Dec 22, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2026 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2026

Chemistry and Physics, Forensic Chemistry (Non-Teaching), B.S.


This degree offers a strong background in chemistry and instrumental analysis in addition to providing good grounding in forensics and criminal justice. Students select this degree to prepare for entry level positions examining evidence related to crimes or to apply to graduate programs in forensic chemistry or chemistry or professional degree in medicine, pharmacy and other related professionals.

Goals

To provide:

  1. A thorough knowledge of fundamentals of chemistry as applied to forensics, using a framework of case studies and key chemical principles for those majors or minors in forensic chemistry;
  2. The necessary course work, content, and laboratory experience to adequately prepare students for graduate or professional schools;
  3. The necessary course work, content, and laboratory experience to prepare students for careers as professional forensic chemists;
  4. Introduction to modern chemical laboratory methods and instrumentation; and
  5. Students with the opportunity to engage in forensics research or other self-directed projects.

Note


Nine (9) hours in Criminal Justice are required that includes Introduction to CRJU 2350 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (ACTS CRJU 1023) , CRJU 3365 - Criminal Law  and CRJU 3368 - Principles of Law Evidence .

Biology required courses include; BIOL 1455 - Principles of Biology (ACTS BIOL 1014)  and one other 4.0 credit hour course which can be Biology BIOL 3440 , BIOL 3460 , BIOL 3470 , BIOL 3480  or BIOL 3490 .

Mathematics requirements are MATH 2510 - Calculus I  and MATH 2370 - Introduction to Statistics (ACTS MATH 2103) . Students entering without the proper background (a minimum score of 20 in mathematics section of ACT and grades of B or better in Algebra II, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus in High School) would be required to take MATH 1330 - College Algebra (ACTS MATH 1103)  and MATH 1340 - College Trigonometry (ACTS MATH 1203)  before beginning calculus.

Physics requirements are General Physics I ( PHYS 2110  and PHYS 2310 ). At least six semester hours of computer science courses must be taken. CPSC 2322 - Special Topics/Visual Basic  must be included among these hours.

At least six hours of a foreign language must be taken.

Suggested Course Sequence


Freshman Year


Sophomore Year


Junior Year


Total Hours: 14

Spring Semester


Total Hours: 14

Senior Year


Total Hours: 15

Spring Semester


Total Hours: 15

Total Hours: 120