to Research | ||
Fire Arson and Explosion Investigation | ||
Failure Analysis | ||
Criminal Evidence | ||
Total Hours | 28 |
- 1
The internship (FOR 349 Applied Learning in Forensic Science) in a forensic science laboratory is an elective but highly recommended. Students interested in internship must complete FOR 310 Training for Forensic Internships Training for Forensic Internship before FOR 349 Applied Learning in Forensic Science.