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Forensic Science Biology Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.Bio.)
Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120
Analyze the evidence to solve whether a Biology degree with a concentration in Forensic
Science is right for you.
The program is designed to enable students to begin careers in crime laboratories
where they will apply the latest scientific techniques to uncover evidence. The program
also prepares students for medical school if they want to pursue careers as medical
examiners. Areas of professional interest in forensic science include chemistry, DNA/genetics,
toxicology, anthropology, microscopy and crime scene investigations.
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Request More InfoWhy Earn a Forensic Science Biology Degree?
The Forensic Science program strives to:
- Assure a complete and rigorous curriculum designed to develop undergraduate students' understanding of the field of forensic science, critical thinking and laboratory experience
- Review and update scientific content and forensic techniques to ensure the incorporation of current forensic practices in the curriculum
- Involve students in active inquiry and scholarship, developing a research mindset and desire for continuation within the field
- Foster learning in a community environment through research and internship opportunities
- Encourage student involvement in professional societies to enhance appreciation of chosen field
Marketable Skills
- Oral and written communication
- Data collection and analysis
- Teamwork
- Basic scientific computational competencies
- In-depth knowledge of biological sciences
Forensic Science Biology Degree Highlights
Facilities include a new criminalistics lab focusing on fingerprint, ballistic and
laser analysis.
Our strong curriculum follows the recommendations of the National Institute of Justice
and primes you for the American Board of Criminalistics certification test.
Students learn from nationally certified faculty members who conduct ongoing research
in forensic science and have provided expert testimony in high-profile court cases.
Ours is one of only 35 programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
This distinction means we meet or exceed high standards for excellence in education.
Faculty members work closely with you to help find an internship that fits your interest
area. Internships are available in crime labs, crime scene investigations, forensic
anthropology, forensic chemistry labs and forensic DNA/genetics labs.
Students use the same cutting-edge equipment featured in the nation's top crime labs.
Career Outlook
Forensic scientists work in crime laboratories as forensic chemists and biologists. Their jobs may include the following responsibilities:
- Applying principles and techniques of the physical and natural sciences to the analysis of the many types of evidence that may be recovered during a criminal investigation
- Providing expert court testimony. An expert witness is called on to evaluate evidence based on specialized training and experience, then express an opinion as to the significance of the findings
- Participating in training law enforcement personnel in the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence
Other specialized forensic science careers outside the crime laboratory include:
- Forensic pathology
- Forensic anthropology
- Forensic entomology
- Forensic psychiatry
- Forensic odontology
- Forensic engineering
Forensic Science Biology Degree Courses You Could Take
Principles of Forensic Science (3 hrs)
Designed to reinforce knowledge of forensic techniques and skills critical to evidence
preservation and collection. It will also provide students with an understanding of
professional ethics in forensic science and courtroom techniques
Forensic Microscopy (3 hrs)
Introduction to microscopic analysis with emphasis on the fundamentals necessary for
identification and characterization of trace evidence materials such as glass, hair,
fibers, explosives, soil, paint and biological samples
Forensic Molecular Biology Laboratory (3 hrs)
Experiments in evidence processing and forensic DNA analysis. Lectures and exercises
include DNA extraction techniques, DNA quantification, PCR amplification of polymorphic
nuclear and mtDNA loci, and fragment analysis utilizing capillary electrophoresis
Biomedical Criminalistics (3 hrs)
Survey of the various forensic sciences with emphasis on direct examination of human
remains and directly related biological evidence; e.g. anthropology, pathology, odontology.
Students learn how cases arise, i.e. how remains are located, recovered and processed
Forensic Science Analysis (4 hrs)
Designed to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of today’s crime
laboratories and investigative techniques used in the proper collection, preservation
and analysis of evidence
Forensic Chemistry (3 hrs)
Analytical chemistry applied to forensic science. Statistics and error analysis of
drugs and physical evidence. Identification and analysis of forensic evidence through
absorption and transmission spectroscopy, chromatography (TLC, HPLC, GC), electrophoresis,
mass spectrometry and atomic emission and analysis
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